Child Special
Whether we are parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or well wishers of children, we want to see our little stars shine. Ayurveda has a specialized branch of Pediatric medicine known as BalaTantra or Kaumarabhritya. This ancient science offers some simple, natural, wisdom to keep kids healthy and happy in today’s fast paced world.
Establish A Consistent Daily Routine – Waking early, sleeping early, and eating meals in harmony with nature’s rhythms are the foundations of good health. Children feel a sense of security, confidence, and stress reduction when they know what to expect from day to day.
Warm Oil Massage –A daily Abhyanga massage before bath time greatly boosts children’s immunity, calms their nervous system, and provides a layer of protection from germs. A drop of Sesame oil in the ear prevents ear infections.These few minutes of gentle touch enhances the bonding and affection that kids seek.
Freshly Cooked, Wholsome Foods – Feeding kids warm, nourishing meals such as hot cereals, stewed fruit, vegetable soups and kicharee provide them with nutrients that are easy to digest. Introduce small pinches of digestive spices like cumin, coriander, fennel, cinnamon, and turmeric to clear toxins.
Honey & Ginger Home Remedy –Raw, organic honey helps to expectorate excess mucus and the ginger juice keeps agni, or digestive fire strong. A daily teaspoon of this combination (plus a pinch of turmeric) can ward off common colds, flus, and allergies.
Warm Milk – Ayurveda recognizes the nurturing, ojas producing qualities of milk. Raw, non-homogenized, organic, whole milk cooked with spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, saffron, natural date sugar, and a dab of ghee is easily digested. One cup before bedtime balances emotions and induces sound sleep.
Sensory Impressions – Over stimulation from TV, movies, computer games, and commercial advertisements leaves lasting impressions on kids’ minds. Their delicate sensory organs should be protected from these assaults which go deep into their psyche and disturb Prana, affecting their emotional and spiritual growth.
Free Play– Playing with children stretches their body and provides exercise, while developing their creativity and imagination. Most of all, their souls are satisfied by the love and attention that they crave from caretakers. Grandparents in their Vata stage of life are the best companions for those little Kapha angels!
Each child is born with their own unique proportion of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. To best understand an individual’s dosha and specific health concerns, please consult with a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner.