A worried mother recently brought her 11-year-old daughter in for a consultation, and her story is one that, unfortunately, many can relate to. The mother’s primary concern was a marked shift in her daughter’s behavior: she’d lost her appetite, gained weight, and had become noticeably withdrawn, no longer talking much at home.
During our Nadi Pariksha, an ancient Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis, a deeper, more concerning picture emerged. For an 11-year-old, her pulse reading was unusually somber, indicating profound sadness and a complete lack of enthusiasm. It was clear she was yearning for attention and appreciation, and her sleep was restless and draining. These are not typical signs for a child her age, which immediately prompted questions about her home environment.
The mother, with a heavy heart, revealed the crux of the issue: frequent and intense quarrels between her husband and mother-in-law, often taking place in front of their daughter. The connection was undeniable. The little girl’s emotional distress, reflected so clearly in her physical and mental state, was a direct consequence of the turmoil she was witnessing daily.
When the mother asked for a treatment plan, our response was perhaps not what she expected. We explained that while Ayurveda offers wonderful remedies, its philosophy dictates a holistic approach. Giving medication while the root cause of the trauma—the volatile home atmosphere—persisted would be counterproductive, like trying to fill a bucket with holes in it. Ayurveda doesn’t work that way.
Instead, we urged the mother to address the emotional conflict at home first. The priority had to be creating a calmer, more peaceful environment for the child. Once that emotional foundation is stabilized and the girl feels safe and secure, then—and only then—can we begin to craft a truly effective Ayurvedic treatment plan to help her regain her joy, her appetite, and her voice. Healing, especially for a child, must begin at the source of the discomfort.