A case study: the ayurvedic management of severe acute malnutri-on (khuposhanajanya vyadhis)

Summary of article contents:

Childhood undernutrition is a fundamental cause of an estimated 45% of all deaths among under- 5 children. Such children frequently experience various complications of malnutrition like diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, malaria, and skin infections if not managed well. In this case study, a 4-yearold child presented with severe to acute malnutrition (S.A.M.).The S.A.M. management protocol consists of early management of acute consequences, and the later part includes dietary management with a starter diet (F-75) & catchup diet (F-100). But generally, fewer efforts must be taken to improve hunger for appropriate digestion of heavy carbohydrates and proteincontaining feeds. In Ayurveda, Samhitas , Karshya, Phakka, Balashosha, and Parigarbhika are diseases explained in detail which are resembling Malnutrition . The main causative factor in all these diseases is Agni . Agni, or digestive fire, is the main transforming unit of the body. Therefore, an imbalance of Agni leads to malnutrition. The treatment protocols for these diseases mainly include Deepana Pachana , Srotoshodhana , Bhrimhana . The case was managed with help of Ayurveda regimen which helps in Agni vardhan & brimhana karya . Keywords: Malnutrition, Ayurveda, Phakka, Balshosha,Parigarbhika, undernutrition