Shivani came for a review consultation. I had opened her previous chart for review. However, upon entering my chamber she said the consultation was for her son of seven years. She said that since school started, he has been absenting himself from school due to frequent coughs, colds and fevers.
We have seen a steady pattern. Kids fall sick soon after schools begin. These are kids of age group 3-11 years of age during the initial months after the school reopens.
Earlier, we would see sickly kids on heavy antibiotics, and this would worry us. Kids would become weaker, with weaker appetites and tender stomachs, but with cravings to eat sweets and ice creams. Nowadays, parents are more educated, thanks to the vast information about Ayurveda that is published online. However, they do not know what to do about their kids.
Kids usually do not require diet plans. What they eat is prepared by their mothers. However, the way the mothers have taken to social media to have their kids eat and the availability of fast food chains and packaged foods has changed the dynamics of food. Children eat for pleasure and as a means of keeping themselves occupied rather than eating to satisfy their hunger. This is causing multiple gut issues, triggering many illnesses, most of which have to do with compromised immunity.
At Nadichikitsa we devised a simple two-step process to bounce back to good health. Especially with children, whose metabolism is robust, a 15-day healthy food programme will set their health in order. Thereafter, an immunity modulator through an Ayurvedic intervention called Swarnaprashana is suggested. It is administered on the auspicious day of Pushya Nakshatra.
Swarna means Gold. A measured quantity of Swarna Bhasma (purified Gold Ash) mixed with specified quantities of honey and ghee is administered to the child. This is one of the prescribed practices for the upkeep of the health of a child. Besides improving the child’s immunity against diseases, it enhances memory, concentration and grasping skills. Swarnaprashana improves digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also helps in the overall development of the child. It improves complexion and vitality. Astrologically it is said to harmonise planetary effects & enhance Punya Karma.
Kashyapa Acharya has mentioned that swarnaprashana is to be given from birth upto 16 years.