How Can Ayurveda Benefit Your Kids?

Ayurveda has been in practice from thousands of years – it has a great deal of wisdom that is applied just as easily to children as adults. Essentially a preventive approach to well-being, Ayurveda can help correct the imbalances of doshas that may be hampering your kid’s health. Moreover, this alternative treatment approach can potentially lead your children on a lifelong path towards optimal health. 

According to ancient Ayurveda, there are three developmental stages of a child. 

• Garbha Avastha – This is the stage where the child is still inside the mother’s womb 

• Balya Avastha – This refers to the period right from the birth of the child to the time he/she turns one-year-old. This stage is also known as ‘Kshirap Avastha’. During the time, the baby only feeds on milk.

• Kumar Avastha – This stage extends from age 1 to age 16. When the baby is about 1 or 2 years old, he/she starts eating a few other kinds of food along with milk. The period is referred to as ‘Kshirannad’. From age 2 to 16, the period is known as ‘Anand Avastha’, where the main diet of the baby comprises of cooked food. 

Once the child starts consuming cooked meals, he/she develops higher chances of worm infestation. In Ayurveda, this particular condition is known as ‘Krimi Rog’. 

Worm Infestation/Krimi Rog in Children - 

Worms or krimis are of three types – the Purishaj krimi, the Raktaj krimi, and the Kaphaj krimi. Children are likely to contract worm eggs by feeding on contaminated water and food due to poor hygiene, or by walking barefoot on unclean surfaces. 

Common signs and symptoms observed in children with krimi rog may include –

• Intestinal inflammation

• Anaemia

• Deficiency of certain types of protein

• Constipation

• Vomiting

• Abdominal distension

• Indigestion

• Diarrhoea 

What is the treatment for Krimi Rog in children?

The most effective cure for Krimi Rog in children is Krimipatan Basti, as suggested by Ayurveda. Basti refers to the administration of ghee or medicated oil and herbal decoction through the anus. This cleanses and nourishes the colon and the intestine, and helps to increase muscle tone. Prior to performing Basti, castor oil may be applied around the belly button in a clockwise, circular motion, as it aids in digestion.

Eliminating and avoiding causative factors can help treat worm infestation. Effective measures need to be taken to clean the body. 

Here are some measures you must take to keep your kids away from worm infestation –

• Do not give them fruits to eat in the morning or at night. Fruits should only be consumed right before lunch.

• Fruit juice and milkshakes are an absolute favourite among kids – but make sure you keep them away from such beverages, as it could lead to cold and cough

• Feed your kids freshly cooked home-food only

• Teach them good hygiene and healthy dietary habits

• Children must avoid pork and red meat 

• Make sure the water is boiled and purified before allowing your kids to drink it

Ayurvedic therapy and remedies are very effective against intestinal worms and have no side effects on the body, as compared to conventional medications. Nevertheless, you may seek help from a practitioner before opting for Basti procedure.