The Neuro-Endocrine Impact of Sutika Paricharya: A Review of Postpartum Ayurvedic Regimens in Regulating the HPA Axis and Preventing Maternal Morbidity

Abstract

The postpartum period, recognized in Ayurveda as Sutika Kala, represents one of the most physiologically and psychologically volatile phases in the female reproductive lifecycle. This transition is characterized by a dramatic recalibration of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis following the abrupt withdrawal of placental hormones, most notably Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH). Failure to successfully navigate this transition often results in significant maternal morbidity, including postpartum depression (PPD), chronic pain, and metabolic dysfunction. Ayurveda identifies this phase as a state of Shunya Sharira (empty body), characterized by severe Vata aggravation and Dhatu Kshaya (tissue depletion). The classical regimen of Sutika Paricharya—comprising specific dietetics (Ahara), lifestyle modifications (Vihara), and herbal interventions (Aushadha)—offers a comprehensive therapeutic framework for stabilization. This review synthesizes traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with contemporary neuro-endocrine research to explore how specific interventions, such as Abhyanga (oleation therapy) and the administration of Rasayana herbs like Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), regulate the HPA axis. By promoting oxytocinergic pathways and dampening excessive cortisol reactivity, Sutika Paricharya serves as a biological buffer against the neuro-hormonal "vacuum" of the early puerperium. This integrated perspective provides a robust model for preventing postpartum morbidity and enhancing maternal health outcomes in a clinical setting.