Abstract

AN AYURVEDIC ADJUVANT THERAPY OF NUTRITIONAL RICKETS: A CASE REPORT

*Vd. Diksha Prakash Patil and Dr. Ashwini A. Patil

ABSTRACT

Rickets, a childhood ailment resulting from insufficient intake of Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus or difficulties in nutrient absorption, is characterized by inadequate bone calcification, leading to softening and deformities, often presenting as bow legs. Acharya Kashyap, renowned as the founding figure of Kaumarbhritya (Paediatrics) in Ayurveda, identified Phakka as a Kuposhanjnya Vyadhi, where children experience an inability to walk even after the age of one due to nutritional deficiencies and hindrances in the Rasa-Vaha Strotasa (nutrient absorption channels). This parallels rickets, suggesting a correlation between the two conditions. The case under discussion involves a 2-year-old girl child with bowed legs, brought by her parents to the Balroga Outpatient Department of Govt Ayurved College and Hospital in Nanded, where she was subsequently admitted for further management. Here, efforts were made to address her condition through Ayurvedic treatment approaches and supplementation with Vitamin D and calcium, yielding positive outcomes.

Keywords: Rickets, Kaumarbhritya, Phakka, nutritional deficiency, Kuposhanjnya Vyadhi.