PEDIATRIC CARE THROUGH LEHANA YOGA: A REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Lehana yoga (Licking of medicine) is a treatment procedure and a traditional birth ritual described by Ayurveda for enhancing children's nutrition, immunity, and cognition. It is advised during infancy and childhood. The objective of this study is to review Lehana Karama, mentioned in Ayurveda. The study was carried out as a review study and data was collected from Ayurveda authentic texts, previously published research papers, and journal articles. As per the findings, Infants are defenseless against several contaminants and the rate of growth and development is very high. In this manner, Ayurveda depicts Lehana to enhance growth and development as well as to provide non-specific immunity against infections. Acharya Susrutha has described four Lehana recipes which contain Swarna (gold) and a few other herbal recipes. Acharya Kashyapa has given a comprehensive description of Lehana Karma including indications, contraindications, and Lehana yoga. Most importantly Acharya Kashayapa praised Swarnaprashana a Lehana recipe that has been made up of Swarna (gold), Madhu (bee honey), and Ghrita (ghee). Acharya Susrutha also prescribed this recipe during the Jata karma (birth ritual). Moreover, Acharya Charaka, Acharya Vaghbhata, and Acharya Haritha have also described a few recipes. Ayurveda provides details on Lehana which can help in the prevention of recurrent infections and also provide nutritional supplements. Both medical systems described it as a birth ritual and a therapeutic measure.

Keywords: - Ayurveda, Pediatrics care, Lehana yoga