Indigenous pre and post delivery care practices of rural women
2006
Nagnur, Shobha | Channamma, N. | Channal, Geeta, University of Agricualtural Science, College of Rural Home Science, All-India Coordinated Research Project on Home Science Extension, Dharwad, Karnataka (India)
Indigenous knowledge is extensively prevalent in the traditional Indian lifestyle. Indigenous materials are routinely used for preventive, protective, and curative purposes in maternal healthcare practices. This paper attempts to present a rich variety of indigenous maternal health practices for pre and post delivery care. The areas surveyed included the rural areas of six agroclimatic zones of northern Karnataka in Indi. Data was collected by participatory research methods, which included key informat interviews, focused group discussions, and participant observations. The documented data was validated by referencing with Ayurvedic texts and through consultations with experts. The findings revealed the use of various plant material and food sources for maintaining the health of women during the vulnerable period. The validity of the practices as confirmed by the experts would call for merging this knowledge with the modern scientific mainstream. The documentation woujld also preserve for posterity the age old practices which would otherwise disappear, as most indienous practices remain un-recorded and un-documented. Since many rural women still have poor access to modern medical facilities, this indigenous knowledge if popularized - would go a long way in protecting the health of these disadvantaged women.
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