Ayurvedic view on child undernutrition, focusing on Karsya.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Undernutrition in children: an ayurvedic perspective with special reference to karsya
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Undernutrition is a significant health issue, particularly among preschool children under six years old, causing various adverse effects on physical and cognitive growth as well as increased susceptibility to infections. The condition is characterized by inadequate nutrient consumption, poor absorption, or excessive nutrient loss. Despite efforts in nutritional supplementation, underweight remains a persistent concern for many parents. Ayurvedic texts provide insights into the unique nutritional needs of children, highlighting their differences from adults, such as their developing bodies and insufficient digestive capacity. Concepts like Karsya, referring to emaciation due to undernutrition, are essential in understanding and managing this health issue.
Nutritional Deficiency Disorders in Ayurveda
Ayurveda outlines several conditions analogous to undernutrition, including Karsya, Balashosha, and Ksheeraja Phakka. Disorders in breastfeeding and the quality of breast milk can significantly impact infants, leading to malnutrition if the milk is vitiated by Vata, Pitta, or Kapha doshas. For example, Ksheeraja Phakka can occur due to milk affected by Kapha Dosha, resulting in digestive issues and emaciation. Various authors emphasize the importance of healthy breastfeeding practices and the detrimental effects of insufficient or poor-quality milk. In children experiencing Karsya, conditions such as Ama formation and improper digestive fire (Agnimandya) lead to reduced nutrient absorption, exacerbating the situation.
Etiology and Pathogenesis of Undernutrition
The causes of undernutrition, particularly in children, can be broadly classified into dietary, lifestyle, and psychological factors. Ayurveda describes qualitative and quantitative deficiencies in food intake as fundamental reasons for malnutrition, alongside excessive physical activity and suppression of natural urges. It also highlights the impact of psychological states such as worry and anger on children's health. The interplay of doshas (Vata, Kapha, and Pitta) affects digestion and ultimately leads to malnutrition by impairing the "Agni" or digestive fire. When the digestive process fails, it results in the formation of Ama, considered toxic waste that obstructs nutrient absorption and circulation, leading to a decline in the physiological state of the child.
Conclusion
Overall, the Ayurvedic perspective on undernutrition provides a comprehensive understanding of the risks and management strategies for this pressing health concern in children. By focusing on balancing digestion, proper nutrient intake, and addressing psychological and environmental factors, Ayurvedic practices aim to enhance the nutritional status of children. The various disorders described in classical texts correlate well with modern concepts of malnutrition, suggesting that Ayurveda’s holistic approach could play an essential role in alleviating undernutrition and its associated complications. Integrating these traditional insights with contemporary nutritional science could help formulate effective strategies to combat this enduring challenge.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Manjusha.M*
PG Scholar, Dept of Kaumarabhrithya, Govt. Ayurveda College, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala
Roshni Anirudhan
Professor and HOD, Dept of Kaumarabhrithya, Govt. Ayurveda College, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Undernutrition in children: an ayurvedic perspective with special reference to karsya
Year: 2019
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is undernutrition in children according to Ayurveda?
Undernutrition in children is a condition marked by inadequate nutrient intake leading to physical and cognitive impairments, resulting from weak digestive fire and insufficient nutrient absorption.
How does Ayurveda categorize malnutrition-related conditions in children?
Ayurveda recognizes various conditions resembling malnutrition such as Karsya, Bala Sosha, and Ksheeraja Phakka, emphasizing the unique nature and nutritional needs of children.
What management strategies does Ayurveda propose for undernutrition?
Ayurvedic management for undernutrition includes improving digestion (Agnideepana), detoxification (Srotho-sodhana), and nourishing therapies (Brimhana), aiming at enhancing overall health and nutrient assimilation in children.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic view on child undernutrition, focusing on Karsya.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Karshya (Karsya, Kashrya):
Karsya is an undernutrition condition in children characterized by emaciation and weight loss due to inadequate intake, poor absorption, or excessive loss of nutrients. It is associated with impaired digestive fire (Agni) and various doshic imbalances leading to nutritional deficiencies.
2) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the basic bodily tissues in Ayurveda, which include Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (bone marrow), and Shukra (reproductive tissue). Proper transformation of these tissues is essential for growth and development.
3) Agni:
Agni represents the digestive fire responsible for digesting food and assimilating nutrients. In children, Jatharagni (digestive fire) is weak, which can lead to improper digestion and formation of Ama (toxins), contributing to conditions like Karsya.
4) Food:
Food intake plays a crucial role in maintaining nutritional status. Proper digestion, absorption, and assimilation of ingested food materials are vital for preventing undernutrition in children.
5) Disease:
Disease in the context of this document often refers to conditions resulting from or contributing to malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies in children as understood in Ayurvedic terms, like Karsya and related disorders.
6) Milk:
Milk is crucial in early childhood nutrition. Disorders of breast milk, such as Vata Dushta Stanya, can cause undernutrition. Poor-quality breast milk due to maternal diet or health issues can lead to conditions like Ksheeraja Phakka.
7) Phakka:
Phakka is a term used in Ayurveda to describe severe malnutrition in children, notably leading to physical and developmental delays. Different types are described based on causes, such as Ksheeraja Phakka due to poor-quality breast milk.
8) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas are the fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Imbalances in these doshas, especially Vata and Kapha, play a crucial role in the development of Karsya and other nutritional deficiencies.
9) Kapha:
Kapha dosha, one of the three doshas, is responsible for growth, lubrication, and stability in the body. Children predominantly have Kapha Prakriti, and imbalances can lead to poor digestion and disorders like Karsya.
10) Malnutrition:
Malnutrition refers to a condition that arises from an imbalance between the nutrients the body needs and those it receives. In Ayurveda, this can manifest as Karsya, characterized by undernutrition due to impaired Agni and doshic imbalances.
11) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa Dhatu is the first of the seven body tissues, representing the essence of digested food. Proper formation of Rasa leads to the nourishment of all subsequent Dhatus. Impaired Agni and formation of Ama can disrupt this process, contributing to Karsya.
12) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas responsible for bodily functions related to movement and flow. Aggravation of Vata, often due to inadequate nutrition or digestion, leads to tissue depletion and conditions like Karsya.
13) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine that provides holistic approaches to health, including the management of undernutrition in children through principles like Brimhana therapy, Srotosodhana, and the balance of doshas.
14) Kshaya (Ksaya):
Kshaya refers to the depletion or wasting of body tissues. In Karsya, Dhatu Kshaya occurs due to impaired nutrient absorption and disrupted Dhatu Parinama (transformation), leading to significant weight loss and emaciation.
15) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-dosha is essential for physical stability and lubrication, but its imbalance can impair digestion and lead to the accumulation of Ama, contributing to conditions like Karsya, especially in children who are naturally Kapha-dominant.
16) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni):
Jatharagni is the primary digestive fire located in the stomach. In children, it is often weak and can result in malnutrition conditions like Karsya due to improper digestion and assimilation of food.
17) Brimhana (Brmhana):
Brimhana is a nourishing therapy in Ayurveda aimed at promoting growth and weight gain. It includes dietary and lifestyle modifications to strengthen body tissues, recommended for managing conditions like Karsya.[see source text or glossary: Brimhana]
18) Mala:
Mala refers to the waste products of the body, such as feces, urine, and sweat. Proper elimination of Mala is essential for maintaining health, and any disruption can complicate conditions like Karsya.
19) Alpa:
Alpa is a term meaning 'small' or 'insufficient.' In the context of Karsya, it refers to insufficient food intake (Alpashana) or poor-quality nutrition, contributing to the condition.
20) Samshamana (Samsamana):
Samshamana is a palliative treatment approach in Ayurveda aimed at pacifying aggravated doshas and improving overall health. It is part of the management strategies for Karsya, focusing on balancing the body's internal environment.[see source text or glossary: Samshamana]
21) Pregnant:
Pregnant women’s diet and health directly affect fetal nutrition. Undernutrition during pregnancy can lead to conditions like Upavishtaka and Nagodhara, affecting the child's development and predisposing them to Karsya.
22) Dushya (Dusya):
Dushya refers to the body tissues and wastes that get vitiated during disease. In the case of Karsya, Dushya includes impaired Rasa and other Dhatus, leading to poor tissue development and nutritional deficiencies.
23) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi is a term for disease or illness. Karsya falls under the category of diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies and impaired digestion, leading to poor tissue development and overall health deterioration.[see source text or glossary: Vyadhi]
24) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas associated with metabolism and digestion. In the context of Karsya, an imbalance in Pitta can affect Agni, leading to poor nutrient assimilation and contributing to malnutrition.
25) Ahara:
Ahara refers to diet or food. Proper Ahara is crucial for preventing and managing Karsya. Nutrient-rich foods and appropriate dietary practices are recommended to support growth and development in children.
26) Shosha (Sosa):
Sosha indicates emaciation or wasting, often resulting from chronic undernutrition and impaired tissue development. It is a key feature of Karsya, reflecting severe malnutrition and poor health.
27) Bala:
Bala signifies strength and immunity. In the context of Karsya, children with diminished Bala are more susceptible to infections and slower growth, making it crucial to address their nutritional needs.[see source text or glossary: Bala]
28) Rasadhatu (Rasa-dhatu):
Rasadhatu is the primary nutritional fluid formed after digestion, essential for nourishing all other Dhatus. Impaired Agni can affect its formation, contributing to conditions like Karsya.[see source text or glossary: Rasadhatu]
29) Samshodhana (Samsodhana):
Samsodhana involves purification therapies aimed at detoxifying the body. In managing Karsya, mild Samsodhana can enhance nutrient absorption and overall health by clearing toxins and improving digestion.
30) Kashyapa (Kasyapa, Kashya-pa, Kashyapanamdana):
Acharya Kashyapa is an ancient Ayurvedic scholar who detailed conditions related to malnutrition, like Phakka and Parigarbhika, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition and maternal health in preventing Karsya.
31) Manjusha (Manjusa, Mamjusa, Mamjusha):
Manjusha is a PG Scholar and the corresponding author of the article 'Undernutrition in Children: An Ayurvedic Perspective with Special Reference to Karsya,' providing insights into Ayurvedic approaches to managing malnutrition.
32) Madhura:
Madhura (sweet) is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. Children have a natural affinity for Madhura Rasa. However, excessive Madhura consumption can contribute to Kapha imbalance, affecting Agni and leading to Karsya.
33) Shushka (Suska):
Shushka means dry or emaciated. It is used to describe the physical appearance of children suffering from Karsya, highlighting their extreme leanness and poor tissue development.[see source text or glossary: Shushka]
34) Sevana:
Sevana refers to the consumption or intake of substances. In the context of Karsya, it emphasizes the importance of proper dietary practices and the intake of nourishing foods to prevent and manage undernutrition.
35) Stanya:
Stanya is breast milk, essential for infant nutrition. Disorders of Stanya, such as Vata Dushta Stanya, can lead to poor nutrient absorption in infants, contributing to conditions like Ksheeraja Phakka and Karsya.
36) Udara:
Udara means abdomen. It is often referenced in descriptions of physical manifestations of malnutrition, such as the emaciated abdomen seen in children with Karsya.
37) Mamsa (Mamsha):
Mamsa refers to muscle tissue. Proper formation and nourishment of this Dhatu are essential for physical strength and growth. In Karsya, the depletion of Mamsa is a significant concern.[see source text or glossary: Mamsa]
38) Vahni:
Vahni is another term for Agni, the digestive fire. It is crucial for proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients, and its impairment is a key factor in the development of conditions like Karsya.
39) Fever:
Fever can be a symptom or complication associated with malnutrition and impaired immunity in children. It may also be a feature of related Ayurvedic conditions like Ksheeraja Phakka.[see source text or glossary: Fever]
40) Drug:
A drug in Ayurveda refers to herbal medicines used for treating conditions like Karsya. Examples include Pachana Dravyas for digesting Ama and Rasayana for rejuvenation and nourishment.[see source text or glossary: Drug]
41) Agnidushti (Agnidusti, Agni-dushti):
Agni-dushti refers to the impairment of digestive fire. This leads to poor digestion, formation of Ama, and subsequently undernutrition or Karsya due to failure in proper nutrient absorption.
42) Evolution:
Evolution in the context of Ayurveda refers to the transformation of one Dhatu to the next. Impaired Agni disrupts this Dhatu Parinama process, leading to malnutrition and conditions like Karsya.[see source text or glossary: Evolution]
43) Vagbhata:
Acharya Vagbhata is an ancient Ayurvedic scholar who described conditions like Ksheeraja Phakka and Bala Sosha, contributing significantly to the understanding and management of pediatric malnutrition.
44) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana therapy involves rejuvenation treatments aimed at promoting longevity, vitality, and strong immunity. It is recommended for managing Karsya to enhance nutrient absorption and overall health.
45) Kerala:
Kerala is the state in India where the authors of the article are based. The Gov. Ayurveda College in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is where the study on undernutrition in children from an Ayurvedic perspective was conducted.
46) Dushta (Dusta):
Dushta means vitiated or impure. In the context of this article, it often refers to vitiated breast milk (e.g., Vata Dushta Stanya), which can lead to undernutrition in children.
47) India:
India has the highest prevalence of undernourished children in the world, making the study of Ayurvedic approaches to managing conditions like Karsya particularly relevant and urgent.
48) Balya:
Balya refers to strength-promoting treatments and herbs used in Ayurveda. Balya therapies are part of the management of Karsya, aiming to enhance physical strength and overall health in children.[see source text or glossary: Balya]
49) Vayu:
Vayu is another term for Vata dosha, associated with movement and energy. Its imbalance can disrupt Agni and nutrient absorption, leading to conditions like Karsya characterized by emaciation and weakness.
50) Kasa (Kasha):
Kasa means cough; it is one of the symptoms associated with various nutritional deficiency disorders mentioned in Ayurveda, like Ksheeraja Phakka and Bala Sosha, contributing to overall malnourishment.
51) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis can be a cause of secondary malnutrition due to chronic illness. Ayurvedic texts like Kasyapasamhita mention symptoms that can be associated with tuberculosis-related malnutrition.[see source text or glossary: Tuberculosis]
52) Samanavayu (Samana-vayu):
Samana Vayu is a subtype of Vata dosha that governs the digestive processes. Its proper function is crucial for maintaining Agni, and its impairment can contribute to disorders like Karsya.
53) Dhatukshaya (Dhatuksaya, Dhatu-kshaya):
Dhatukshaya refers to the depletion of body tissues. In Karsya, this includes the depletion of Rasa and other Dhatus due to impaired digestion and nutrient absorption.
54) Tantumatva:
Tantumatva means 'thread-like' and describes one of the qualities of Ama. In Karsya, Ama's qualities, like Tantumatva, obstruct the body's channels, preventing proper nutrient distribution.[see source text or glossary: Tantumatva]
55) Shashtika (Sastika):
Shashtika is a type of rice valued for its nutritional qualities in Ayurveda. It is recommended as a dietary measure for Brimhana (nourishing) therapy to manage conditions like Karsya.[see source text or glossary: Shashtika]
56) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation refers to the disturbance of bodily elements (like doshas) from their balanced state. Vitiation of doshas, especially Vata and Kapha, plays a key role in the development of Karsya.
57) Parinama:
Parinama in Ayurveda refers to the transformation process of Dhatus. Impaired Agni affects this process, leading to insufficient tissue development and conditions like Karsya.[see source text or glossary: Parinama]
58) Mandagni (Manda-agni, Mamdagni):
Mandagni is a state of weak digestive fire. It leads to poor digestion and the formation of Ama, contributing significantly to the development of undernutrition and Karsya in children.
59) Upadrava:
Upadrava means complications or secondary issues arising from a primary disease. Conditions like fever, cough, and abdominal issues are listed as potential Upadravas of Karsya.
60) Prakriti (Prakrti):
Prakriti refers to an individual's constitution, primarily based on the balance of the three doshas. Children predominantly have Kapha prakriti, influencing their nutritional needs and susceptibility to conditions like Karsya.[see source text or glossary: Prakriti]
61) Agnisada (Agni-sada):
Agnisada is a term for poor digestive fire. It is a symptom and contributing factor in the development of conditions like Karsya, where proper digestion and nutrient absorption are impaired.
62) Snigdha:
Snigdha means unctuous or oily. Snigdha Udwartana and Taila Abhyanga are recommended in Ayurveda for managing Karsya to nourish the body and improve nutrient absorption.
63) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya is the astringent taste. Excessive intake of astringent foods can cause dryness and contribute to malnutrition and conditions like Karsya by impairing digestion and nutrient absorption.
64) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita is clarified butter or ghee. It is used in Ayurvedic treatments for its nourishing properties, particularly in therapies like Brimhana to manage undernutrition and conditions like Karsya.
65) Samana (Shamana):
Samana Vayu is a subtype of Vata responsible for the regulation of Agni and digestion. Imbalance in Samana can lead to impaired nutritional absorption and conditions like Karsya.[see source text or glossary: Samana]
66) Vihara:
Vihara refers to lifestyle practices. Proper Vihara, including adequate sleep, physical activity, and stress management, is crucial in managing Karsya by supporting overall health and digestion.
67) Guruta:
Guruta signifies heaviness, a quality of Ama (toxins) that obstructs body channels, leading to undernutrition and conditions like Karsya by preventing proper nutrient distribution.
68) Madura:
Madura means 'sweet' and is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. Excessive preference for Madhura Rasa among children can aggravate Kapha, affecting digestion and contributing to Karsya.
69) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas are the bodily channels through which nutrients are transported. Obstruction of Srotas by Ama or other factors is a key issue in Karsya, affecting nutrient delivery and tissue formation.
70) Chinta:
Chinta means worry. Mental stress, including Chinta, can impair digestive functions and contribute to conditions like Karsya by affecting Agni and nutrient absorption.
71) Nature:
Nature in Ayurveda often refers to an individual's Prakriti, which influences their health and susceptibility to conditions. Children have a delicate nature (Soukumaryatha) making them prone to issues like Karsya.[see source text or glossary: Nature]
72) Acara:
Achara refers to conduct or behavior. Proper lifestyle practices and behavior (Achara) are important in Ayurveda for maintaining health and preventing conditions like Karsya.[see source text or glossary: Achara]
73) Bhaya:
Bhaya means fear. Emotional disturbances like Bhaya can disturb the doshas, particularly Vata, affecting Agni and digestion, thereby contributing to malnutrition conditions like Karsya.
74) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi refers to the bone tissue. It is one of the body's seven Dhatus. Impaired nutrient absorption in conditions like Karsya can lead to poor development of Asthi Dhatu, resulting in weakness.
75) Laghu:
Laghu means light. Laghu Santarpana refers to light nourishing therapies that are easier to digest and recommended in Ayurveda for managing conditions like Karsya to avoid aggravating weak digestive fire (Agni).
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 212]