Conceptual study of the effect of madhu in neonatal pain management
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Conceptual study of the effect of madhu in neonatal pain management
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Preeti Singh
PG Scholar, B.V. College of Ayurveda, Pune.
Rahul H. Gujrathi
Associate Professor, B.V. College of Ayurveda, Pune.
Satish R. Khatal
Assistant Professor, B.V. College of Ayurveda, Pune.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Conceptual study of the effect of madhu in neonatal pain management
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The management of pain in neonates during minor procedural interventions, such as venipuncture, is vital as it affects their physiological and emotional well-being. Despite the growing awareness of pain experiences in neonates, healthcare professionals often inadequately manage this pain due to fears regarding analgesic side effects. Pain is not only a significant ethical concern but can lead to serious short- and long-term physiological consequences. The Ayurvedic approach emphasizes the importance of alternative treatments for pain management in newborns, specifically through the use of natural remedies such as Madhu (honey).
The Role of Madhu in Pain Management
Madhu is noted in Ayurvedic texts as a drug with properties beneficial for pain management. It is classified as a Shonitsthapan drug, which is aimed at restoring balance within the Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) and reducing Raktadushti (blood impurities). According to Ayurvedic principles, pain is primarily influenced by Vata, and any disruption can heighten pain perception. The sweet nature of honey and its components, notably its high sugar content, may contribute to its analgesic properties, positioning it as a promising alternative to conventional analgesics used in neonatal care.
Understanding Pain Perception in Neonates
Pain perception in neonates is complex due to their physiological responses to painful stimuli. It is essential to assess pain accurately through both physiological indicators—like heart rate, oxygen saturation, and hormonal changes—and behavioral indicators, such as facial expressions and body movements. Tools like the Pain Assessment Tool (PAT) and Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) have been developed to aid in effective pain evaluation. In Ayurveda, the teachings from texts such as Kashyap Samhita provide insights into the characteristics of pain, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to managing neonatal discomfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Madhu emerges as a viable option for managing procedural pain in neonates, demonstrating significant potential over conventional analgesics. Its inherent qualities—antibacterial effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and high sugar content—renders it effective for neonatal pain relief while fostering healing. Utilizing Madhu in clinical practice aligns with Ayurvedic principles, underscoring its relevance in modern therapeutic contexts for improving neonatal care and pain management. Addressing pain fundamentally is essential not only for immediate comfort but also for the long-term health of neonates.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the role of Madhu in neonatal pain management?
Madhu, or honey, is considered an analgesic in neonatal pain management due to its properties. It helps reduce pain perception by balancing Vata and alleviating Raktadushti, making it a viable alternative to common analgesics like 24% sucrose.
Why is managing pain important in neonates?
Effective pain management in neonates is crucial because unmanaged pain can lead to physiological and psychological stress, which may result in long-term adverse consequences. It can affect their development and increases the risk of infections and complications.
How do healthcare professionals assess pain in neonates?
Pain assessment in neonates can be challenging. Healthcare professionals use multidimensional tools that evaluate physiological indicators, such as heart rate and blood pressure, as well as behavioral signs, like facial expressions and movements, since neonates cannot self-report pain.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Conceptual study of the effect of madhu in neonatal pain management�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Pain:
Pain in neonates, as described in the study, influences various physiological changes and stress responses. Neonates' ability to perceive pain is fully developed, and repeated painful exposures can significantly impact their physiological stability and overall health. Effective pain management is critical for neonates to prevent these adverse outcomes.
2) Madhu:
Madhu, or honey, is suggested as an effective analgesic for neonatal pain management. The text states that Madhu possesses properties that reduce inflammation and promote healing. Besides, its sugar content, mainly sucrose, contributes to its potential as an analgesic, offering a natural alternative to commonly used pain relief solutions like 24% sucrose.
3) Perception:
Pain perception in neonates is discussed in the context of anatomical pathways and neurotransmitters developed for pain perception. Ayurvedic principles suggest that pain is perceived through Rakta Dhatu, impacted by Vata activities. Proper pain perception assessment is crucial for adequate pain management in neonates.
4) Honey:
Honey, referred to as Madhu in the text, contains various carbohydrates and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is suggested as a better analgesic option for newborn pain management due to its natural composition and healing properties, contrasting commonly used sucrose solutions in modern medicine.
5) Drug:
Madhu, as a drug in Ayurvedic medicine, is highlighted for its healing and pain-relieving properties. It is used due to its Shonitsthapan and Sandhaniya properties, which help in reducing pain caused by Raktadushti. Madhu's efficacy as an alternative analgesic drug for neonates is emphasized in comparison to conventional pharmacological agents.
6) Samhita:
The term Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts, such as Charak Samhita and Kashyap Samhita, which provide knowledge on Ayurvedic principles of pain management. These texts illustrate how pain, perceived through Rakta Dhatu and influenced by Vata, can be managed using traditional remedies like Madhu.
7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes natural treatments. The study explores Ayurvedic approaches, particularly the use of Madhu (honey), to manage neonatal pain. Ayurveda's theories on pain involving Vata and Rakta Dhatu are pivotal in understanding its pain management strategies.
8) Raktadhatu (Rakta-dhatu):
In Ayurveda, Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) is crucial in pain perception and management. Pain in the body is linked to Rakta Dhatu, and Madhu, known for its Shonitsthapan properties, helps in managing pain by addressing the disturbances in Rakta Dhatu, making it a viable option for neonatal pain alleviation.
9) Rakta:
[see source text or glossary: Rakta-dhatu]
10) Dhatu:
[see source text or glossary: Rakta-dhatu]
11) Vata:
Vata Dosha, one of the three fundamental bodily energies in Ayurveda, is considered the primary cause of pain. The study suggests that Madhu can help manage pain by balancing Vata dosha and addressing abnormalities in Rakta Dhatu, thus providing relief from pain in neonates undergoing minor procedures.
12) Sandhaniya:
Sandhaniya refers to the healing or consolidating properties of a substance in Ayurveda. Madhu is described as having Sandhaniya qualities, which means it can help in the healing process and reduce inflammation, making it suitable for managing pain and aiding wound healing in neonates.
13) Vedana:
Vedana, or pain, is discussed in Kashyap Samhita (Vedana Adhyaya), describing its characteristics in infants. Proper assessment and management of Vedana are critical, as repeated painful experiences can have long-lasting effects on neonates. Ayurvedic principles offer a framework to understand and treat Vedana effectively.
14) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
The study was conducted by scholars from Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Ayurveda in Pune, Maharashtra. Their research integrates classical Ayurvedic knowledge with modern neonatal care practices to explore alternative pain management options, highlighting regional contributions to the advancement of Ayurvedic medicine in neonatal care.
15) Samprapti:
[see source text or glossary: Samprapti]
16) Medicine:
The study discusses the Ayurvedic approach to medicine, focusing on natural treatments like Madhu for pain management in neonates. Ayurveda, with its principles of balancing the body's energies and using natural substances, offers an alternative to conventional pharmacological medicines for treating neonatal pain.
17) Bharati:
Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Ayurveda in Pune, Maharashtra, is where the study was conducted. The institution is notable in the field of Ayurvedic education and research, contributing to studies on integrating traditional Ayurvedic methods, like using Madhu for pain management, with modern medical practices.
18) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Rakta-dhatu]
19) Pune:
Pune, a city in Maharashtra, is home to Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Ayurveda, where the research on using Madhu for neonatal pain management was conducted. The location is significant as it underscores the regional academic contributions to Ayurveda and its applications in modern medicine.
20) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological agents are contrasted with Madhu in the study. While traditional analgesics are often used based on healthcare professionals' perceptions and can have adverse effects, Madhu, with its natural composition and minimal side effects, is promoted as a viable alternative pharmacological solution for neonatal pain relief.
21) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
Raktapitta is an Ayurvedic term referring to bleeding disorders, which are said to benefit from the properties of Madhu. The text lists various ailments treated with Madhu, highlighting its multifaceted use in Ayurveda, including its role in reducing blood impurities and managing related pain.
22) Discussion:
'Discussion' section covers the therapeutic properties of Madhu, its comparison with conventional analgesics, and its suitability in neonatal pain management. It emphasizes how Madhu can address pain perception (Vedana) through its influence on Rakta Dhatu and its natural composition, presenting it as a beneficial alternative.
23) Depression:
Physical and psychological stress from unmanaged neonatal pain can lead to generalized depression of the immune system, increasing infection risks. This underscores the need for effective pain management strategies, like the potential use of Madhu, to prevent immunological compromise and its associated challenges in neonates.
24) Lakshana (Laksana):
Kashyap Samhita describes the Lakshana (symptoms) of Vedana in infants, which are essential for assessing and managing pain. Recognizing these symptoms helps in providing appropriate treatment frameworks, including the potential use of Madhu to soothe pain and facilitate better neonatal care.
25) Sweating (Sweat):
Sweating is listed as a physiological indicator of pain in neonates. Effective pain management strategies, including the use of natural analgesics like Madhu, aim to alleviate such physiological stress responses, ensuring better homeostatic stability and comfort for newborns undergoing medical procedures.
26) Lekhana:
Lekhana is one of the properties attributed to Madhu in Ayurveda, meaning it has scraping or clearing qualities. This characteristic contributes to its therapeutic effects, including reducing pain and inflammation by cleansing the tissues, which is beneficial for neonatal pain management.
27) Prameha:
Prameha is among the diseases listed in Ayurvedic texts that can be treated with Madhu. Though the focus remains on its analgesic properties for pain management, this highlights the broader therapeutic potentials of Madhu in managing various ailments owing to its multifaceted medicinal attributes.
28) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kushtha refers to skin diseases in Ayurvedic terminology, one of the conditions treatable with Madhu according to the text. This underlines Madhu's diverse medicinal properties, making it effective not only for neonatal pain management but also beneficial for other health conditions like skin disorders.
29) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha, meaning dryness, is one of the properties of Madhu cited in the text. In the context of pain management, the Ruksha quality of Madhu can help balance excess moisture and Kapha dosha, contributing to its efficacy in reducing inflammatory responses and soothing pain.
30) Kshaya (Ksaya):
Kshaya denotes wasting or degeneration of tissues. Madhu is listed as a therapeutic substance for conditions associated with Kshaya, emphasizing its role in sustaining tissue health and providing pain relief. This property supports its use in neonatal pain management, aiding in overall healing and recovery.
31) Balaka (Bala-ka):
Balaka, meaning child, is central to the study on neonatal pain management. Effective pain management approaches discussed, including the use of Madhu, are aimed at addressing pain in Balaka, ensuring ethical, compassionate care and avoiding long-term adverse consequences from unmanaged procedural pain.
32) Family:
[see source text or glossary: Family]
33) Nature:
Madhu's natural composition is emphasized in the study as a significant advantage over conventional analgesics. Its natural properties provide a soothing, less harmful alternative for managing neonatal pain, drawing on the broader Ayurvedic principle of aligning treatments with nature’s inherent healing capabilities.
34) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing elements of water and earth. The text suggests ²Ñ²¹»å³ó³Ü’s properties help balance Kapha, aiding in effective pain management by mitigating Kapha-induced inflammation and maintaining tissue health, which are beneficial in neonatal care.
35) Karma (Karman):
Karma refers to the action or effect of a drug in Ayurveda. Madhu exhibits various Karmas (actions), including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic effects. This multifaceted Karma qualifies Madhu as an effective ayurvedic remedy for managing procedural pain in neonates, reducing stress-induced physiological changes.
36) Hikka:
Hikka, or hiccup, is one of the conditions treated with Madhu according to Ayurvedic texts. This highlights the broad spectrum of Madhu's medicinal uses, though the study primarily focuses on its analgesic properties for neonatal pain management, demonstrating its versatile therapeutic potential.
37) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
38) Sugar:
²Ñ²¹»å³ó³Ü’s sugar content, particularly its 1.3% sucrose, plays a role in its analgesic effects for neonatal pain management. With total sugar content around 78.1%, ²Ñ²¹»å³ó³Ü’s sweet nature helps in calming neonates, offering a natural alternative to standard sugar solutions used for pain relief in medical settings.
39) Visha (Visa):
Madhu is noted for its Visha-shamak (anti-toxic) properties in Ayurveda. This characteristic enhances its suitability for neonatal pain management by providing a safe, non-toxic analgesic option compared to synthetic drugs, focusing on alleviating pain and inflammation without adverse effects on neonatal health.
40) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa, meaning taste, is one of the six Ayurvedic parameters for evaluating substances. Madhu's primary Rasa is Madhur (sweet), which contributes to its analgesic properties. The sweet Rasa of Madhu aids in calming neonates, providing a comforting and effective means of managing procedural pain.
41) Kasa (Kasha):
Kasa, meaning cough, is among the ailments that Madhu can help relieve. This accentuates ²Ñ²¹»å³ó³Ü’s multifaceted therapeutic role, extending beyond pain relief to address respiratory issues. In the context of neonatal care, this property supports ²Ñ²¹»å³ó³Ü’s overall efficacy in promoting infant health and comfort.
42) Guna:
Guna refers to the qualities of a substance in Ayurveda. ²Ñ²¹»å³ó³Ü’s Guna includes Ruksha (dry), making it valuable in managing inflammation and pain. Understanding its Guna helps in utilizing Madhu effectively for neonatal pain management, aligning treatment strategies with Ayurvedic principles of natural healing.
43) Gana:
Gana is a classification group for medicinal substances in Ayurveda. Madhu is placed in the Shonitsthapan Gana, emphasizing its role in stopping bleeding and purifying blood. This classification supports its use in managing pain and improving overall neonatal health, providing a structured Ayurvedic medicinal approach.
44) Fear:
Fear of adverse reactions often limits the use of analgesics in neonates, leading to inadequate pain relief. The text suggests Madhu as a safer natural alternative, which can minimize the fear of side effects, ensuring effective and ethical pain management for newborns undergoing medical procedures.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Conceptual study of the effect of madhu in neonatal pain management�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Charak Samhita, Analgesic effect, Ayurvedic management protocol, Kashyap Samhita, Neonatal pain management, Pain assessment tool.