Abstract

ROLE OF PANCHAKARMA IN CHILD HEALTH CARE

*Dr. Zenia Dharani and Prof. (Dr.) Minakshi

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Abstract

Ayurveda is an ancient system of holistic healing that originated thousands of years ago. It views health as a balance between the body, mind and spirit, and it emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature. Ayurveda explains the Sharirika and Manasika approaches in the treatment of disorders. Here, treatment is branched into two wings namely, Shamana Chikitsa (curative therapy) and Shodhana Chikitsa (detoxification therapy). Shamana Chikitsa includes Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive) etc and Shodhana Chikitsa includes Panchakarma procedures which are best for uprooting the disease from root itself. Panchakarma is a cleansing and rejuvenating therapy that helps in removing toxins from the body and restore balance. This principle applies to children as well, regardless of age, as the basic constituents of the body are the same in all age groups, as explained by Acharya Charaka. However, in children, physiological participation of Dosha, Dushya and Mala are less as compared to that in adults.[1] Therefore, the type and prevalence of disease are also different in children and thus paediatric care needed utilization of various approaches for the management of Bal Rogas such as herbal remedies, disciplinary life style, Rasayana, Lehana and Panchakarma. Acharya Kashyapa has explained that in case of children, excessive use of Shoshana, Samshodhana and Raktamokshana therapies are contraindicated and instead they should be managed with Snigdha, Sheeta and Madhura Annapana, Lepa or Parisheka therapies.[2] The strength of the child should be the main criteria rather than the age when adopting Panchakarma procedures in children. Factors such as Bala (strength), Kala (timing), Desa (location), Agni (digestive fire) etc., should be checked before employing the treatment in any age group. Hence, the classics, especially the Kashyapa Samhita, explains Panchakarma in children with detailed explanations of Snehana (oleation therapy), eight types of Swedana (sudation therapy), Vamana (therapeutic vomiting) and Virechana (purgation) along with detailed explanations of Basti (enema) and Nasya (nasal administration). Basti is considered as nectar for the child. However, certain modifications in the classical pattern are required to make the treatment more justified in children.

Keywords: Paediatrics, Panchakarma, Snehana, Swedana, Shastikashali Pinda Sweda, Vamana, Basti.