Acharya Vagbhatta’s Idea of Basti and Pichu in Garbhini Paricharya

Abstract

A woman desirous of an uncomplicated antenatal, intranatal and postnatal period and of a healthy progeny hence it is important to take care of the pregnant women to begin her journey of becoming a mother. The concept of Sukh and Nirupdrava Prasava have been remarkably mentioned in ancient literature. Various rules and regulations were assigned by Acharyas known as Garbhini Paricharya and Prasav Paricharya respectively for the wellbeing of mother as well as foetus. It is known that Apana and Vyan Vata plays a significant role in Garbha Nishkramana and Basti is said to be the best measure for normalisation of Vata. Hence during Garbhini Paricharya, various Acharyas have mentioned Basti in later months of pregnancy. In Ashtang Samgrah, Acharya Vagbhatta mentioned the use of Madhukadimadhuraushadh Sidha Talia Anuvasna Basti and Badrodak Asthapna Basti in 8^th month of pregnancy and Yoni pichu of Madhukadimadhuraushadh Sidha Talia in 9^th month of pregnancy for the purpose of Sukh and Nirupdrava Prasava. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Garbhini Parichaya mentioned in 8^th and 9^th month of pregnancy as mentioned by Acharya Vagbhatta on progress of labor. Material and Methods: A total of 80 subjects (pregnant women) fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly selected from the OPD of RGGPG Ayurvedic College, Paprola, Himachal Pradesh, and were divided into two groups i.e., trial group and control group. Result: Trial group showed early progression of Labor with least complications to mother and foetus. Conclusion: The traditional method used for Sukh and Nirupdrava Prasava was well applicable in modern times for early and easy progression of labor with least complications to mother and foetus.