Ayurveda for kids
This branch of Ayurveda – Bala chikitsa/Kaumarabhrtya deals with the prenatal, post natal baby care and it strives for the wellbeing of a kid right from its conception.
It is not only concerned about the physical health of mother and child, rather it also deals with the mental and psychological requirements of a mother and her newly born child.
The mother’s mental and physical state has a direct on the child.It has various natural remedies to the regular ailment of a new born. It deals with art of nursing, health bringing up of infants, as well as influences of malignant stars on an infant.
Also, the ideal diet is mentioned till the age of 16.
The administration of Swarnaprashana for new born is mentioned in the text. This is very effective as it increases the intellect, digestive and metabolic power to the infant. It is considered auspicious, it increases complexion, immunity, physical and mental ellbeing and eliminates grahas.
There are several procedures done as protective measures for the infant.
Very much importance is given to the breast milk. The techniques that can be adapted to breastfeed involve preparation of both the mother and child. The positions are
explained for breastfeeding.
In cases of insufficient breast milk, vitiated breast milk, there are various treatments, by which it can be corrected. The beauty of Ayurveda is when a baby is having illness;
medicines are given to the mother which in turn is received by the baby through the breast feed. It implies the power of the stanya[breastmilk].
For the immunity of the child, many preparations have been mentioned that has the ability to boost the immunity of the child.
Treatments of various diseases of the child of various ages are done through ayurvedic methods that includes aushadhas[medicines], shodhana [cleansing techniques like panchakarma], etc.