Abstract

BALYAKALEEN SANSKARA AS IMMUNOMODULATORY PROCEDURE AND THEIR EFFECT ON CHILD HEALTH

*Dr. Priyanka Basweshwar Devmare and Dr. Jyostna Ahire

Abstract

India has a rich cultural heritage where Hindu Dharma teaches a way of life, which has been refined over millennia to help individual lead to ultimate goal of ‘moksha prapti’ (i.e. happy, successful, healthy life). Number of Sanskara (Sacraments) are explained in different Hindu Dharma Granths are religious customs performed from birth to death of individual. Out of sixteen sanskar described eight are for ‘Balyaavstha’. In ayurveda the word sanskar is introduced as ‘SanskaraohiGunnantradhyanam’ which means qualitative enhancement carried out by incorporating or transforming the precise qualities. In Balyakaleen sanskar mentioned out of sixteen sanskar like especially Jatkarma (Birth Ritual), Nishkraman (First outing), Karnvedhan (piercing the earlobes), Annaprashn (introducing complementary food) etc. are not only religious rites but they were aimed at preparing the baby for extra-uterine world and preventing the disease and building the immunity of child. Application of these sanskar in today’s modern era as routine practice for children can help in development of holistic approach towards child’s health and early stimulation of immunity; than merely following vaccination schedule for healthy-immune progeny.

Keywords: Bal-Sanskar, Jatkarma, Karnvedhan, Annaprashan, Immunity building.