Pediatrics { कौमारभृत्यम्: }
Kaumarabhritya is the branch of Ayurveda dealing with neonatology and paediatrics [बाला चिकित्सा Balacikitsa]. It provides complete child health care focusing on nutrition, immunity and all-round development of children from 0-16 years. Pediatric care encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventing and managing common childhood illnesses, congenital disorders, digestive issues, developmental delays, and nutritional deficiencies to diagnosing and treating acute and chronic diseases like Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), neurological disorders like epilepsy, and autoimmune conditions including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and skin diseases.
Kaumarabhritya, or Ayurvedic paediatrics, offers several advantages over modern medicine, particularly in its holistic and personalised approach to child health. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on symptom relief and disease management, Ayurveda treats the child as a whole, considering physical, mental, and emotional health. Treatments are tailored to the child's unique Prakriti (body constitution), age, and doshic imbalances, ensuring that therapies are suited to the individual rather than following a generalised protocol. Ayurveda emphasises immunity building from infancy with natural remedies like Swarna Prashana and herbal tonics, which help boost the body's defences. Furthermore, Ayurvedic medicines typically have minimal side effects, as they are made from natural herbs, compared to modern treatments' potential long-term side effects.
Additionally, Ayurvedic paediatrics strongly emphasises preventive care through lifestyle management, diet, and seasonal routines, aiming to build long-term health rather than just addressing illness. Mental wellness is another area where Ayurveda shines, incorporating medhya (brain-nourishing) herbs and practices like yoga and meditation to promote focus, balance, and emotional well-being. This comprehensive and natural approach to child health makes Kaumarabhritya a valuable complement to modern pediatric care, especially for managing chronic, developmental, and psychosomatic disorders.
Note: Modern Medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases, while in Ayurveda, the treatment for the
same disease can differ significantly for each person, because Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit by considering the
individual’s constitution (Prakriti), imbalances (Vikriti), and the interrelationship between the body and the environment hence
Ayurveda, the treatment for the same disease can vary for different individuals.
