AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON ABORTION (PAST, RECENT OR CONSIDERING)

Mental Health Care After Abortion

For some, the psychological effects of abortion can be lifelong. Parents may have long term feelings of guilt over the death of their child. They may wonder what their baby would have been like.

For others, the feelings of hopelessness or bitterness surrounding the pregnancy may resurface afterwards (i.e. over the inability to care for a child, or a strained relationship with the father, etc.).

Others may detach themselves, relieved at not having to care for a child, and pushing away their memory of the event and process.

Some are unable or unwilling to talk about the abortion. They may feel quite alone after an abortion.

Others may rationalize the event in a more emotionless way - as a practical matter.

When these or other uncomfortable feelings arise, seek council with a qualified therapist or spiritual advisor. Professional assistance can help those who are grieving the lost child, and/or the failed relationship.

Caring for Your Body After an Abortion

Vata is also high after an abortion or miscarriage. Loss of blood and trauma to the abdomen will cause low strength - leading to feelings of exhaustion, tiredness, or erratic metabolism. When one has any kind of surgery or trauma in the lower abdomen, it creates a vacuum for chaotic, windy vata to rush in. This can create significant emotional turmoil. A vacuum is created by a sudden empty space in your body. Vata is the dosha of not only air but ether, or empty space. This empty space in the womb invites chaotic emotions, intense sadness, anger, depression. This is Ayurveda's explanation for postpartum depression. A similar effect occurs with the termination of any pregnancy, whether through abortion, miscarriage, or full-term birth.

Nurture Yourself

Dietary & Herbal Support

• Ashwagandha, gotu kola (brahmi), and ghee steeped in hot milk. Add honey for soothing sweetness.
• Shankapushpi to help you process emotions.
• St. John's Wort to soften sadness.
• White Willow Bark for pain and inflammation. Do not use this until bleeding stops.
• Favor warm, heavy foods with plenty of ghee. Sweet potato soup with a hunk of bread and butter, for example.
• Build ojas by eating dates, ghee, and pears.

Images of Abortion (Past, Recent or Considering)