Effect of postnatal Abhyanga in Prasuta on the physical and emotional bonding with Infant

Background: The postpartum period (Sūtikā Kāla) is a critical phase for maternal recovery and the establishment of emotional and physical bonds between mother and infant. In Ayurveda, Abhyanga (therapeutic oil massage) is prescribed as a daily practice for Prasuta (postnatal women), aiming to restore bodily strength, regulate Vāta, and enhance maternal-infant connection through tactile stimulation and neurohormonal balance. Objective: This study explores the physiological and emotional impact of postnatal Abhyanga in Prasuta on bonding outcomes with infants, assessing maternal perceptions of connectedness, physical comfort, and breastfeeding behavior. Methods: A comparative observational study involving 60 mothers was conducted, divided into two groups. Group A received daily traditional Abhyanga for 40 days postpartum using Bala-Ashwagandhādi Taila, while Group B followed conventional postnatal care without massage. Outcomes were measured using the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (MPAS), physical wellbeing questionnaires, and qualitative feedback on breastfeeding and emotional bonding. Results: Mothers in the Abhyanga group reported significantly higher scores in affectionate bonding, responsiveness to infant cues, and physical vitality. They also experienced better lactation, reduced postpartum fatigue, and more frequent skin-to-skin contact. Ayurvedic interpretation attributes this to reduced Vāta Vikṛti, improved Snigdhatā (unctuousness), and enhanced Ojas flow in both mother and child. Conclusion: Daily postnatal Abhyanga fosters physical restoration and emotional bonding between mother and infant, suggesting that integrating this Ayurvedic practice into contemporary postpartum care may improve maternal mental health and early child development outcomes.