Unit 1.
Introduction to Kaumarabhritya
POINT: Define Kaumarabhritya.
Definition:
• कौमारभृत्य - कौमार + भृत्य
• कौमारभृत्यं नाम कुमारभरणधात्रीक्षीरदोषसंशोधनाथर् दुष्टस्तन्यग्रहसमुत्थानां व्यािधनामुपशमनाथर् च। (Su.Su.1)
• कुमारस्य भरणमिधकृतं कौमारभृत्यम् । (Cha.Su.30/20)
• गभोर्पक्रमिवज्ञान सूितकोपक्रमस्तथा ।
• बालानां रोगशमनी िक्रया बालिचिकित्सतम् ॥ (Ha.Sam. Pratham 2/17)
Kaumarbhritya defined as the branch that deals with following aspects:
1. Kaumarbharanam - Management of child
2. Dhatrikshiradoshasamshodhanartham - Purification of Dhatri Kshiradushti
3 . Dushtastanyagrahasamuthanam Vyadhinam Upashamanartham: Management of the diseases developed due to
Stanyadushti and Grahadushti.
• Kaumarbhritya deals with management of the child, purification of the breast milk and treatment of the child
disorders.
• The branch that gives detail description about Kaumarbharanam (management of child) is called Kaumarbhritya.
(Cha.Su.30/20)
• Acharya Harita adds some more Upakrama (management) in the field of Kaumarbhritya. (Harita Sam. Pra. 2/17)
गभोर्पक्रमिवज्ञान - Antenatal care
सुितकोपक्रम - Postnatal care
बालानां रोगशमनी - Management of the child diseases.
• Garbhopakrama Vigyana knowledge about Garbhopakrama (management of Garbha) is necessary for coming child.
• Sutikopakrama is also necessary because at this stage baby gets nourishment from the mother
Kumaara bharanam
A child should be born and brought up in unimpaired circumstances. The social, biological, economical, mental, physical
and political factors should be made pleasing by his care takers. Then only he will be competent enough to fit in to the
famity and society. The word Bharanam carries all these dimensions. A child after proper care will show all the positive
features of a healthy kid as explained by Acharya Kasyapa.
तथा बालानां रूिषतरूिदतस्वप्नप्रजागरक्रोधहष-र् िवसगादान
र् पङ्िक्तस्थैयर् गाम्भीयािर् ण - युक्तािन गुणािधकािन प्रशस्यन्त इित। (K.S.Su.28/6)
Properly cherished kid shows sufficient happiness, crying, sleep, awakening. anger, evacuation (urine and faecal output),
food intake, digestive power and stability.
Ksheera Dosha and Dusta stanyaja disorders
संभविन्त महारोगा अशुद्धक्षीर सेवनात् । तेषामेवोपशािन्तस्तु शुद्धक्षीरिनषेवणात् ।। (K.S. Su.19/27)
A child is supposed to be excessively dependent on breast milk during first 6 months for their nutritional needs. These 6
months are highly crucial and determinant so far a child's growth and development is concerned. So providing healthy
and nutritious breast milk is the duty of paediatrician. Moreover breast milk is an ideal medicine for many ailments too.
So the field of Kaumarabhritya covers all the protective measures to have good breast milk curative measures to the
diseases from diseased breast milk and treatment to the stanyadushti.
Grahabaadha
Grahaas are invisible causative agents of diseases in children. Graharogas are acute infectious diseases with
immediate progression and fatal outcome. As infancy is in an immuno compromised age utmost care should be
taken to prevent these health hazards. This concern was well explained by Acharya Kasyapa as
ये च त्वां पूजियष्यिन्त श्रद्धाना जना भुिव-नैतेषां सवर् भूतेभ्यो भिवष्यित भयं कविचत् ।।
Unit 1. Introduction to Kaumarabhritya
POINT: Enlist the scope and importance of Kaumarabhritya.
About This Branch:
• Developmental feature of any science is its presentation in a classified form. Ayurveda in its path of development
divided into eight branches known as Ashtanga Ayurveda even at the time of Bhrihatrayees. Kaumarabhritya is one
and important of Ashtangas.
IMPORTANCE AND SCOPE OF KAUMARBHRITYA:
1. कौमारभृत्यमष्टानां तन्त्राणामायमुच्यते । (Ka. Sam.Vi.) Kaumarbhritya is considered as Adhya Tantra (First) branch of Ayurveda
among all eight branches according to Kashyap Samhita and it has been compared with Havyapa (Agnideva) among
all other Devas, as the Agnideva is Pradhana among all Devas.
2. The medicine of the Child should be Hridya that can be palatable for child. The dose of the medicine (Pramanam)
and Upakrama (Treatment protocol) in children is totally different.
3. According to Ashtang Hridya, Balachikitsa is kept just after Kayachikitsa.
4. Balyavastha is considered as the period of Growth and Development. The healthy person can achieve its complete
growth and development during childhood period.
5. The Diet of the child is totally different. According to Kashyap Samhita the Phalaprashan Samskara should perform
at the age of 6 month and Annaprashana Samskara should perform at the age of 10 month. The diet of the child is
variable according to age.
6. The Diseases developed in the children are different according to their age and the development of the child. For
e.g. Linagarbha, Mudhagarbha can be seen during intrauterine life. Dushta Stanyajanya Vikara can be seen during
Kshirapa Avastha.
7. Most of the Anuvamshika Vyadhi (Inheritance diseases) can be seen during childhood period.
8. The Diagnostic method of the disease in children is different. Child cannot be saying the difficulties in their own
language. Acharya Kashyap described Vedanadhyaya for the diagnosis of the disease.
9. The Examination method of the child is different. Acharya Kashyap defined Lakshanadhyaya for Parikshana.
10. The Chikitsa Siddhanta (Treatment protocol) is different in children. Selection of the medicine, Dose and treatment
protocol is different in children.
11. Some Samskaras (to add some good or specific quality) performed during childhood period e.g. Namakaran,
Nishkraman Samskara their detail description given in Kaumarbhritya.
12. Care of the children is described separately in Samhitas.
13. Kridanaka (Toys), Kridabhumi (Playground) and Kumaragar is described separately because they are important for
the child's mental growth
14. Acharya Kashyap described Lehadhyaya because the child's healthy and diseased, both conditions are depending
upon Lehana. Different Lehana Dravyas described in this chapter. Lehana is important measure for children
Unit 1. Introduction to Kaumarabhritya
POINT: Enlist the scope and importance of Kaumarabhritya..
Importance of Kashyapa Samhita in Kaumarabhritya:
• Lehanam Adhyaya = An entire chapter dedicated to Lehana for children.
• Specific posology for drug administration and shodhana dravya for children. Acharya Kashyapa has emphasized the
importance of therapeutic dose for children. Further, he explained to make the formulation palatable for the children.
• The significance of the best quality of milk for proper physical & mental growth & development has been described.
• Dentistry = Description of the physiology of teeth eruption with reference to its time and fall of temporary teeth, ideal
dental arrangement.
• Vedanam Adhyaya = An entire chapter dedicated to 34 diseases of children along with their Purvaroopa & Pratyatma
Lakshana.
• In context of Balagraha, 20 Grahas have been discussed and each one of these is different from that told by other
authors.
• A special chapter has been dedicated for Dhatri-Chikitsa and Yoga like Bala Taila, Rasna Taila & Meena Taila.
• The treatment principles of eye-disorders in children are described.
• Acharya Kashyapa considered Ahara as Mahabhaishaja and explains its importance for growth & development of
children.
• Kheela Bhaga is found only in Kashyapa Samhita.
• In Sveda Adhyava, Asthavidha Sveda which can be administered to children has been enlisted.
• Nasya and its administraton with special reference to Bala has been explained.
• The best type of drinking water for a child based on different seasons has been mentioned
Speciality:
The health problems of children are different from those of adults because of the following aspects:
1. सोकुमायता र् – Children are highly vulnerable due to sukumaaratwam,
2. अल्पकायता - Lower body mass index in comparison with adults.
3. सवान्नानु
र् पसेवता - Children cannot consume all types of food.
4. अपिरपक्वधातु - Immature dhaatu status of children
5. दोषदू ष्यमलाल्पता - Quantitatively and qualitatively doshas and dushyas are less.
6. असमत्वागतप्राणदोषधातुबलौजसा - Equilibrium of functional and structural entities of children is unstable.The
pratyaagata Praana is not in samaavastha (stable). The praana may go to asamaavastha with very simple
reasons. Same is happening with dosha, dhaatu, bala and ojus due to immaturity of the body. The stability of
these bodily factors will be gained only after 30 years of age according to Charakacharya.
7. अजातव्यञ्जनम् - childreu have not developed secondary sexual characters. Here the term vyanjanam is the
feature indicative of secondary sexual characters (smasruaadikam).
8. आहारसंकरात् अिनयतविह्न the status of agni in children is unstable as they are not acclimatized with different
states of food materials (solid, liquids, semi solids).
9. मधुरसात्म्यम्-children are more fond of madhura rasa and it yields better health in them.
10. वाक् चेष्टयोरसामथ्यम्
र् - children cannot properly express their needs through language and action.
• The character of a human being is moulded right from the childhood by the interaction with paediatrician,
parents, teachers and society. Among them, the paediatrician plays an important role as he deals with the
health of the child, which is considered as the wealth for a lifetime (शरीरमाद्यं खलु धमसाधनम्
र् ).
Unit 1. Introduction to Kaumarabhritya
POINT: Explain the term Jatamatra, Navajata, Sadyojata, Bala, and Kumara..
Jatamatra :
• Refers to the, baby immediately after birth.
• The sisuparicharya mentioned in the Ashtanga Hridaya indicates this meaning.
• Jatamatra has been used synonymously with sadyojaata in Ashtanga Samgraha. Hence, jaatamaatra can be
defined as the period immediately after birth up to the cutting of the umbilical cord.
• The Jaatamaatra sisu paricharya includes:
PRAANA PRATYAAGAMANAM(Jata karma kriya according to Charakasamhita),
ULBA PARIMAARJANAM, MUKHA VISODHANAM, GARBHODAKA VAMANAM,
NABHEE NAALA CHEDANAM.
Sadyojata:
• Refers to first 24 hours of age.
• The sadyo jataa paricharya includes following procedures in addition to the Jaata matra sisu paricharya namely,
TAILA PARISHEKAM, SNAANAM, PICHU DHAARANAM, UDAKA KUMBHA STHAAPANAM, PRAASANAM for the first day.
Navajata :
• Can be referred as the baby of 120 days of age.
• The Navajaata sisu paricharya includes jaatamaatra paricharya, sadyo jaata paricharya and all other samskaaras
up to 120 days.
• Purely out of academic interest, Navajaata sisu paricharya can be considered to include those up to the
samskaara of NISHKRAAMANAM.PRAASANAM after first day, STANYA PAANAM, RAKSHA KARMAM,
NISHKRAAMANAM.
Bala :
• बलेन न्यून इित। Having less strength.
• Up to age of 1 year.
• Susruta mentioned as Kshirapa(Su.Su.35) means exclusive milk feeding period.
Kumara :
• क्रीडायाम् इित कौमारः ।(अमरकोश)
• During this period, the child will spend most of its time playing and hence it is called Kumara.
• from 1 year to 16 year
Shishu :
• अितशय शयन इित िशशुः। (अमरकोश)
• Child takes excessive sleep and hence it is called Shishu.
Unit 1. Introduction to Kaumarabhritya
POINT: Explain Vayo Bheda. Enlist terminologies associated with different stages of life.
Unit 1. Introduction to Kaumarabhritya
POINT: Explain Vayo Bheda. Enlist terminologies associated with different stages of life.
🧠
Unit 1. Introduction to Kaumarabhritya
POINT: Explain Vayo Bheda. Enlist terminologies associated with different stages of life.
Modern Classification of Age
Modern Classification of Age (Based on Recent Advances)
Age Range
Age Category (approx.) Description 1 Neonate
• Age: 0–28 days
Neonate 0–28 days Newborn phase; critical period • Key Traits: Critical adaptation phase; high medical attention.
for adaptation to extrauterine 2 Infant
life.
• Age: 1 month–1 year
• Key Traits: Rapid growth, dependency, immunization period.
Infant 1 month–1 year Rapid physical and cognitive
development; high vulnerability. 3 Toddler
• Age: 1–3 years
Toddler 1–3 years Motor skills and language • Key Traits: Beginning of mobility, language development.
development; autonomy begins. 4 Preschool Child
• Age: 3–5 years
Preschool 3–5 years Socialization, imagination, early • Key Traits: Social interaction, foundational learning.
learning phase. 5 School-age Child
• Age: 6–12 years
Childhood 6–12 years Cognitive growth, foundational • Key Traits: Formal education, cognitive and moral
education, identity begins. development.
6 Adolescent
Adolescence 13–18 years Puberty, emotional maturation, • Age: 13–18 years
search for independence.
• Key Traits: Puberty, identity formation, emotional changes.
7 Emerging Adult (New concept)
Emerging 18–25 years (New concept) Transitional
Adulthood phase, identity exploration, • Age: 18–25 years
financial and emotional • Key Traits: Exploration of identity, delayed independence;
dependence. transitional stage.
8 Young Adult
Young 26–39 years Career building, intimate • Age: 26–39 years
Adulthood relationships, often parenting. • Key Traits: Career development, relationships, family
planning.
Middle 40–64 years Stability, peak productivity, 9 Middle-aged Adult
Adulthood possible mid-life reassessment. • Age: 40–64 years
• Key Traits: Peak productivity, possible midlife crisis, health
Late 65–79 years Retirement, grandparenting,
concerns begin.
Adulthood active aging.
10 Young-old (Subcategory of elderly)
Old Age / 80+ years Increased dependence, risk of
• Age: 65–74 years
Elderly frailty, but may include • Key Traits: Often active, recently retired, relatively healthy.
“successful agers.” 11 Old-old
• Age: 75–84 years
• Key Traits: Increased risk of chronic illness and dependency.
12 Oldest-old
Rationale Behind Modern Age Classification • Age: 85+ years
1 Developmental Psychology: Age stages reflect major • Key Traits: Frailty, significant support needs, but can include
developmental milestones (e.g., Erikson’s psychosocial “successful agers.”
stages). 13 Centenarian
2 Biological Age vs. Chronological Age: People age • Age: 100+ years
differently based on genetics, lifestyle, and environment. A • Key Traits: Rare longevity, often studied in gerontology
70-year-old marathon runner may be biologically younger
than a sedentary 50-year-old.
3 Societal Shifts: Trends like delayed marriage, higher
education, and increased lifespan have led to newer
categories like "emerging adulthood."
4 Medical and Policy Relevance: Health risk profiles,
healthcare needs, and policy (e.g., pediatric vs. geriatric
care) often depend on precise age classifications.
5 Gerontology Advances: Aging is now understood as
multifaceted (cognitive, physical, emotional), prompting
distinctions like:
• Young-old (65–74)
• Old-old (75–84)
• Oldest-old (85+)
