Ayurvedamagazine

Tag: Children

  • Here is how Yoga can be a natural remedy for children’s physical ailments

    As children grow, their developing bodies are delicate and vulnerable to injuries, infections, and poor habits. Experts say yoga could be the natural solution to many of the physical and physiological challenges faced by children today.

    Children’s organ systems are in a crucial phase of growth, making them prone to posture problems, weak muscles, under-developed limbs, and even defective brain development due to lack of exercise and nutrition. Yoga offers a holistic approach to address these concerns, not only strengthening their bodies but also instilling healthy habits early in life.

    Yogic practices enhance both gross and fine muscle development, improve posture, and support healthy glandular activity. Techniques like Trataka (eye focusing), Jalaneti (nasal irrigation), and Karnarandhra Dhauti (ear canal massage) improve the functioning of the sense organs, reducing distractions and promoting better concentration.

    The internal systems of digestion, respiration, and excretion are also boosted through simple asanas and yogic breathing. Practices like colon cleansing (Basti) and chest cleansing (Hrid Dhauti) prevent common childhood issues such as stomach pain, constipation, cough, and cold. Additionally, yogic hygiene helps eliminate toxins, which if accumulated, can speed up aging and weaken the skin.

    Importantly, yoga encourages children to adopt healthier eating habits. The yoga-inspired Sattvik diet trains taste buds to prefer fresh, digestible food, naturally reducing their craving for unhealthy snacks.

    By introducing yoga in early childhood, parents and educators can equip children with tools for a healthy, resilient body and a calm, focused mind. With regular practice, children can enjoy a more balanced and illness-free childhood, laying the foundation for a healthier adulthood.

    Source – Yoga for Children, published by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga 


  • Aromatic ginger: beneficial in treating respiratory disorders

    Widespread use of medicinal herbs for healthcare preparations
    has been documented in ancient texts from the Vedas to the Holy Bible. One such
    wonder plant is Aromatic ginger (    Kacholam),
    scientifically known as Kaempferia galangal, a member of the ginger family
    (Zingiberaceae).

    Known as ‘Chandramulika’ or ‘Sati’ in Ayurveda, Kacholam finds mention as a key herb
    used in treatment of various respiratory ailments. The plant is native to South
    India. Thanks to its economic potential, the plant is cultivated extensively in
    Kerala and other parts of India. Nowadays, it can be seen rarely in natural
    forests and is more often cultivated.

    The plant, a perennial herb with underground stem, is pleasantly
    aromatic. Two or three leaves are only seen at a time, which spread flat on the
    ground. Leaves are rounding ovate with a small stalk. The plant blossoms during
    August to September, with small white flowers having purplish spots. The aerial
    portion dies down to the ground level during unfavourable seasons and fresh shoots
    are formed before or at the beginning of the rainy season, ie from May to June.

    The underground stem or rhizome has an agreeable fragment smell
    and a somewhat warm bitter taste. The rhizome consists of one or more
    prominent, fairly big, vertically oriented tuberous root stocks together with
    several smaller secondary tubers and a cluster of roots most of which are long
    and narrow while a few are shorter and tuberous at their tips. The main tuber
    is vertically oriented, conical in form, wider below, narrower at the tip and
    distinctly marked with a number of transverse scars. Directly attached to the
    main tuber are a limited number of smaller tubers, also vertically oriented.
    All these together form a large bunch that may weigh upto one kilogram.

    The rhizomes are chopped into slices and dried. The dried
    rhizome possesses the characteristic agreeably strong odour and pungent taste
    sometimes to a slighter degree.

    Chemical composition

    Steam distillation of the triturated rhizome gives 2.4 to 3.88
    per cent of volatile oil. The following compounds have been reported to be
    present in the oil — ethyl pethoxycinnamate (30%), ethyl cinnamate (25 %),
    n-pentadecane, camphene, borneol and p-methoxystyrene. The oil from the rhizome
    is not produced on a commercial scale. Among the volatile oils, ethyl cinnamate
    is a vasorelaxant. The anti-fungal action of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate has been
    reported.

    Medicinal uses

    The rhizome of Kacholam
    is considered stimulating, expectorant, carminative and diuretic. It is used in
    the preparation of gargles, administered with honey for treatment of coughs and
    pectoral affections. Boiled in oil, rhizomes are applied externally to remove
    nasal obstructions. Roasted rhizomes are applied hot in rheumatism and for
    hastening the ripening of inflammatory tumour. They are also used as a wash in
    dandruff and for relieving irritation produced by stinging caterpillars.

    Mixed with oil, the rhizomes are used in quick healing of
    wounds. One or two drops of the extract of fresh rhizome and garlic will be a
    good remedy for expelling intestinal worms in children. If chewed and
    swallowed, it is said to be a hallucinogen with no recorded ill effects.

    The juice of the plant is an ingredient in many tonic
    preparations. Leaves are used in lotions and poultices for sore eyes, sore
    throats, swellings, rheumatism and fevers. Fresh rhizome is chewed to remove
    the unpleasant odour of the mouth.  Along
    with honey, the dried powdered rhizome is administered in the treatment of
    vomiting and nausea.

    Commercial uses

    The herb is used for flavouring rice. Rhizomes and leaves are
    employed as a perfume in hair washes, powders and other cosmetics. They are
    worn by women for fragrance and also used for protecting clothes against
    insects. They are eaten along with betel and areca nuts as a masticator.

    (The author Jacob Varghese is a botanist and can be contacted
    at [email protected])

  • Fighting malnutrition with Ayush, Yoga solutions

    The Indian government is all set to adopt time-tested and
    scientifically proven Ayush-based solutions and Yoga practices to tackle the
    problem of malnutrition in mothers and children.

    A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry
    of AYUSH and the Ministry of Women and Child Development to address the
    malnutrition challenge as part of the POSHAN
    Abhiyaa (    National Nutrition Mission) programme.

    “Nutri-gardens and medicinal gardens will be established in
    every Anganwadi in near future,” said Smriti Irani, Minister for WCD.

    Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of AYUSH, said Ayurveda and
    other AYUSH systems have much to contribute in dealing with mild and moderate
    mal-nutrition by way of specific measures such as right intake of diet by pregnant
    women, feeding practices by lactating mothers, use of traditional products
    augmenting milk secretion, nutritional food for children etc.

    Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH and Ram
    Mohan Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, signed the
    MOU at a function held in New Delhi on Sunday.

    As per the agreement, the Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of
    WCD would be working together towards integrating Ayush in POSHAN Abhiyaan and management of malnutrition through the
    principles and practices of Ayurveda, Yoga and other Ayush systems.

    POSHAN Abhiyaan or National Nutrition Mission is
    Government of India’s flagship programme under the Ministry of Women &
    Child Development to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women
    and lactating mothers.

    The specific areas identified for co-operation include: (i)
    Integration of AYUSH into POSHAN Abhiyaan
    and (ii) Control of malnutrition through the principles and practices of
    Ayurveda, Yoga and other Ayush systems.

    1) At Anganwadi Centres

    A.         Yoga
    programmes

    B.         Visit of
    AYUSH workforce to Anganwadi Centre once in a month followed by sensitization
    meeting of AYUSH medical officers with Anganwadi workers in coordination with
    State health Authorities (Department of WCD)

    C.         Development
    of PoshanVatika.

    2) For AYUSH Nutritional Care

    A.         Generation of
    baseline data in nutritional status of targeted population

    B.         Provision of
    Telemedicine/ AYUSH helpline / call centres through Common Service Centres

    C.         Customization
    of region specific nutrition

    D.         Proper
    documentation of all efforts for scientific evaluation

    3.         IEC
    activities to develop awareness among the community about the traditional
    indigenous food items and promote the concept of nutrition based on Ayurveda
    and other AYUSH systems

    4.         The Anganwadi
    worker who is providing the Ayurveda nutrition message to the community at
    ground level may be designated as ‘DHATRI’ – Dedicated Health Activist to
    Replenish the Innutrition.

    5.         Other such
    activities for promotion of Ayurveda and other AYUSH systems and providing
    holistic nutritional care through integrated approach.

  • Ayush-based Nutrition Solutions

    Nutrition solutions based on traditional healthcare wisdom will
    be an integral part of the     Third
    Rashtriya Poshan Maah,     being celebrated this month, to address the problem of
    malnutrition in women and children.

    The initiative will further accelerate various activities
    under the Indian government’s Poshan
    Abhiyaan     (National Nutrition Mission)
    launched in March 2018.

    “The programme has special focus on reducing the level of
    stunting, under-nutrition and low birth weight in children, and anaemia in
    adolescent girls, pregnant women, lactating mothers as well as children. All
    the traditional medicine systems of India place emphasis on food and diet, and
    have sophisticated knowledge on the subject. This body of time-tested knowledge
    will be scientifically adapted to add momentum to the Poshan Abhiyaa,” a statement by the AYUSH Ministry said. 

    A joint communication was sent to Chief Secretaries of all
    States and Union Territories by the Secretaries of Ministry of Health and
    Family Welfare, Ministry of AYUSH, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of
    Women & Child Development on September seven, explaining the role of Ayush-based
    solutions.

    A drive for early identification of children suffering from
    Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) will be undertaken. Experts from indigenous
    systems of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani will be co-opted to provide guidance on
    good nutrition, complementary feeding etc. The Ministry of AYUSH will initiate
    and coordinate special measures for this, through the network of its Autonomous
    Bodies as well as through Stake-holders like Ayush Educational Institutions.
    The Ministry will customise its on-going awareness campaign during the month by
    focusing on the theme “Ahara” (directly
    related to the subject of nutrition) and reach out to the public with targeted
    messages.

    To strengthen community support to
    this drive, Poshan Panchayats
    will be organized where all members of Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition
    Committee (VHSNC) and public will participate to discuss on-going activities,
    health and nutrition education, and remedial measures being taken. The AYUSH Ministry
    will also take special efforts in promoting village level activities by roping
    in relevant stake-holders.

  • ‘Include Yoga in online learning curriculum’

    Indian Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has urged
    educational institutions to include Yoga as part of online learning programmes
    being conducted in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic while Prime Minister Narendra
    Modi observed the ancient healing system is “more relevant in the current times”.

    They were speaking on the occasion of the
    International Day of Yoga.

    “Yoga boosts immune system of the body. You must
    include Pranayama in your daily life. Pranayama Yoga or breathing
    exercises strengthens our respiratory system. It is more relevant in the
    current times as it is the respiratory system of the body that is most
    adversely affected by the Covid19 virus”, Prime Minister said while addressing
    the nation early on Sunday.

    Today, all of us should stay away from large
    gathering and practice Yoga at home with our families. This year’s theme is
    ‘Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family’. Yoga promotes family bonding as children,
    youngsters, elders in family come together to practise Yoga, there is a flow of
    positive energy in home. Yoga also promotes emotional stability, he added.

    Speaking at the digital ‘Yoga and Meditation Shivir’
    organised by SPIC MACAY on the occasion of International Day of Yoga, Vice
    President Venkaiah Naidu said Yoga is a unique gift of India to the world which
    is successfully transforming millions of lives around the globe.

    He said children must be introduced to Yoga at a
    young age. “I am glad that ‘UNICEF Kid Power’ has listed 13 Yoga stretches and
    poses for children,” he added.

    Observing that the 5,000-year-old Yoga tradition is
    not a mere workout, he said: “It is a science that emphasizes balance,
    poise, grace, equanimity, peace and harmony”. Various components of Yoga
    such as postures, breathing exercises and meditation techniques together help
    in bringing about a positive transformation in the human body and mind in innumerable
    ways, he added.

    Calling for large-scale scientific experimentation
    to further explore the immense possibilities of Yoga as a wellness solution, Naidu
    said Yoga as a mode of therapy or Yog Chikitsa has become extremely
    popular. He said a large number of studies offer scientific evidence for its
    potential to treat a number of diseases.

  • Digital addiction, a real threat to children

    Coronavirus pandemic has forced educational institutions to
    temporarily shut down as governments across the world are attempting to
    mitigate the immediate impact of school closures by promoting remote learning. This
    means the little ones are suddenly exposed to digital technology and a host of
    gadgets. While e-learning has become a bare necessity, parents should teach their
    children to think of screens as something to handle in moderation.

    Dr Sharad Kulkarni, Consultant
    Surgeon (Ayurveda), Best Selling Author and Chanakya Awardee  2020, writes on the topic.

    It was pretty common even 10 years ago to have forgotten
    one’s phone at home. It wasn’t a big deal then. One could easily spend a day or
    two without their gadget by their side. The scenario, though, has changed a
    decade later. From work-related issues to information gathering for personal
    needs, keeping up with the world or even for a financial transaction, we’ve to
    turn to our smartphones. Now, forgetting phone at home means a lot of
    inconveniences. Such close association with the digital device arouses questions
    of health consequences. It compels one to analyse the repercussions of being so
    dependent on the virtual world. For instance, most kids refuse to have food
    without switching on the TV or the smartphone.

    Digital addiction or social media addiction is a common
    phenomenon faced by millions of people across the world today. Too much
    dependency on social media is the primary symptom of this condition. As they
    say, too much of anything is bad. The same applies for social media as well.
    Virtual socialising has grown to become an essential part of our lives. While
    it is mostly a blessing as it allows one to remain connected with their loved
    ones, too much dependency on social networking can have negative effects as
    well. Like any addiction, too much social media or digital presence begins to
    take a toll on a person’s regular lifestyle and work.

    Studies show a tendency among young people to invest their
    time in virtual interaction rather than real-world communication. This grows on
    to develop poor communication skills among adults who are more comfortable in
    virtual interaction rather than physical one.

    Psychological consequences of digital addiction are worse
    than the social ones. An increased dependency on the virtual world renders
    people unable to differentiate between the two. Young adults are more prone to
    this condition. The digital world is designed to appear more lucrative and
    attractive to people than the real world. It is created to be so. The
    fashionable digital world seems more attractive than the dull real world. Less
    interest in reality throttles down the motivation to work and gives way to
    depression.

    Today social networking is seen as a decisive element behind
    juvenile depression. To kids, the real world no longer seems appealing or
    useful enough. They tend to lose the track between the real and the virtual world
    and fail to invest time productively.

    To retain psychological sanity, it is important to take a
    break from social media once in a while. Experts suggest a digital
    detoxification occasionally. During this period, the individual is urged not to
    interact with any social networking platforms whatsoever. This activity allows
    one to have a better view of their surroundings as well as themselves to remain
    motivated in the practical world. It is to be reckoned that social media is
    nothing but an attractive piece of dessert which is good in small amount but
    overeating may lead to serious consequences.

     

    Harmful effects of gadgets on Kids

    1. Deteriorates grasping power and concentration

    2. Cyber bullying, crime, sexting, falling prey to online
    predators

    3. Unexplained tumour growth

    4. Refractive errors

    5. Easy fatigue

    6. Mood swings

    7. Obesity

    8. Reduced cognitive functions

    9. Binge eating

    10. Depression

     

    8 ways for digital detoxification

    Parents are advised to follow this in order to make their
    kids follow it!

    1. Turn off Push notifications

    2. Delete apps which are not necessary

    3. Postpone scheduled checking of the screen

    4. Turn off the internet especially when the mobile is with
    kids

    5. Keep gadgets out of the sleep room

    6. Teach them reading habits to tackle screen usage

    7. Periodically fast from smart gadgets

    8. Schedule a time for mobile usage

    (Dr
    Sharad Kulkarni

    BAMS,
    M.S., (PhD)

    Consultant
    Surgeon(Ayurveda) | Best Selling Author | Chanakya Awardee  2020 |Vlogger | Influencer

    Director
    – Jeevottama  Health, Bengaluru

    www.drsharad.com)


  • Helping children accustom to ‘new normal’

    The coronavirus pandemic has turned our life upside down what
    with social distancing, face masks, online schooling and Work from Home, all
    becoming the “new normal”. While the disease largely affects the elderly and
    people with co-morbidities, children are not spared either, often suffering
    from multiple side-effects on their physical and psycho-social well-being.

    Many among the younger lot may be susceptible to generalized
    anxiety disorder, panic disorder, acute stress disorder and the worsening of
    the OCD symptoms for a select few.

    Parents and guardians have a crucial role in reassuring children
    that everything is going to fall in order and that they could tide over the crisis
    together. Also vital is to keep the little ones healthy, both physically and psychologically.

    What to do:

    — It’s vital to address their concerns about the disease and
    make them understand why the changed life style is needed.  Speak to your child or teen about Covid-19 in
    a way they can understand. Share facts from a reliable source (ie. CDC, WHO)

    –Reassurance is the key. Allow them to have a comfortable
    space to communicate. Let them know it is okay to be not okay. This is done by
    sharing how you have overcome a stressful situation in the past (i.e. by
    talking to a loved one).

    –Maintain a routine (one for online school days and the
    weekends).

    –Limit your entire families’ exposure to media and social
    media for news to 1-2 times per day. Children can get anxious or worried due to
    misunderstanding something they hear.

    –Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep,
    exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

    Also, try simple things to help boost their immunity
    naturally.

    Turmeric: adding a pinch of turmeric to milk makes it
    anti-oxidant rich

    Vitamin C fruits: jamun , peaches , guava ,oranges and lemon
    .A juice or even a chaat from these can help beat the summer heat and fight
    infections.

    Dry fruits, nuts and seeds: these are nutrient dense &
    provide a good source of protein , vitamins & antioxidants You can also
    serve trail mix or a laddoo.

    Mushrooms: these are loaded with vitamin D and antioxidants
    which help build immunity. You can serve them in sandwiches/ pizzas/ pasta or
    sauté with colorful veggies or simply make a hot creamy soup.

    Meat & fish: these are good source of protein , vitamin B,
    zinc ,iron and Omega 3 fatty acids (found in sea fish) These foods help in
    building up the body’s natural defence mechanism. Turn them into interesting
    curries/ cutlets / grills or soup.

    Dairy products: Milk shakes , fruit yoghurt ,smoothies can
    break the monotony of the regular tall glass of milk This provide a lot of
    protein ,vitamin D and calcium which help build immunity.

    To avoid childhood obesity, make sure your children engage in
    some easy exercise ,dance, yoga or any indoor physical activity, while regulating
    their screen time.

  • Ayurvedic immunity boosting in children

    The online platforms are flooded with exchanges and sermons
    on prevention of viral infections by boosting one’s immunity. However, most
    such advice have as their target grown-up persons, leaving many parents unsure
    about ways to stimulate the natural defense of their little ones.

    Dr Geetha G. Menon of the highly rated Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam says
    children aged between one and five years are most susceptible to diseases as
    the passively acquired antibodies from mothers can protect infants for only up
    to 18 months. Therefore, the age group that requires utmost care are children
    in the one to five age group, she says.

    Dr. Geetha points out that the immune system is not mature
    enough to fight off pathogens during the early years of a child and this makes
    the child dependent on antibodies from the mother. Hence, breastfeeding of
    newborns and infants is a must for immunologic protection against many
    infections besides being the best source of nutrition. Also, they can be
    provided with Ayurvedic medicine Gopichandanadi Gulika (mixed and
    grinded with breast milk for those below six months of age and with honey or kashyam
    thereafter) till they are one year old.

    The most important thing is to ensure proper digestion which
    allows the body to get the nutrients and energy it needs from the food they
    eat. They may face difficulties like attack of worms, especially so in the case
    of children who take only milk. Ashtachoornam is the most effective in
    preventing this condition. The Ayurvedic medicine can be mixed with ghee and
    served along with fully boiled soft rice. The same can also be administered
    along with butter milk. Another medicine for improving digestive power is Mustharishtam.
    Ayurvedic medicines like Indukantha Gritham or Indukantham Kashayam
    are effective in increasing immunity in the children.

    If children suffer from mucus or sputum-related issues
    (cough, cold, sore throat, nasal congestion etc), they can be administered with
    juice of Panikoorka leaves mixed with honey or extract of Adalodakam
    mixed with honey. Agastya Rasayanam too is effective.

    In fact, the juice extracted (after boiling water with Panikoorka
    leaves) can be served to children from six months onward to boost immunity and
    prevent diseases, especially upper respiratory tract infection. Similarly,
    boiled coconut oil has anti-viral action and can be used to massage hair of
    small children.

    Rajanyadi Choornam, an Ayurvedic medicine, can be used for immunity building in
    children from six months of age to five years. It can be mixed with honey and
    served daily. Medicines like Saraswatarishtam or Saraswata gritham
    are given to children to boost their wisdom and memory power.

  • Covid-19: how to help an autistic child deal with staying home

    The deadly Covid-19 has taken the world by storm and brought
    everything to a standstill. While the whole world is reeling from coronavirus, a
    section of the society that seems to have hit hard is the neurodiverse, specifically,
    children with autism spectrum disorders whose lives are heavily dependent on a routine.

    On the occasion of the World Health Day, here are a few guidelines for parents and caretakers of such children
    to make them understand the situation and stay safe:

    — Explain the situation to your children. Present it
    to them with simple facts in a communication style that they follow best. Don’t
    hide or ignore on the assumption that it will not make a difference to them.
    Tell them why they can’t step out for a walk or why they can’t attend school
    and so on.

    — Retain any part of their usual routine that is
    feasible within the confines of your home. Fill in gaps in the schedule with
    new activities. Make a visual timetable with pictures which will help them cope
    with the situation better.

    — Online educational program. Often, screen time is
    used as reward by parents while dealing with children on the spectrum.
    Find an online educational program that matches roughly with your child’s
    curriculum and turn this into a win-win situation.

    — Stories & Games: While new schedules and
    timetables can be drawn out, there may be irreplaceable aspects in your child’s
    routine. It is advisable to familiarize and desensitize your child to
    uncertainty and help them manage their anxiety in such times. It can be useful
    during unique situations that are chaotic and confusing. Parents and caregivers
    are encouraged to be creative and come up with social stories or games to
    explain parts of a day that are unstructured or unexpected. Using games of
    chance or improvisation to practice outcomes that are not predictable could
    also assist in achieving this.

     

    The article is written by G Vijaya Raghavan, Director CADRRE
    (Centre for Autism and other Disabilities Rehabilitation Research and
    Education). To learn more, visit www.cadrre.org