AMLAPITTA IN THE LIGHT OF ACHARYA KASHYAPA: AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON INFANTILE COLIC AND GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX IN NEWBORNS

Abstract

Background

Digestive disturbances during infancy are among the most common reasons for pediatric consultation, with gastroesophageal reflux and infantile colic frequently affecting otherwise healthy newborns. Although these conditions are generally self-limiting, their multifactorial nature and incompletely understood pathogenesis continue to challenge clinicians and researchers. Classical Ayurvedic literature, particularly Kashyapa Samhita, provides a detailed account of infant nutrition, digestive physiology, and disease processes, offering valuable insights into pediatric gastrointestinal health.

Objective

To examine the concept of Amlapitta in the light of Acharya Kashyapa's teachings and explore its relevance in understanding gastroesophageal reflux and infantile colic in newborns through a comparative review of Ayurvedic and contemporary scientific perspectives.

Methods

A narrative review of classical Ayurvedic texts, with special emphasis on Kashyapa Samhita, was undertaken alongside a review of contemporary literature pertaining to neonatal digestive physiology, gastroesophageal reflux, infantile colic, maternal influences, gut microbiota, and gut-brain interactions. Similarities and distinctions between Ayurvedic concepts and modern biomedical explanations were critically analyzed.

Results

Kashyapa's descriptions of impaired digestion, physiological immaturity, breast milk-related disorders, and Dosha imbalance reveal noteworthy parallels with current understanding of neonatal gastrointestinal dysfunction. Clinical manifestations associated with Amlapitta, including regurgitation, feeding intolerance, irritability, disturbed sleep, and digestive discomfort, share similarities with symptoms commonly observed in gastroesophageal reflux and infantile colic. Furthermore, Kashyapa's emphasis on maternal diet, breast milk quality, and digestive health resonates with emerging evidence regarding maternal influences, microbiome development, and gut-brain communication during early life.

Conclusion

The Ayurvedic concept of Amlapitta provides a valuable interpretative framework for understanding digestive disturbances in infancy. While gastroesophageal reflux and infantile colic cannot be considered direct Ayurvedic equivalents, the observations of Acharya Kashyapa demonstrate remarkable clinical relevance when viewed alongside contemporary pediatric knowledge. Integrating these perspectives may enrich current understanding of neonatal gastrointestinal disorders and encourage future interdisciplinary research.