Abstract

ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN PAEDIATRIC CARE: A REVIEW

Dr. Priya Suresh Katre* and Dr. Pramod Garje

Abstract

Childhood is the very important phase of life therefore Ayurveda has placed Kaumarbhritya under the Ashtang Ayurveda. The purpose of Ayurveda has dealt in such great detail on Paediatrics is to ensure better and healthier progeny. Many diseases in childhood, can be treated properly through Ayurvedic medicines. Vedana Adhyaya in Kashyapa Samhita, provide an information to the physician, to help in early and accurate diagnosis even in modern era. Dhoopana vidhi prevent growth of disease causing micro-organism and also enhance health and vitality of the children. If Kridabhoomi of child sprayed with water medicated with vidanga, maricha, then the Kridabhoomi becomes free from insects, protozoa and helminths. Suvarna prashana increases intellect, strength, digestive power and acts as immunity booster in children. In paediatric patients, Panchakarma procedures are equally effective as they are in adult, but in present situation, there is difficulty in administering Panchakarma in children because of lack of knowledge of the doses, methodology and complications, by taking references from Ayurvedic texts and other study material we can use Panchakarma procedure and other concepts of Ayurveda to prevent and to treat many diseases in children without any adverse effect. Methods: References regarding Vedana Adhyaya, Dhoopana vidhi, Suvarna prashana and Panchakarma in Children collected from various classical Ayurveda texts, published research papers from Internet sources, previous work done are reviewed and analysed. Result and Conclusion: On the basis of review from different Ayurvedic text, we can prevent and treat many diseases of children in modern era by using Rasayana Chikitsa, Vedana Adhyaya, Dhoopana vidhi, Suvarna prashana as well as the applied Panchakarma procedure. Considering significance of Ayurveda in Paediatric care present study summarizes that if one follows the Ayurvedic guidelines described in the various Samhitas the child will definitely enjoy a longer, happier and healthier life.

Keywords: Rasayana, Vedana Adhyaya, Dhoopana vidhi, Suvarna prashana, Panchakarma.