Growth and developmentin children- an ayurveda review
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Growth and developmentin children- an ayurveda review
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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Sharma Minaxshi*
PG Scholar, Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Limda Vadodara
Raskar Swapnil
Assistant Professor, Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Limda Vadodara
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Growth and developmentin children- an ayurveda review
Year: 2019
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article provides an in-depth review of growth and development in children through the lens of Ayurveda, underscoring the significance of this stage in attaining overall well-being as adults. It emphasizes the unique aspects of childhood development identified by Ayurveda, particularly through the teachings of Acharya Kashyapa, who laid out guidelines for child care from gestation to the age of sixteen. This comprehensive framework highlights the importance of nurturing practices and the distinction between childhood and adulthood health. Additionally, it explores activities central to child growth, including nutritional support and lifestyle adjustments, employing well-defined Ayurvedic practices like Rasayana therapy and the principle of Samvardhana, which refers to healthy growth.
Samvardhana: The Principle of Healthy Growth
One of the crucial concepts discussed is "Samvardhana," which translates to healthy growth or proper increment. Unlike "Vriddhi," which can refer to both healthy and pathological growth, Samvardhana conveys the idea of growth achieved without complications, emphasizing the balanced development of body tissues (Dhatu). Acharya Kashyapa describes a key Ayurvedic product, Samvardhana Ghrita, which is said to promote healthy growth by nourishing the body without causing illness. Samvardhana is foundational for providing a holistic and integrated approach to a child's development, ensuring that physical, emotional, and social aspects are addressed collectively to foster wellness and longevity.
The Role of Aahara in Development
Another vital concept is the significance of "Aahara" (diet) in the overall growth and development of children. Ayurveda considers diet as a fundamental requirement for sustaining life and nurturing the body's tissues. The text argues that the strength of Dhatu directly correlates to an individual's health, necessitating proper dietary practices. The article posits that consuming foods aligned with the body’s needs can enhance both physical growth (Sharira Vriddhi) and physical strength (Sharira Bala). Furthermore, it discusses the impact of specific foods on growth, suggesting that regularly incorporating certain nutrients can significantly improve the health and development of children, thus playing a critical role in their overall maturation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the principles of growth and development as outlined in Ayurvedic texts, particularly through the lens of Kaumarbhritya, are structured and detailed, showcasing a rich heritage of care for children. With concepts such as Samvardhana and the emphasis on Aahara, Ayurveda presents a scientifically rooted approach to nurturing children's development and well-being. The article emphasizes the need for ongoing research that bridges ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern child-rearing practices, ultimately advocating for the integration of Ayurveda into current health and developmental strategies for children. This bidirectional approach could yield valuable insights into enhancing child health and ensuring sustainable growth.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of childhood growth and development in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, childhood is crucial for overall development, which influences adulthood. The principles of Kaumarabhritya highlight proper child rearing practices to ensure healthy growth and development, recognizing the distinct needs of children compared to adults.
How does Ayurveda differentiate between Vriddhi and Samvardhana in growth?
Vriddhi refers to physiological or pathological increase in body elements, while Samvardhana indicates healthy, systematic growth without pathology. Ayurveda emphasizes Samvardhana as the appropriate term for promoting healthy growth in children.
What role do dietary practices play in the growth of children?
Dietary practices in Ayurveda are crucial for sustaining growth. Foods with qualities similar to body tissues, consumed regularly, can enhance vitality, strength, and overall health in children, demonstrating the importance of proper nutrition for development.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Growth and developmentin children- an ayurveda review�. 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) Samskara:
Samskara, a term derived from the Sanskrit root meaning 'to refine,' involves procedures conducted intentionally to achieve specific goals. In Ayurveda, Samskaras are critical for the growth and development of children, targeting milestones at specific ages.
2) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional system of Indian medicine that focuses on achieving a balanced state of body, mind, and spirit. It defines the aim of human life as attaining the Chaturvidha Purushartha - Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
3) Sharira (Sarira):
Sharira, meaning the physical body, in Ayurveda, is described to undergo continuous processes of tearing and repairing of body tissues. It consists of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala, which must be balanced to maintain health.
4) Dhatu:
Dhatu are the fundamental tissues in Ayurveda that form the physical body. In children, proper nutrition and supplements promote healthy growth of Dhatu, known as Samvardhana, ensuring a foundation for a long life.
5) Vriddhi (Vrddhi):
Vriddhi in Ayurveda refers to the increase or growth of Dosha, Dhatu, or Mala. However, while Vriddhi of Dhatu is essential for health, Vriddhi of Dosha and Mala indicates pathology, thus Samvardhana is a better term for balanced growth.
6) Diet:
Diet, or Aahara, is a crucial element in Ayurveda for sustaining life and promoting growth. Proper diet contributes to the formation of Dhatu, which ensures overall development and strength of the physical body.
7) Bala:
Bala in Ayurveda refers to physical strength and immunity acquired through proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle. It usually develops after the quantitative growth of Dhatu, indicating the body's qualitative development.
8) Mahabhuta (Maha-bhuta):
Mahabhuta are the five basic elements in Ayurveda - Prithvi, Jala, Teja, Vayu, and Akasha - that constitute all material things, including the human body. They play a critical role in Garbha formation and growth.
9) Garbha:
Garbha represents the embryo or fetus in Ayurveda. Its formation involves the union of Shukra (sperm), Shonita (ovum), and Jivatma (soul with mind). Growth of Garbha is governed by the Panchamahabhuta (five elements).
10) Food:
Food, or Aahara, is vital in Ayurveda for the growth and maintenance of Dhatu. Adequate and nutritious food ensures the development of the physical body and helps in achieving balanced health and long life.
11) Bhava:
Bhava refers to the qualities or attributes of both the human body and elements of the universe. In Ayurveda, Bhava reflects the interaction between body contents (Sharira Bhava) and food (Aahara Dravya).
12) Agni:
Agni is the metabolic fire in Ayurveda, responsible for digestion, absorption, assimilation, and metabolism. Proper Agni is essential for converting food into Dhatu, and thus for the healthy growth of the child.
13) Human body:
The human body, referred to as Sharira in Ayurveda, is composed of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala. Balanced interaction among these components along with external elements like food ensures health and longevity.
14) Kashyapa (Kasyapa, Kashya-pa, Kashyapanamdana):
Acharya Kashyapa is an ancient Ayurveda scholar who emphasized the importance of child care and development. His text, Kashyapa Samhita, provides extensive guidelines on childhood growth and Samskaras.
15) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha in Ayurveda refers to three bio-energies - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha - that govern physiological and psychological processes in the human body. Balance among Dosha ensures health, whereas imbalance leads to disease.
16) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Dr. Sharma Minaxshi is the PG Scholar and co-author of the referenced article focused on child growth and development from an Ayurveda perspective, affiliated with Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Limda Vadodara, India.
17) Mala:
Mala refers to the metabolic waste products in the human body. Ayurveda emphasizes the balance of Mala along with Dosha and Dhatu to maintain health and prevent diseases.
18) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation in Ayurveda involves changes governed by Agni, including the digestion and metabolism processes that convert food into Dhatu, ensuring healthy growth and development.
19) Mahakashaya (Mahakasaya, Maha-kashaya):
Mahakashaya in Ayurveda refers to large groups of herbs categorized for specific health benefits. Examples include Brihmaniya Mahakashaya for promoting growth and Balya Mahakashaya for enhancing strength.
20) Samhita:
Samhita denotes classical texts in Ayurveda. Kashyapa Samhita, for example, provides extensive knowledge on childhood care and Ayurvedic principles for growth and development.
21) Disease:
Disease in Ayurveda results from the imbalance of Dosha, Dhatu, or Mala. Ayurveda provides various Samskara and dietary measures to maintain balance and prevent diseases during child growth.
22) Birth:
Birth is the starting point of the lifecycle according to Ayurveda. It marks the beginning of Samskaras conducted for the holistic development of the child and continued health.
23) Human life:
Human life, according to Ayurveda, aims at achieving Chaturvidha Purushartha. Life is guided by balanced Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala, along with adherence to Samskara and healthy lifestyle practices.
24) Shodasha (Shodashan, Sodasa, Sodasan):
Shodasha refers to the sixteen Samskaras in Ayurveda, beginning from Garbhadana (conception) to Antyeshti (cremation), integrating cultural, spiritual, and medical significance through different life stages.
25) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita, or clarified butter (ghee), is considered a congenial dietary substance in Ayurveda that promotes Samvardhana, the balanced growth of tissues, and provides nourishment and strength, especially in childhood.
26) Sthana:
Sthana denotes classifications or sections in Ayurvedic texts. For example, Sharira Sthana in Charaka Samhita focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the human body.
27) Mamsa (Mamsha):
Mamsa in Ayurveda refers to muscle tissue. Mamsa Vriddhi, or the increase of muscle tissue, must be balanced through dieta and lifestyle to ensure healthy growth and prevent pathologies like cysts.
28) Janman (Janma):
Janma, or birth, in Ayurveda is the point at which Samskara rituals start. These prescribed ceremonies help ensure the healthy development and spiritual upliftment of the newborn.
29) India:
India is the birthplace of Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine deeply rooted in Indian culture and practices, emphasizing holistic health, including child growth and development.
30) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa, one of the Dhatu in Ayurveda, refers to the nutrient fluid akin to plasma, essential for the nourishment of tissues and overall growth, reflecting the initial stage in the formation of other Dhatu.
31) Vayu:
Vayu, one of the Panchamahabhuta, is responsible for the actual division and increase in the number of Paramanu (cells) in Garbha, facilitating its growth and development.
32) Guna:
Guna in Ayurveda refers to the attributes or qualities of substances, including food and body tissues. Practicing lifestyle with attributes similar to Dhatu enhances Bala, or physical strength.
33) Milk:
Milk, or Kshira, is considered a congenial diet in Ayurveda, promoting strength and growth. It is particularly beneficial for children to support their developmental needs.
34) Kashyapasamhita (Kasyapasamhita, Kashyapa-samhita):
Kashyapa Samhita is an ancient text by Acharya Kashyapa that focuses on child health, detailing the principles of growth (Samvardhana) and development (Samskara) in Ayurveda.
35) Balavriddhikara (Balavrddhikara, Bala-vriddhikara):
Bala Vriddhikara in Ayurveda refers to factors and conditions that enhance the physical strength and immunity of an individual, as enumerated in Charaka Samhita under Sharira Sthana.
36) Sharirasthana (Sarirasthana, Sharira-sthana):
Sharira Sthana is a section of Charaka Samhita focusing on topics like anatomy, physiology, and conditions for growth and strength (Bala Vriddhikara) of the human body.
37) Saptadhatu (Sapta-dhatu, Saptan-dhatu):
Sapta Dhatu in Ayurveda are the seven fundamental tissues - Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, and Shukra - crucial for maintaining life and ensuring the body's growth and development.
38) Purushartha (Purusartha, Purusha-artha):
Purushartha in Ayurveda refers to the four aims of human life: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha (liberation). These objectives guide the life journey towards health and balance.
39) Ashvagandha (Asvagandha, Ashwagandha, Ashvagamdha, Ashva-gandha):
Ashvagandha is an important herb in Ayurveda, part of the Balya Mahakashaya, known for enhancing physical strength and vitality, particularly beneficial during childhood and growth phases.
40) Namakarana (Naman-karana):
Namakarana is a Samskara performed for naming a child, marking an important milestone in a child’s life and ensuring identity and cultural integration from an early age.
41) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Siddhanta in Ayurveda is fundamental principles or doctrines that guide understanding and practices, including Samanya Vishesha Siddhanta, which explains the effect of similar and dissimilar qualities on body and health.
42) Samhanana:
Samhanana in Ayurveda refers to the improvement in the bulk and strength of body tissues and organs, indicating healthy growth and physical development.
43) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana in Ayurveda refers to rejuvenation therapies aimed at promoting health, longevity, and prevention of diseases, often administered in early childhood to support growth and development.
44) Vishesha (Visesa):
Vishesha in Ayurveda refers to the principle of differences or differentiation, often paired with Samanya to describe the effects of similar and dissimilar qualities on body health and healing.
45) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the classical language in which ancient Ayurveda texts are written, including the description of Samskara, Sharira, and other principles governing health and growth.
46) Prithvi (Prthvi):
Prithvi, one of the Panchamahabhuta, is responsible for the increase in bulk or cellular volume in the human body, contributing to the growth of Garbha and overall physical development.
47) Pramana:
Pramana in Ayurveda denotes the measurement of body parts, which is an essential aspect of growth assessment in children, involving parameters like head circumference and chest size.
48) Samanya:
Samanya Siddhanta in Ayurveda highlights the principle that similar qualities increase body substances, while dissimilar qualities decrease them, guiding dietary and lifestyle practices for health.
49) Sattva (Shattva):
Sattva in Ayurveda signifies purity and balance of the mind, influencing physical strength (Bala) and overall health, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being for growth and development.
50) Akasha (Akasa):
Akasha, one of the Panchamahabhuta, is responsible for the creation of space and channels within the body, necessary for the proper formation of the Garbha and its growth.
51) Vaidya:
Vaidya is an Ayurveda practitioner or doctor responsible for diagnosing and treating patients, including assessing growth parameters in children and ensuring healthy development through Samskara.
52) Sthira:
Sthira is a quality referring to steadiness or stability. In Ayurveda, strong, steady structures like Sthira skin, are indicators of healthy growth and long life expectancy.
53) Satmya:
Satmya in Ayurveda refers to congenial diet and practices that a person is accustomed to, contributing to physical strength (Bala) and overall health.
54) Repair:
Repair in Ayurveda refers to the continuous process of tissue regeneration. During childhood, the repair process surpasses wear and tear, facilitating growth and development of the Sharira.
55) Nature:
Nature in Ayurveda signifies the inherent constitution (Prakriti) and the natural elements (Panchamahabhuta) that interact with the human body to mediate health, growth, and disease.
56) Indian:
Indian traditions encompass Ayurveda, the holistic health system that emphasizes Samskaras and dietary practices for optimal growth and lifelong well-being, deeply rooted in cultural heritage.
57) Balya:
Balya Mahakashaya in Ayurveda are groups of herbs that enhance physical strength and immunity. They are especially used during childhood to support growth and development.
58) Death:
Death, in the context of Samskaras, is addressed through Antyeshti, the final rite of cremation, marking the end of the lifecycle and ensuring the soul’s journey according to traditional beliefs.
59) Atman (Atma):
Aatma, or soul, in Ayurveda signifies the true self. Various Samskaras during life aim to purify and progress the Aatma towards achieving Moksha, liberation from the cycle of births and deaths.
60) Kara:
Kara in Samskara refers to the action involved in performing rituals to refine and prepare the individual for physical, mental, and spiritual growth throughout different life stages.
61) Ritu (Rtu):
Ritu, or seasons, in Ayurveda demand specific lifestyle changes (Ritucharya) to maintain the balance of Dosha, thereby ensuring continued health and proper growth throughout the year.
62) Bija:
Bija in Ayurveda refers to the seed or genetic material, emphasizing the importance of healthy parental Bija for offspring's physical strength and overall health.
63) Kati:
Kati refers to the lower back, which should be proportionate and muscular according to Ayu Parikshana parameters, indicating robust health and good development in children.
64) Jala:
Jala, one of the Panchamahabhuta, provides lubrication and fluid balance in the body, essential for healthy cell formation and growth of Garbha, contributing to overall development.
65) Hair:
In Ayu Parikshana, soft, moist, and black hair with strong roots are indicators of long life and health, underscoring the importance of observing physical traits in growth assessment.
66) Drug:
In Ayurveda, drugs (herbal formulations) should be administered to children in forms that are sweet (Madhurani) and semi-liquid (Kashayani) for palatability and ease of digestion.
67) Rock salt:
Rock salt, or Saindhava, is identified in Ayurveda as a beneficial part of a congenial diet that supports Sharira Vriddhi (growth) and optimal health in children and adults.
68) Svabhavasamsiddhi (Svabhava-samsiddhi):
Svabhava Samsiddhi in Ayurveda refers to the natural and inherent tendency of the body to grow and develop, stressing the importance of providing conducive environments and diets.
69) Shashtikashali (Sastikasali, Shashtika-shali):
Shashtika Shali, or red rice, is a diet component in Ayurveda, known for promoting physical growth (Sharira Vriddhi) and strength due to its nutritious properties.
70) Kaumarabhritya (Kaumarabhrtya, Kaumara-bhritya):
Kaumarabhritya is a specialized branch of Ayurveda dedicated to child health and pediatrics, focusing on practices and treatments aimed at ensuring healthy growth and development in children.
71) Mamsavriddhi (Mamsavrddhi, Mamsa-vriddhi):
Mamsa Vriddhi refers to the pathological increase of muscle tissue, leading to conditions such as cysts and swelling, indicating the need for balanced growth and proper diet in Ayurveda.
72) Satmyasampat (Satmya-sampat):
Satmya Sampat in Ayurveda indicates the adaptation or practice of a balanced diet (Satmya) contributing to physical strength and immunity in individuals.
73) Righteousness:
Righteousness, or Dharma, is one of the four goals of human life in Ayurveda, guiding the principles of living and contributing to the holistic health and ethical development of an individual.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 156]
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