Abstract

PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY: PREVENTIVE ASPECT THROUGH AYURVEDA

Dr. Laxmi Mahala*, Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Dr. Renu Bala

Abstract

Puberty is the transitional phase of growth and development which links childhood to adulthood. Today’s precocious puberty is rapidly growing health hazard of pubertal age. It is the early appearance of secondary sexual characteristics before age 8 yrs in girls (or menarche before age 9 yrs) and before 9 yrs in boys. Overall incidence of precocious puberty is estimated to be 1:5,000 to 1:10,000 children. It is more common in girls, female: male ratio ranging from 3:1 to 23:1. According Ayurveda classics, Prakrita-Kapha is primarily responsible for the maintenance of Balyavshtha and Prakrita-Pitta is responsible for proper Dhatupaka. The precocious puberty is not described word to word in Ayurveda but it can be better understand with the help of basic principle “Vikaro dhatu vaishamyam samyam prakritiruchyate” which is given by Acharya Charak. Precocious puberty is a condition of Kapha-Prakopa with Pitta- Chaya. Possible prevention is stipulated with Aahar-Vihar regimen and Yoga therapy.

Keywords: Precocious puberty, Kapha-Prakopa, Pitta-Chaya.