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→Introduction
=== Introduction ===
=== Introduction ===
The Sharira Sthana and Chikitsa Sthana provide valuable insights into obstretics, midwifery and gynaecology in the Vedic ages. Since Ayurveda is holistic in its treatment of various aspects of life sciences, these sections go beyond in their treatment of these branches of medicine, prescribing ground rules for effective neonatology and improved parental health. This chapter starts with certain guidelines for purification of the parents, including spiritual practices and appropriate rules for coitus, to improve the odds of giving birth to a healthy and desired offspring. For purification, therapies such as Panchakarma are advocated. A very specific - and contentious - spiritual procedure called putreshti yajna is also explained here, with an aim towards giving birth to a son (or a child of desired gender) with all excellent qualities.
The [[Sharira Sthana]] and [[Chikitsa Sthana]] provide valuable insights into obstretics, midwifery and gynaecology in the Vedic ages. Since Ayurveda is holistic in its treatment of various aspects of life sciences, these sections go beyond in their treatment of these branches of medicine, prescribing ground rules for effective neonatology and improved parental health. This chapter starts with certain guidelines for purification of the parents, including spiritual practices and appropriate rules for coitus, to improve the odds of giving birth to a healthy and desired offspring. For purification, therapies such as [[Panchakarma]] are advocated. A very specific - and contentious - spiritual procedure called ''putreshti yajna'' is also explained here, with an aim towards giving birth to a son (or a child of desired gender) with all excellent qualities.
Next, the chapter talks of fertilization and its features, and confirmation of conception. At this stage, sound parental health is also important. Couples are advised to follow various dietary measures as well as rules to engage in physical and mental activities, etc.
Next, the chapter talks of fertilization and its features, and confirmation of conception. At this stage, sound parental health is also important. Couples are advised to follow various dietary measures as well as rules to engage in physical and mental activities, etc.
The subsequent part of the chapter deals with obstetrics and midwifery –detailing the development of the embryo to foetus and the milestones of intrauterine growth and development are explained. Certain sections of this chapter are controversial and could attract legal attention today, such as the practice of pumsavana (ways to get the offspring of a desired gender). Also, with our current understanding of genetics, it is not possible to change the gender after fertilization. The role of learned brahmins, vaidya and experienced old ladies in midwifery is given a lot of importance in this chapter.
The subsequent part of the chapter deals with obstetrics and midwifery –detailing the development of the embryo to fetus and the milestones of intrauterine growth and development are explained. Certain sections of this chapter are controversial and could attract legal attention today, such as the practice of ''pumsavana'' (ways to get the offspring of a desired gender). Also, with our current understanding of genetics, it is not possible to change the gender after fertilization. The role of learned brahmins, vaidya and experienced old ladies in midwifery is given a lot of importance in this chapter.
Toys and playtime are essential for normal growth and development of a child, and the final section of this chapter describes the ideal characteristics of toys, play area, clothes and the child nursery.
Toys and playtime are essential for normal growth and development of a child, and the final section of this chapter describes the ideal characteristics of toys, play area, clothes and the child nursery.
Summarizing the eighth chapter, it deals with Obstetrics and Neonatology while also touching upon parental health and early child care, introducing certain concepts that are now considered modern best practices in the field,