Abstract

REVIEW ARTICLE- ABHYANGA IN PEDIATRIC PRACTICES

Dr. Anil B. Kale*, Dr. Tirunagari Y. Swami, Dr. Ashish P. Rana, Dr. Avanti A. Bodkhe

Abstract

Neonatal period is the most delicate age group of life. The care taken in the neonatal period decides the nature of upcoming human being. Jatmatra paricharya plays a key role in neonatal care which is an ornament of Ayurveda in pediatrics. Abhyanga (massage) is one part of it. By massaging the neonate with oil, it relieves the pain, stress, and exertion of the baby which is experienced during labour while passing through the birth canal. It helps in temperature regulation, prevents the baby from hypothermia, also maintains blood circulation, increases weight, lubricates the body. In short, it plays an important role in growth and development of newborn. It is also used in other pediatric diseases like cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, ASD, ADHD, etc. Some special care needs to be taken during Abhyanga like, not to stretch the limbs of the baby harshly, not to apply more pressure as the baby is delicate & it can not bear it. Thus, if practiced with proper precautions Abhyanga remains a very promising and acceptable practice in neonatal period.

Keywords: Abhyanga, Neonatal period, Jatmatra paricharya, Growth and development of newborn.