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There are five factors that influence the essential constitution or prakriti of an individual. |
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If the father has an excess of Kapha dosha, sperms that flourish in a Kapha environment will predominate in the ejaculate. If, on the other hand, the mother happens to have an excess of Vata dosha at the time of intercourse, her vaginal and uterine environments will produce ova with Vata-dominant energies. Thus the resulting child will inherit a Vata-Kapha (or Kapha-Vata) prakriti. |
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The reproductive tissues of human beings are the most highly evolved in the entire physical body and as such are most affected by the subtle energies of thought and emotion. Changes in the chemical environment, pH, viscosity, temperature, and blood flow of the genitalia and their respective seeds will occur due to psychological effects. Sexual intercourse for pleasure (Kapha), out of "duty" (Pitta), with a stranger (Vata), out of fear (Vata), in anger (Pitta), for money (Kapha), or for any intention will have a corresponding effect on the doshic pattern in the child. |
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In fact, Ayurveda recommends that all couple contemplating having a baby first undergo a complete purification therapy. This would eliminate any doshic excesses and make it more likely that the parents would be healthy during the succeeding sexual activity. Dietary regimens and restrictions are also recommended for prospective parents. Men should avail themselves of milk, ghee, ashwagandha root, licorice root and raisins while avoiding red meat, very spicy foods, eggplant, and cold drinks. Women should have basmati rice, ghee, sesame oil, mung dal, amalaki, and asparagus while avoiding poultry, game, red meat, and green salads in excess, garlic, and raw vegetables. Ayurveda compares the creation of a new human life to the creation of a new universe and to maintain this perspective is an important step to preserving the sanctity of the act of sex. This can have an enormous benefit to the mental characteristics of the child. |
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There are certain tendencies that run in families such as the tendency to obesity, tendency to athleticism, or artistic or scientific aptitude. This can exert an effect on the doshic combination of entire family trees. |
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The strange food cravings, which develop during pregnancy, are well documented. The predominance of one specific taste or food (e.g. sardines with vanilla ice cream seems to be popular!) can certainly influence the developing child. If the mother is working, attending school, staying home, or living with her parents during pregnacy this will also register on the doshic pattern of the newborn. The home climate, weather, patterns of exercise and rest, sleep patterns, and recreation will similarly have an effect. Any arguments or negative emotions should be avoided if possible. |
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Any trauma to this area of the mother's body will be detrimental to the developing baby. Conversely, loving attention to the womb, talking to the baby, stroking and touching the area by both parents, and soothing, sattvic music can be balancing influences. |
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