Vastra Bandhana vs Bengkung Belly Binding for Postpartum Healing

Two Postpartum Healing Techniques for Doulas

Two ancient traditions for postpartum care - one stemming from Java - Indonesia and the other one from India. Both similar in benefits yet different in application.

In my Ayurvedic Postpartum Care Training I focus on postpartum healing tools that are easy to apply in modern life - for both postpartum mother as well as postpartum doula. There are so many powerful treatments for healing but in my own doula practice I was facing as well the reality of daily modern life. New mothers don't have the time and sometimes also not the financial means to hire someone for 40 days straight. So we need to think of solutions - to provide techniques and support that can actually be maintained.

Let's dive a bit more into those different practices. Bengkung originates from Java, Indonesia (only later adopted in Malaysia). It requires a long, elaborate (unbleached cotton, or muslin) wrap covering hips to ribs, that is folded in a precise way, taking up 15–20 minutes to apply. It absolutely looks like a piece of art. I had many postpartum clients saying that they felt very beautiful wearing it. Maybe that's why the story goes that the practice originated in Royal familes before it got adopted by the general population? It is traditionally worn for 44 days.

Vastra Bandhana comes from the Indian / Ayurvedic tradition. Vastra means in Sanskrit cloth or garment. And bandhana means binding or tying. You can use the same cloth or ideally a slightly shorter cloth, it is wrapped around the hips with gentler pressure, and easy enough for a mother to apply herself. It used to pacify Vata dosha and provides grounding.

For the modern postpartum doula and modern postpartum mother, I recommend Vastra Bandhana because:

✔ It is easier to apply

✔ Postpartum client can maintain it independently at home

✔ Gentler fit — lower risk of complications

✔ Easier to incorporate into daily postpartum care

If you want to learn more about the benefits and those techniques? Check my Ayurvedic Postpartum Care training. Late bird until March 30.