Abstract

APPROACH TOWARDS MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION BY AYURVEDA REGIMEN- A CASE STUDY

Dr. Puja Rathod*, Dr. Anil Kale, Dr. Tirungari Swami, Dr. Ashish Rana and
Dr. Summaya Patel

Abstract

Childhood undernutrition is an underlying cause in an estimated 45% of all deaths among under- 5 children. Such children very often suffer from complications of malnutrition such as diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, malaria and skin infections if not managed well. In this case study an 4 year old child presented with severe to acute malnutrition (SAM).The SAM management protocol consists of initial management of acute consequences and later part includes dietary management with starter diet (F-75) & catch up diet (F-100). But usually fewer efforts are taken to build proper appetite to help body systems to digest heavy carbohydrates and protein containing feeds. In Ayurveda Samhitas, Karshya, Phakka, Balshosha and Parigarbhika these diseases are mentioned which can be correlated with Malnutrition. The main contributing factor in all these diseases is Agni. Agni or digestive fire is the main transforming unit of body. Consequently, hampered Agni results in malnutrition. The treatment modality of these diseases is mainly based on Deepana Pachana, Srotoshodhana, Bhrimhana. The case was managed with help of Ayurveda regimen resulting Agni vardhan & brimhana karya.

Keywords: Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), Ayurveda, Karshya Agni, Brimhana.