Child Care, Bala Chikitsa, is one of the eight specialised branch in Ayurveda. It has been used to nurture infants since the early days, laying stress on the importance of breast feeding, proper and balanced diet for the child.
Importance of Breast Feeding
Ayurveda considers breast milk as nectar, which contains all essential nutrients and antibodies for the growth of children.
Benefits of breast feeding according to Ayurveda are:
- It helps child to balance the Doshas
- It develops immunity in the child
- It helps child to fight against the infections and inflammations
- It contains all nutrients essential for the growth of the child
- It is easy to digest
- Breast feeding can improve the bond between child and mother
Diet for the child
Ayurveda suggests that the child’s diet should be proper and nutritious. The foods which are found to aggravate Doshas should be avoided. The diet should be good enough to give a strong foundation for child’s health.
Home Remedies for Common Diseases
Here are some home remedies for the disease affecting the child
Cough and Cold
- Give your child honey mixed with ginger juice
- Give a olive oil massage for child’s chest
- Avoid cold foods and sour foods
- Give foods which are hot and fresh
Constipation
- Give your child honey regularly
- Prepare Date fruit juice, give one teaspoon four times a day
- Include more green vegetables into your child’s diet
- Give more fruits and water
Bala Chikitsa gives a complete picture of the issues involved in fostering a child. It is the duty of the parents give emotional and physical support to their child. For more information regarding child care please consult your Ayurveda physician.