Pediatric mental health: identifying early warning signs through Ayurvedic concepts
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Abstract
The childhood diseases described as Bal-Rog in ancient Ayurveda science, this is the state of mental and physical development. Ayurveda consider Dhatri Stanya Dushti as causative factor of diseases in Ksheerada Avastha. The physiological participation of Dosh, mala and Dushysa are different in children as compared to adult therefore the type and prevalence of diseases are also different in children and thus pediatric care needed utilization of various approaches for the management of Bal-Rog such as herbal remedies, discipline life style, Rasayan and Panchkarma. The rising prevalence of mental health disorders in children, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behavioral disturbances, necessitates early detection and intervention. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, provides a unique framework for understanding pediatric mental health through concepts such as Prakriti (constitution), Manasika Doshas (mental humors), and Balagraha (psycho-spiritual influences in children). This review explores early warning signs of mental health issues in children from an Ayurvedic perspective, supported by classical texts and contemporary research.
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