Traditional approaches for the management of Bala Roga: An Ayurveda perspective

Abstract

Shishu, Bala or Kumara Avastha means childhood age described by traditional science of Indian medical system, the basic features of this age group are; lack of sexual desire, sleeping tendency and Kumara Shrira, this is an age of mental and physical development. Kaumarabhrityaka, Kaumarabhritya, Kumara Tantra or Kaumarabhritya encompasses information regarding pediatric diseases (Bala Roga). The ayurveda text Kaumarabhritya not only encompasses the information regarding pediatric diseases but also emphasized diseases of genital organs which may impart to the Bala Roga. Dhatri, Stanya, Dushti may be considered as disease causative factor in Ksheerada Avastha. The predominance and prevalence of Dosh, mala and Dushya are different in Kumara Avastha therefore especial attention require in this age to prevent chances of disease. This article summarizes role of traditional approaches of Ayurveda for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Bala Roga.