BABY CARE WITH AYURVEDA

Massaging or bathing your baby is the most enjoyable moment in one's life. Massaging not only helps in improving your baby's health but also helps in the mother-child bonding. Massaging is usually followed by a bath and this is the time when you can play with your baby, sing songs, splash water, teach him new words etc. Some babies do make a tantrum as they do not like to take a bath, so it is upto you to make it the most interesting and enjoyable moment for both you and your baby.

Abhyanga (Oil Massage)

Oil massage improves complexion, promotes growth and strength. Massage at night relieves exhaustion and helps the baby to get sound sleep. Neonate and infants should be given daily oil massage with Tila oil medicated with the following herbs: Bala, Sthira, Renukabija, Lotus, Brhati, Tarkari, Mustard, Kastha, Saindhava, Asvagandha, Sahadeva, Castor, Apamarga, Kapikacchu seed and Goat's milk.            Oil drops should also be instilled in the ears and in the mastoid region daily and then covered with a cotton swab soaked in Tila oil.   The following oils are used according to the constitution of the child: Vatta constitution   : Tila oil. Pitta constitution    : Coconut oil. Kapha constitution : Mustard oil.

Udvartana (Massage with Powder or Paste)

The application of medicinal herbs mixed in oil on the infants' body is known as Udvartana .The medicines Bala, Sthira, Renukabija, Lotus, Brhati, Tarkari, Mustard, Kastha, Saindhava, Asvagandha, Sahadeva, Castor, Apamarga, Kapikacchu seed should be taken in the form of fine powder and mixed with equal parts of curds and honey and three times its quantity of flour of Java .The paste of this mixture should be rubbed onto the skin after an oil massage.

Bath

The baby should be daily given a bath with warm water medicated with Jivaniya group of medicines and you could also add decoction of the skins of KsheeriVruksha, i.e. Banyan tree, Pipala, Udumbara and fragrant herbs like Sandalwood and Valaka              You could also use water warmed by dipping hot gold or silver rods in it.

Dhoopana (Fumigation)

After bath, the baby should be exposed to the smoke of the fragrant medicines. The fumigation or dhoopan methods are mainly aimed at sterilizing the environment. Some of the dhoopan yogas are claimed to have vitalizing, enlivening and invigorating properties too.              Dhoopan is served generally by burning a combination of drugs of herbal, animal and mineral origin, in or near the place where young babies are kept. They release medicated fumes and sterilize the air for prophylactic and curative purposes.              Drugs used for dhoopan in children are different gums and oleo-resins like bedellium, cedar-gum, lacca; valerian bark; lappa root; sweet flag; margosa leaves; basil leaves; sandalwood; and animal products like snake skin, hairs, horns, dried excreta and nails of different animals.

Types of Dhoopan

Kumara dhupa - Helps in growth and development. Rakshoghna dhupa - Prevents from infections especially during epidemics. Shishuka dhupa - Curative and prevents infections or          diseases especially during childhood.  Brahma dhupa - Boosts intellectual functions. Gana dhupa - Treats diseases of unknown etiology.

Apart from this a water filled vessel should be kept near the cot of the mother and child as it helps in maintaining the atmospheric humidity.