Management of Pain in Children through Ayurveda: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Pain is the feeling of discomfort, most of the time, it refers to physical discomfort. Children often suffer from various kinds of pain, including abdominal pain and pain due to sports injuries. Unrelieved pain may be detrimental psychologically and physically from the start. A child’s quality of life can be significantly impacted by pain if it is not addressed and treated at an early age, affecting their mood, sleep, hunger, attendance at school, academic performance, and extracurricular activities. Pain management in paediatric populations poses unique challenges, necessitating a comprehensive and holistic approach. However, the use of Ayurvedic therapies can be very effective in the management of pain in children, though it is not specifically defined by any authors or researchers. This paper offers a review of the literature with a particular focus on how Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system that emphasizes the harmony of the body, mind, and spirit, might be utilised to treat paediatric pain. This study includes the exploration of the historical roots of Ayurveda and its traditional applications for managing pain in children, including dietary guidelines and non pharmacological interventions like Abhyanga (oil massage) and Swedana (sudation therapy).

Keywords

• angmardprashaman
• shool
• swedana
• vedanasthapana