Panchakarma in Pediatrics: A Clinical Review

Abstract

Kaumarbhritya is one of the eight main branches of Ayurveda and deals with healthy progeny and pediatric care and management of disorders. Shodhana Chikitsa is one of the two prime treatment protocols explained in Ayurveda, which is popularly known as Panchakarma viz. Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya and Raktamokshana. But the main procedures are masked away by the Purvakarma (varieties of Snehana and Swedana) in the name of Panchakarma in common. These Panchakarma procedures are indicated in many pediatric disorders, though they are not directly indicated. There is a long list of diseases in which the Panchakarma treatment modalities can be successfully carried out in the children. The newer disease entities too can be successfully treated with Panchakarma, once the disease pathology and entities involved such as Dosha, Dushya etc. are understood properly as per Ayurvedic guidelines. To understand such diseases, Acharya Charaka has given clear guidelines (Anukta Vyadhi Vimana Sthana, chapter 8). As children are in growing phase there are certain indication, contraindication and precautions to be taken while conducting the Panchakarma in children and with all these cautions and precautions there is wide scope for Panchakarma in pediatric practice. The details of the Panchakarma procedures in children along with its indication, contraindications and precautions have been furnished in the full text. This article is an attempt to increase the Panchakarma practices in children for better result.