Kaumarbhritya: Ayurvedic Care for Children

Kaumarbhritya is Ayurvedic paediatrics, the branch of Ayurveda devoted to the health, growth and wellbeing of infants and children. Our department offers gentle, age-appropriate therapies, including therapeutic oil massage, Shirodhara, Shiropichu, Pinda Sweda, Nadi Sweda, Matra Basti and Nasya.

These therapies are used selectively and are modified for each child’s age and condition. Many serve as supportive care and are chosen by an Ayurvedic physician after assessing the child.

What our department focuses on

Gentle Therapies, Chosen for Your Child

Each therapy below is a traditional Ayurvedic practice adapted for children. Your child’s physician decides which therapy, if any, is suitable.

01

Abhyanga / Snehana (Therapeutic Oil Massage)

Abhyanga is the therapeutic application of medicated or suitable oil over the body or a prescribed body part, with gentle massage. In Kaumarbhritya, it is an important part of child care (Bala Paricharya) and is especially emphasised for infants and children.

Commonly considered for:
Traditional benefits:

02

Shirodhara

Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic procedure in which a continuous, gentle stream of liquid, commonly oil, milk or an herbal preparation, is poured over the forehead and scalp. In children, it is sometimes used by Ayurvedic practitioners as a supportive therapy, particularly for relaxation. In Kaumarbhritya (Ayurvedic paediatrics), Shirodhara is traditionally used mainly for conditions involving Vata imbalance, stress, sleep disturbance and certain neurological and psychological complaints.

Commonly considered for:
Proposed traditional benefits:

03

Shiropichu

Shiropichu is a Murdha Taila procedure in which a piece of cotton or cloth soaked with medicated oil is kept over the head (Shira) for a specified period.

Commonly considered for:
Traditional benefits:

04

Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda (Navara Pinda Sweda)

Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda (Navara Pinda Sweda) is an Ayurvedic Pinda Sweda (bolus fomentation) therapy using cooked Shashtika Shali rice, traditionally prepared with milk and a decoction, and applied as warm boluses.

In children, it may be considered for:
Traditional benefits:

05

Nadi Sweda

Nadi Sweda is a type of Swedana (sudation therapy) in which steam is delivered through a tube to a selected part of the body. In paediatric Ayurveda, it is generally used as a localised and carefully modified form of Swedana.

Indications in children:
Benefits:

06

Matra Basti

Matra Basti is a type of Sneha Basti in which a relatively small quantity of medicated oil or ghee is administered rectally. In Ayurvedic literature, Basti is particularly associated with the management of Vata-dominant disorders.

Indications in children:
Benefits described in Ayurveda:

07

Nasya

Nasya is the administration of an Ayurvedic medicine, usually oil or a medicated preparation, through the nasal route. In Kaumarbhritya, it is used selectively and with age-appropriate modifications.

Benefits described in Ayurveda:

How Your Care Unfolds

01

Abhyanga / Snehana:

Gentle medicated oil massage. Often considered for strength, growth, sleep and skin.

02

Shirodhara:

Continuous stream of oil, milk or herbal liquid over the forehead. Often considered for relaxation, sleep and stress.

03

Shiropichu:

Ol-soaked cotton kept on the head. Often considered for restlessness, headache and sleep.

04

Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda:

Warm boluses of cooked rice with milk and decoction. Often considered for muscle weakness and stiffness.

05

Nadi Sweda:

Localised steam through a tube. Often considered for stiffness, body ache, cold and cough.

06

Matra Basti:

A small quantity of medicated oil or ghee, given rectally. Often considered for underweight, constipation and bedwetting.

07

Nasya:

Medicine given through the nose. Often considered for nasal congestion and headache.

How we care

01 Assessed First:

An Ayurvedic physician considers your child’s condition and age before choosing any therapy.

02 Used Selectively:

Therapies are used selectively and adapted for children. Some, such as Shirodhara in seizure disorders, are used only as an adjunct under specialist supervision.

03 Supportive Care:

Many of these procedures are supportive, helping with comfort, calm, strength and rehabilitation.

Important note

These therapies support, and do not replace, medical assessment. If your child has difficulty breathing, a seizure or any urgent symptom, please call our 24×7 emergency team straight away.