Abstract

PANCHAKARMA IN PAEDIATRIC

Dr. Subodh Kant Pandey*, Dr. Mayank Maniar and Dr. Swapnil Raskar

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda explains the Śārīrika and Mānasika approach in treatment of the disorders. Śodhana is one among the two modalities of treatment which is best for uprooting the disease from the root itself. This Principle also holds good for a child an irrespective of the age as basic constituents of the body are same in all age group as explained by Charaka although the Mātra of the same and medicine may vary. Routinely raised question of benefits and contraindications of Panchakarma are needed to be answered. Doṣa Prakopa occur in child and adult body due to same causative factor along with extra risk in the baby due to mother, breast milk vitiation, immaturity etc. At times Kaśyapa advice to avoid excess Śodhana procedures in a child while Chakrapani suggest to administer the same in Swatantra Bāla, and to avoid the in Paratantra Bāla. Pancha Karma is main stay of the treatment in Ayurveda, it has to be employed in all the age group if the condition demands. Of course the strength of the child śould be the main criteria rather than the age when we adopt Pancha karma in children. Bala, Kāla, Deśa Agni, tolerance capcity, etc śould be checked before employing the treatment in any age group. Hence classics especially the Kaśyapa Samhita explains the Panchakarma in a child with detail explanation of Snehana, eight types of Swedana, Procedure of Vamana and Virechana with detail explanation of the Basti and Nasya. Basti is considered as nectar for the child. Of course, need of certain modification in the classical pattern is required to make the treatment more justified in child.

Keywords: Agni, B?la De?a, Charaka, Paratantra B?la, Panchakarma M?tra Snehana, Treatment Vamana, Virechana.