Abstract

A REVIEW ON RAKSHAKARMA – THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD TO THE CHILD

Dr. Pratiksha R. Bharkad*, Dr. T. Y. Swami, Dr. Anil B. Kale, Dr. Ashish P. Rana, Dr. Pratibha Watti and Dr. Mosin Sheikh

Abstract

Rakshakarma is a Sanskrit word which means protective measures or preventive procedure. Sushruta emphasizes in detail about the Rakshakarma in the management of wound, whereas Charaka and Vagbhata spoke about Rakshakarma especially during childcare. Present neonatal care includes special aseptic measures to be adopted aiming to prevent any infection of the newborn. According to WHO 50-60% of all neonatal deaths occurs within the first month of life due to poor aseptic technique practices in the labour room, of these more than half may die during the first week of life. Right from the initial of birth process, measures for sepsis and antisepsis such as clean hand, clean surface, use of sterile surgical instruments (blade/scissor), clean handling of the cord, use of surgical mask, gloves, etc. are to be religiously followed until handling and resuscitation of the newborn baby. Appropriate hygiene is advised throughout the newborn care to decrease infection episodes during infancy. Present study is undertaken to review the concept of Rakshakarma and define it with modern counterpart. It’s found that the concept of Rakshakarma in Ayurveda is quite efficient for providing a complete physical and psychological protective shield to the child.

Keywords: Rakshakarma, Neonate, Sepsis, Resuscitation.