Abstract

VYADHIKSHAMATVA AND VARDHANOPAAY IN CHILDREN - A REVIEW ARTICLE

Dr. Sumit R. Chutake*, Dr. Madhavi Deodas and Dr. Sudha Singh

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Abstract

Vyadhikshmatva or bala is body’s resistance to fight against disease. It is correlated with immunity in modern science. As prevention is better than cure, it is better to defend our body against all diseases. In some cases (like COVID 19) immunity is our only weapon. As balya avastha (childhood) is state of immature bala and dhatu, children are more susceptible to get infected hence it’s important to enhance and empower children’s immunity. It has two aspects. 1- Vyadhi utpadaka pratibandhatva – The bala which prevent the disease. 2- Vyadhi bala virodhitva– The bala which fights with disease. There are several types of Vyadhikshamatwa (Bala) –Sahaj bala, Kalaj bala and Yuktikrut bala. Similarly, the immune system is comprised of both the innate and adaptive responses. The innate immune system is comprised of physical barriers that help prevent pathogen entry, antimicrobial peptides, the complement system, and a variety of phagocytic and other cells. The adaptive immunity is that occurs after exposure to antigen either from pathogen or vaccination. Suvarnprashan and Vaccination of child is utterly important in enhancing immunity in many ways. Probiotics, Micronutrients including iron, zinc, vitamins A, C, D, and E (Antioxidants) have ability to modulate the host immune functions, they are essential for the normal functioning of the immune system. In Ayurveda there are several ways mentioned to enhance immunity- Aushadhi, Rasayana, Aahar (aahar dravya, Ashta aahar vidhi visheshayatan), Vihaar (dincharya, Yoga, nidra), mansika bhava, Oja, etc. Ayurveda has also explained ways to enhance child’s bala by taking measures before conception, during pregnancy and just after birth of child. Maternal nutritional status during pregnancy and the nutrients to which infants are exposed through breast milk (which also contains IgG and IgA antibodies) and complementary foods influence infant immune system development.

Keywords: Immunity, Probiotics, rasayan, Aahar, Vihaar, Manas bhav, oja, Breast milk.