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Why Ayurveda for Midwives?

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Midwives study so much to keep up to date on caring for their clients. Why add Ayurveda? So many reasons!

I like to call Ayurveda the Language of Nature. It describes how Nature works and how to work WITH Nature. This is also the philosophy of midwifery – to support the natural process. So understanding Ayurveda adds another layer of support for pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

Another reason is the array of tools available through Ayurveda to bring mothers back into healthy balance. Besides herbs, there are massage, topical applications, energy points, and meditation techniques, all which can be suited to a woman’s individual circumstances.

That’s another important point. As a midwife I saw that some herbs and techniques worked for some women, while not others; or for a given woman sometimes but not others. In Ayurveda I found a way to to individualize treatments rather than just follow general protocols.

Ayurveda has a long track record of thousands of years! It is the official state medicine of Sri Lanka. Yet although it originated in India, with many connections to Hinduism, it is based on Nature , which works the same world-wide.

If you are a midwife,other birth worker, or know one, I’ve resurrected and expanded this class on Ayurveda for Midwives and now offer it at WiseWomanhood School. While this version has some faults in the video recording, the audio AND the Ayurveda are full of supportive information. And because of this weakness I’m offering it for a reduced price. Check it out!

Ayurveda for Midwives Class Series

Menopause & Ayurveda

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             In the language of Ayurveda, during the menopausal change, the energy of the woman shifts from the downward energy of the apana more towards the upward energy of udana.  If she has imbalances in the samana vayu or ranjaka pitta these can move into other areas causing hot flashes, cholesterol problems,  or sleep disturbances.            

            There are also the effects of general aging and years of toxic build-up (if not controlled by proper diet & cleansings).  Elder people will show the wear & tear of years of their lifestyle at this time—it may have not much to do with menopause itself.  Disease tendencies have often progressed to a stage recognized as disease by the conventional medical profession.                 

            In addition, the elder age is naturally more Vata—meaning it tends towards dryness, spaciness, expansiveness, and creativity from the heart.  If one becomes too Vata this lends to the problems of osteoporosis, memory loss, joint problems, and sleep disturbances.  By understanding root causes, rather than treating symptoms only, Ayurveda offers a truly holistic approach to menopause.

As mentioned earlier, menopause is influenced by the constitution & balance of each individual.  By keeping in balance one may avoid unnecessary discomforts & complications of the menopausal years.  Women who follow Ayurvedic self care, get regular advise from an Ayurvedic practitioner, and do hatha yoga may experience less disruption.    

by Terra Rafael

You may be interested in classes that expand these ideas with practical applications :

Is This Menopause? Know It to Better Surf It.

Graceful Menopause with Ayurveda.

Natural Remedies for Uterine Prolapse

Preventing Miscarriages

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Preventing Miscarriages BEFORE Pregnancy

The BEST way to prevent miscarriages is by holistic preconception care. In Ayurveda we promote fertility and healthy pregnancy by first supporting :

  • regular, comfortable menstrual cycles
  • general good health
  • balanced lifestyle, including appropriate exercise
  • healthy downward energies – shown by menstrual, bladder and bowel health
  • overcoming vaginal infections
  • having balanced energies in the body – in Ayurveda this means Vata, Pitta,  and Kapha that suit YOUR constitution

Ayurveda does this with individualized care plans, utilizing food choice, eating habits, herbs, treatments, and energy point therapy (marma). For specifics see this class. Learn Ayurveda basics here.

Preventing Miscarriages DURING Pregnancy

Once you are pregnant it becomes trickier to work with long-standing problems because supporting the pregnancy becomes the focus. Some herbs and therapies may be too stimulating for the uterus at this time. There are still many gentle things to do to support a pregnancy to term.

Miscarriage happens in 10-20% of known pregnancies. There are also episodes of spotting that some women experience that are not building into a full-blown miscarriage. A majority of miscarriages happen when there is a mistake in the development of the wee one. In Ayurveda, this is related to an energy imbalance in Vata, which rules the energies in the pelvic area of the body.

Women are more vulnerable to miscarriage at the times when they would usually have a menstrual period.  Also, if you have any cramping or bleeding you may want to take some prevention steps. Western Medicine has little to stop with this.   Consulting a Certified Ayurveda Practitioner (like myself  ) or Ayurvedic Doctor can help you balance your energies. First trimester is often a Vata / apana problem, while later it is often a Pitta problem.

Helpful Self Care

Here are some self care helps until you get to see her or him:

  • Rescue Remedy flower essence can help you through the emotional aspects of this threat.
  • Pelvic rest. Avoid problem constipation, bumpy activities, orgasms.
  • Energy point to balance your downward energy: massage the area in the middle of your pubic bone with pure essential oil of rose, ylang ylang, patchouli or lavender, properly diluted.
  • WELCOME WOMB tincture by WishGarden Herbs has helped clients for decades. Follow the recommended directions or get help from your health practitioner.
  • Talk with the spirit of the baby. This may soothe you, and may give you more information about anything the baby needs to make it easier for her/him to stay.

Pregnancy can be a time of joyful anticipation. Take the help of Ayurveda to support that journey!

Cooling Breath – for Hot Flashes And Other Times When Cooling Is Needed

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One simple, free help for hot flashes when they happen – AND any time you’re feeling too hot – is the cooling breath. Watch this video to learn how to refresh yourself when overheated.

Experiencing problems with perimenopause or menopause? Check out WiseWomanhood School classes about helping yourself with this:

“Is This Menopause? Know It to Better Surf It”

“Graceful Menopause with Ayurveda”

Sing Your Subtle Body to Pregnancy

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Women trying for pregnancy can sometimes become disheartened. It takes time and effort to become balanced for fertility in some cases. One technique I use to emotionally support them is singing silly songs for them. Or giving them silly songs to sing to themselves.
Singing supports the body in many ways – with breath, with rhythm, with brain chemistry. Affirmations can enter more deeply when sung.

Here are some songs you can use or share for fertility affirmation:
Fertility Songs By Terra Rafael

( tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
Ripen, Ripen Ovaries
Lots of Eggs for Babies, please!
Work your fertile magic now
You’ll get to rest while the baby grow.
Ripen, Ripen Ovaries
Lots of Eggs for Babies, please!

***

(tune of Row, Row, Row Your boat)
Ripe- en well my eggs
In my ovaries.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
My baby you will be!

***

(tune of “Pop goes the weasel)
Hormones bathe the fol-licles
All around the ov-aries
And just when everything is right-
POP goes the best egg.
Fimbrae gently guide its way
Towards the welcome womb
And when she meets the happy sperm-
POP comes the baby!

***

For Implantation –(tune of “Away in the Manger”)
Away in my mother womb, juicy and warm
My baby-to-be firmly plants in its home.
The lining prepared to give nurturance there
Welcomes the Wee One to grow strong and fair.

You CAN Get Pregnant!

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Mother Nature wants women to get pregnant. That’s why people have to spend so much time and money NOT to. Working with women wanting to get pregnant is a joy! Natural remedies often work when they don’t seem able to at first.

One technique I developed to help women affirm themselves as pregnant is a visual affirmation. This helps ease anxiety, which itself inhibits fertility. It goes along with other natural remedies.

For the visual affirmation, I would take a photo of the woman and graft it onto a photo of a very pregnant woman’s body. This would create a picture of their own fertility to plant in their minds.

This technique was very positive for these women. Along with the special Ayurveda, Maya Therapy, Reiki, songs, and other natural techniques, it moved them more easily into pregnancy.

Try it yourself, if you or a friend of yours want to achieve pregnancy! You can use my pregnancy photo if you like for “your” pregnant body!

And check out my classes on fertility, pregnancy, birth & postpartum!

If you want a personalized natural fertility plan from me, let’s do it!

Smiles, Terra Rafael