Abstract

ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN CHILD MENTAL HEALTH: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF PREVENTIVE, SUPPORTIVE AND INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES

*Dr. Shreya Tavhare

Abstract

Background: Child and adolescent mental health is influenced by biological, psychological, family, school, social and lifestyle factors. Ayurveda provides a holistic framework through the concepts of Manas, Sattva–Rajas–Tamas, Dinacharya, Ahara, Nidra, Vihara, Yoga, Sattvavajaya and Rasayana. Objective: To conceptually review the preventive and supportive relevance of Ayurvedic principles in child mental health and to identify areas where Ayurveda may be integrated safely with contemporary child mental-health care. Methods: A narrative conceptual review was prepared from the supplied academic presentation and supplemented with recent World Health Organization information, selected peer-reviewed literature and classical Ayurvedic references. The review did not involve human participants, intervention, primary data collection or meta-analysis. Results: The reviewed framework emphasizes regular routine, adequate sleep, age-appropriate nutrition, physical activity, emotional support, family participation and selected mind–body practices. Sattvavajaya may be interpreted in contemporary child-centred practice as supportive counselling, emotional education, coping skills and reduction of unwholesome mental engagement. Medhya Rasayana is traditionally associated with intellect and memory; emerging pediatric research on Brahmi and Mandukaparni is encouraging but does not justify indiscriminate use. Suvarnaprashana remains a traditional pediatric practice with heterogeneous evidence and requires attention to standardization, safety and appropriate supervision. Conclusion: Ayurveda can contribute a preventive and supportive framework for child mental well-being, but clinically significant disorders require evidence- based assessment, monitoring and timely referral. Ayurveda should complement rather than replace indicated psychological, psychiatric or pediatric care.

Keywords: Ayurveda; child mental health; Sattvavajaya; YogaDinacharya; Medhya Rasayana;