13/07/2026
Postpartum Massage in Ayurveda (Sutika Abhyanga)
https://anrc-uk.com/appointment/
📞 Horsham: 01403 597373
📞 East Grinstead:01342537610
In Ayurveda, postpartum massage is known as Sutika Abhyanga, a traditional therapy performed during the postpartum period (Sutika Kala). It aims to support the mother's recovery after childbirth by restoring strength, balancing the body's energies, and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Benefits of Ayurvedic Postpartum Massage
Helps relieve muscle and joint pain after pregnancy and delivery.
Supports recovery of the abdomen, pelvis, and lower back.
Improves blood and lymphatic circulation.
Reduces swelling (oedema) in the hands, feet, and legs.
Promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety.
Encourages better sleep.
May help reduce fatigue and improve overall energy.
Supports healthy lactation through relaxation and improved circulation (alongside appropriate hydration and nutrition).
Nourishes the skin and may improve skin elasticity.
Helps balance Vata dosha, which Ayurveda considers to increase after childbirth.
How is the Treatment Performed?
A typical session includes:
Warm medicated or herbal oil selected according to the mother's constitution and recovery stage.
Gentle full-body massage with particular attention to:
Lower back
Hips and pelvis
Shoulders and neck
Legs and feet
Gentle abdominal massage only when appropriate and after professional assessment.
Followed by mild herbal steam therapy (Swedana) in some cases, if suitable.
Common Ayurvedic Oils
Depending on individual assessment, Ayurvedic practitioners may use oils such as:
Dhanwantharam Thailam
Bala Ashwagandhadi Thailam
Ksheerabala Thailam
Sesame oil infused with traditional herbs
The choice of oil should always be based on an assessment by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
When Can Postpartum Massage Begin?
This varies depending on the type of delivery and medical recovery:
Normal vaginal delivery: often after approximately 5–7 days, provided there are no complications and the mother feels well enough.
Caesarean section: usually only after the surgical wound has healed adequately and with approval from the obstetrician or midwife. Massage around the scar should be avoided until appropriate.
Recommended Course
Ayurvedic tradition often recommends:
Daily or alternate-day treatments during the first 2–6 weeks after birth.
Continued weekly sessions for the following few weeks, depending on recovery.
The exact schedule should be individualised.
Contraindications
Postpartum massage should be postponed or avoided if there is:
Fever or active infection
Heavy or abnormal postpartum bleeding
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or suspected blood clot
Severe uncontrolled hypertension
Unhealed Caesarean wound
Significant medical complications after delivery
Any condition where the obstetrician or GP advises against massage
Postpartum Care in Ayurveda
Massage is usually combined with:
Warm, nourishing meals that are easy to digest.
Adequate hydration.
Gentle breathing exercises.
Sufficient rest.
Gradual return to physical activity.
Herbal medicines only be used under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Available at ANRC Ayurvedic Spa & Panchakarma Detox Centre
At ANRC Ayurvedic Spa & Panchakarma Detox Centre, postpartum care programmes are tailored to each mother's needs following an individual consultation. Treatments may include:
Postpartum Abhyanga (full-body Ayurvedic massage)
Herbal steam therapy (when appropriate)
Lower back therapies, such as Kati Basti, if indicated
Dietary and lifestyle guidance based on Ayurvedic principles
Personalised herbal recommendations following consultation
For women who have recently given birth, it is important to discuss your medical history, type of delivery, and recovery with your obstetrician or midwife before beginning Ayurvedic postpartum treatments. A personalised assessment helps ensure the therapies are appropriate and safely timed. Mother & Baby Hashtags
# postpartum recovery
