Postnatal massage – Honouring the Mother’s Journey

What is Ayurvedic Postnatal Massage (Sutika Abhyanga)?

Sutika Abhyanga is the practice of massaging the new mother with warm, medicated oils to promote recovery after childbirth. It is an integral part of Sutika Paricharya, the Ayurvedic regimen for postpartum care, which includes dietary recommendations, herbal support, and lifestyle practices to nurture the mother’s health.

Ayurveda views childbirth as a process that significantly increases Vata dosha, the energy associated with movement, dryness, and instability. This is due to the sudden emptiness in the womb, hormonal shifts, and the physical exertion of labor. When Vata becomes imbalanced, it can lead to issues such as:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Joint pain
• Digestive problems
• Sleep disturbances

Ayurvedic postnatal massage helps to pacify Vata, restore the body’s natural rhythms, and support the emotional and physical recovery process.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Postnatal Massage

1. Promotes Physical Recovery and Strengthens the Body

• Speeds up uterine involution(return of the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size)
• Tones and strengthens the abdominal muscles
• Alleviates joint pain, backache, and muscular tension

2. Balances Hormones and Supports Emotional Health

• Reduces cortisol levels, alleviating postpartum stress and anxiety
• Increases the release of oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which promotes feelings of love and connection with the baby
• Helps prevent or manage postpartum depressionby enhancing mood-regulating neurotransmitters

3. Enhances Circulation and Detoxification

• Improves blood and lymphatic circulation, aiding in the removal of metabolic waste
• Reduces swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced postpartum

4. Supports Lactation (Stanya Janana)

• Certain medicated oils stimulate milk production and improve the quality of breast milk
• Relieves breast congestion and supports healthy lymphatic drainage

5. Relieves Postpartum Aches and Pains

• Eases discomfort from labor strains, perineal soreness, and cesarean recovery (once healing allows)
• Reduces tension in the shoulders, neck, and back from breastfeeding and baby care

6. Improves Digestion and Metabolism

• Balances Agni (digestive fire), helping with postpartum digestive issues like constipation, bloating, and poor appetite

7. Enhances Sleep Quality

• Calms the nervous system, promoting deep, restorative sleep even amidst the demands of new motherhood

Precautions and Contraindications
While Ayurvedic postnatal massage is generally safe, it’s important to consider the following:

• Wait until medical clearanceis given after a caesarean section before massaging the abdominal area
• Avoid deep pressure on areas with varicose veins, infections, or open wounds
• Consult an Ayurvedic doctor if there are complications such as postpartum haemorrhage, severe anaemia, or infections

Ayurvedic postnatal massage is more than a wellness practice—it is a ritual of nourishment, restoration, and self-love. It acknowledges the incredible journey a woman has undertaken through pregnancy and childbirth, offering her the support she needs to heal, replenish, and step into motherhood with strength and grace.

By blending the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern scientific insights, postnatal massage emerges as a powerful tool for holistic recovery, benefiting not only the mother’s body but also her mind and spirit.