Understanding Global Developmental Delay

The term Developmental Delay or Global Development Delay is utilized when a youngster takes more time to arrive at specific improvement achievements than different kids their age. This may incorporate figuring out how to walk or talk, developmental abilities, learning new things and cooperating with others socially and inwardly.

Infants and kids for the most part master significant abilities, for example, sitting up, turning over, creeping, strolling, jabbering (giving fundamental discourse sounds), talking and becoming latrine prepared as they grow up. A youngster with Developmental Delay may not arrive at at least one of these achievements until some other time than anticipated.

This issue will come to light only after the kid is conceived. While a single cause for GDD is not available in many cases, both genetic and environmental factors seem to play roles in GDD like premature birth. This could be because of an issue that was created before birth, an issue during birth for instance, in the event that the child didn’t get sufficient oxygen, or was conceived too soon, a youth disease or an actual mishap during youth.

As they develop, kids’ advancements will be surveyed routinely and in the event that they aren’t meeting the normal formative achievements and levels of capacities, they might be alluded for additional more expert evaluation.

A few questions that everyone has about GDD is as follows:

• Are you unable to see your child not crawling or walking in the anticipated time or are they missing a milestone?
• What is the truth behind GDD?
• Does Ayurveda have any role in such cases?

At Jeevaniyam, we use ayurvedic techniques to identify this and if we suspect that if a child had GDD, we pose inquiries with respect to the youngster’s advancement till now and assess their current milestone achievement. As a second step we will provide the child with our unique protocols according to each individual. Ayurveda regimen, he can help the patient improve his physical and emotional strength.

Importance of Healthy Gut & Healthy Brain in ASD & ADHD Kids – A Technical Review

Children with ADHD and ASD have shown remarkable improvement and overall symptom reversal by using food-healing protocols that increase healthy gut microbes. This can be a great relief and blessing for families that have been following a strict gluten- and casein-free diet.

ADHD and ASD are just two of the many mental and developmental disorders that can benefit from the application of nutritional therapy to improve gut health. Gut health is important for brain health and directly affects mood and emotions. A growing number of researchers are interested in the relationship between gut microbes and brain function. According to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), approximately 90 percent of serotonin is made in the gut. Researchers at Caltech are also studying the benefits of gut flora and its direct contribution to reducing autism symptoms in mice and humans.

Ayurvedic research has shown that gut microbes are responsible for creating most of our serotonin and numerous other neurotransmitters that are essential for healthy brain function. Serotonin is necessary for the brain to experience a positive mood and be resilient to stress. Microbes in the gut also have the essential task of supporting digestion by synthesizing vitamins, fermenting things we can’t digest and producing hormones that influence our immune, endocrine and nervous systems.

There is increasing evidence suggesting a link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that patients diagnosed with ASD display alterations of the gut microbiota. These alterations do not only extend to the gut microbiota composition but also to the metabolites they produce, as a result of its connections with diet and the bidirectional interaction with the host.

At Jeevaniyam we follow a protocol with food therapy and neuro counselling which will work hand in hand and the future looks hopeful for children and families dealing with ADHD and ASD. Each child is his or her own unique being and will require an individualized protocol that is specific to that child.

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Ayurveda Feeding Practices for ASD Kids

 A healthy diet becomes one of the biggest hurdles when feeding the kid with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). It can relieve us of all the additional concerns about alternative diets. Nutrition can change the essence of your autistic kids. The good news is that Ayurveda has solutions for multiple problems.

Ayurveda has long used diet as a principal means of creating health within the body and mind. Hundreds of years before Hippocrates instructed, “Let food be thy medicine,” Ayurveda defined principles for making that advice practical.

Choosing foods according to your constitution, paying attention to food and eating as per your capacity are some of the Ayurvedic practices that could bring about a great deal of change in your overall well-being.

Cultivating healthy eating habits is essential for maintaining healthy body weight and the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda has some principles pertaining to just that. Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that goes back 4000 years. It believes in maintaining the balance of the bodily system through diet, natural herbs and some yogic practices.

A lot of these Ayurvedic practices are being studied in labs across the world and many of these practices have been shown to have scientific backing too. An ideal Ayurvedic diet talks about many eating habits that have the potential to cure so many of our modern and urban woes.

key areas Ayurveda concentrate related to food:

• Digestion – Eating involves sight, smell, taste, chewing, swallowing and digestion. Suitable nourishing diet for each individual need to be set and monitored by the Ayurvedic professional.
• Allergies – Individuals need to be monitored for food allergies.
• Toxins – causes of illness could be related to undigested, unsuitable foods that can lead to the accumulation of toxic material.

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Why Gluten-Free/Casein-Free Diets For ASD Affected Children

One of the most important issues faced by parents having children affected with ASD is eating disorders. This will result in lower gut health thereby affecting the general health of the child. In Ayurveda we manage this gap by suggesting & cultivating healthy food habits for the kids.

A gluten-free/casein-free diet is also known as the GFCF diet. It is one of several alternative treatments for children with autism. When following this strict elimination diet, all foods containing gluten (found in wheat, barley and rye) and casein (found in milk and dairy products) are removed from the child's daily food intake. The benefit of a gluten-free/casein-free diet is based on the theory that children with autism may have an allergy or high sensitivity to foods containing gluten or casein.

Children with autism, according to the theory, process peptides and proteins in foods containing gluten and casein differently than other people do. Hypothetically, this difference in processing may exacerbate autistic symptoms. Some believe that the brain treats these proteins like false opiate-like chemicals. The reaction to these chemicals, they say, leads a child to act in a certain way. The idea behind the use of the diet is to reduce symptoms and improve social and cognitive behaviours and speech.

Autistic children can be notoriously fussy eaters, this diet may be very difficult to implement. Also, some supporters of this diet suggest parents stick with the diet for a year ideally, which can be a long time simply to evaluate this type of intervention.

Cutting any food from one’s diet unnecessarily and without guidance from a dietitian or other medical professional may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients. There have only been a few scientific studies regarding whether a gluten and casein-free diet is effective for those with ASD. It is important to make sure that the child (or other people) receives ample fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Ayurveda feeding practices and dietary interventions will help your child to have a healthy gut and a healthy brain.

At Jeevaniyam once we adopt these kinds of diet changes and make sure there are no deficiencies for our young patients, the majority of their parents reported significant improvements in various aspects of their child’s wellbeing on a gluten and/or milk-free diet with significant improvements in bowel habits, general health, sleeping patterns, concentration and social communication. 

Dietary interventions & Correct Feeding Practices In An ASD Child

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are commonly affected by eating disorders. Parents and loved ones of individuals with autism know only too well that autism often goes hand-in-hand with picky eating. Children and adults with autism may exhibit strong food preferences and aversions, making it difficult to give them a nutritious diet. 

This is a vicious cycle, because various nutrient deficiencies, suboptimal digestive function, and gastrointestinal problems—which many individuals with autism also exhibit—may exacerbate the behavioural aspects of the condition. Their preference for energy-dense food with low nutrition can alter their metabolism, leading to the accumulation of oxidative radicals, causing them to deteriorate mentally and physically. Although dieting and losing weight are now commonly seen in the general population, it has become hard to bring awareness to children with special needs about diet, nutrition, and obesity. Despite efforts, parents of such children usually cannot help control their eating because tantrums and behavioural problems are common.

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are the commonest population to manifest with an eating disorder when compared to the general population. Recent studies indicate that up to three percent of children or at least 23 in 1000 children in India may have autism and ASD with eating disorders. Many studies also indicate that parents of children with ASD have no formal education, belong to high socioeconomic status, have reduced sleep and affective problems that significantly contribute to their condition. Reports indicate that at least 30 percent of autistic children fall under the obese category. It is now imperative for doctors and parents to work alongside nutritionists and dieticians to help these children eat healthy to be fit and improve their quality of life. A trial and error of diets is a must to see what suits them best.

At Jeevaniyam it is our duty as doctors to educate parents to nourish the culture of eating healthy as children with special needs may not completely understand the concept and the benefits of healthy and nutritious food. We prescribe diet patterns which are rich in macronutrients such as proteins, fats, and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, acts as antioxidants and improves these children’s better functioning. This will help in improving the gut health thereby reducing the stress that is suffered by children.

Ayurvedic Perspective of Autism -Dr.Reshmi Pramod

 

Ayurvedic Perspective of Autism

To know and understand the hassles of autism, you need to be up close to a person suffering from it. One of the most difficult factors of coping with autism is that the physical and emotional behaviour of one with autism keeps varying. Hence, it makes ASD a challenging one. This peculiarity of ASD makes it one of the hardest to deal with due to its severity.  Among the researches conducted for managing ASD in Ayurveda and Alternative medicine, The Agastya protocol is one of the most renowned ones. The Agastya protocol portrays great signs of management when it comes to ASD cases among patients.

Ayurveda is the famous traditional system of medicine practised in India thousands of years ago. The word implies the science of life in Sanskrit. In Ayurveda, we have 8 links known as Ashtanga and one of the major links is known as Kaumara Brityam which deals with the health issues of kids below the age of 16 years. This link details you to have a healthy prodigy and the various regimes to be practised to have a healthy individual right from infancy. This also suggests various medicines, treatments and procedures to be done to improve health, management of diseases and mental functions associated with children.

Neuro-developmental disorders are considered as the clinical manifestation of an angry Vaata dosha, one among the mighty tridoshas or basic functional units in most cases. Though it is stated that controlling Vata is a difficult task, many medicines & therapies are there to be done in such cases. 

According to Ayurveda studies, a new era in medical science has dawned with the realization of the critical role of the “forgotten organ”, the gut microbiota, in health and disease. Central to this beneficial interaction between the microbiota and host is the way bacteria and most likely other microorganisms contained within the gut communicate with the host’s immune system and participate in a variety of metabolic processes of mutual benefit to the host and the microbe.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by stereotyped behaviour and deficits in communication and social interactions. Gastrointestinal (GI) Dysfunction is ASD-associated comorbidity, implying a potential role of the gut microbiota in ASD GI pathophysiology. Several recent studies found that autistic individuals harbour an altered bacterial gut microbiota. In some cases, remodelling the gut microbiota can alleviate the symptoms of ASD.

The gut consists of millions of microbiotas, and we hypothesize that the microbiota and its metabolites might be involved in the pathophysiology of ASD. In Ayurveda, all Psychosocial abnormalities have been included under the category of Unmada. A defective digestive and metabolic function are postulated as the root cause of Unmada, leading to systemic accumulation of metabolic wastes (Dhatu Gautama). The metabolic wastes act as systemic toxins and impair the functional integrity of the brain.

Ayurveda can give wonderful results in differently-abled children when united with supportive & integrated therapies. Proper diet, lifestyle modifications and organic herbal formulations can help the child’s body systems function in a better way.  

One of the primary treatment protocols in Ayurveda is Ama Chikilsa in which Ama means – “Undigested Food Particles transformed into toxins”. In this protocol, the first step of treatment should always be the management of ama which is the root cause of that disease. This will help in metabolic correction and detoxification of the body, which in return will give the kid a better appetite and stabilize the brain stress that is created by ama.

At Jeevaniyam, with the unique blend of Ayurveda we use the Agastya protocol to manage ASD at three levels: 

• At the bodily level starting with Ama Chikilsa which takes out the toxins and heavy metals from your body clearing channels which in turn results in improvement of the microbiome in the gut, resetting the metabolism to an appropriate manner. 
• At the mental level by correcting the higher mental functions and correcting the brain pathogenesis.
• At the conscious level correcting the energy mechanism or the biological rhythm.

Along with the ayurvedic protocols we also have regular integrated therapies are also performed. We also introduce dietary and lifestyle inventions throughout the treatment period that enhances the kid to face challenges and cross all the obstacles that can make them a better person in society. 

Developmental Delays in Children with ASD

Understanding ASD

ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a disorder of the brain that affects social communication with narrowed patterns of behavior and interests. This condition is described as a "spectrum” because no two people with ASD display similar signs and symptoms. Yet, social interactions,  body language, sensory input etc. are some of the common areas where an autistic child has problems.

Developmental Delays and ASD

A typical child’s development is monitored with developmental milestones like smiling, rolling over, and sitting up in the early months to learning language, physical, cognitive and emotional skills at later stages. Children with ASD struggle to reach all of their developmental milestones in the appropriate time. Parents should watch out for the following problems in their children at an early age:

•     Inability to play with simple toys and puzzles
•     Inability to speak complete sentences
•     Does not make eye contact
•     Do not comprehend simple instructions
•     Does not play with other children and avoid social interactions

Early Intervention Programme at Jeevaniyam

The early intervention programme curated at Jeevaniyam provides support for children with ASD to deal with their developmental delays and other additional needs. It includes therapies like behavior therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, medicines, education and all other support required to help children develop the skills to perform their everyday activities. We offer a multidisciplinary approach to help kids communicate better, develop their social skills, bring down repetition and bad behavior, help them learn and understand better and also to be safe by  taking care of themselves. If you think your child has delayed developmental milestones, book an appointment with us, as the earlier the diagnosis the better it is for the child.

Blog reviewed by:Dr Reshmi Pramod

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Training Special Children to an Inclusive Education

While raising a child with special needs, one of the biggest dilemmas the parents face is about the kind of education that will suit the child. Educating them with a trained instructor who specializes in special needs education or giving them integrated/inclusive education along with other students can be a difficult decision to make. Although a special needs class will have teachers with strong professional backgrounds working with special needs students, some parents believe that this separate learning environment leads to segregation rather than equal education. This is the reason why inclusive learning environments are growing popular.

Inclusive education means to educate children with special needs in a mainstream school along with children who do not have disabilities, instead of a special needs school. This inclusive approach may have many benefits to the special child like:

• It exposes the child to face the general atmosphere
• The quality of education and classroom environment will remain same
• Children without disabilities act as models to help them learn social skills and make them more independent
• Removes the social stigma of being differently abled due to early sensitization

Being in a normal classroom itself can be a great learning experience for the special needs child. At Jeevaniyam, we provide training for your child to get adapted in a normal school environment by increasing their sitting tolerance and attention span, improving their writing and social skills, helping them follow the teacher's instructions and reduce behaviors that can harm others. With our support, you can go forward to get the best education for your child.

Blog reviewed by:Dr Reshmi Pramod

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What’s the Importance of sound sleep?

Needless to mention that a sound sleep is incredibly significant for one’s health. A sound sleep is as important as eating healthy & exercising. As far as children are concerned, lack of sleep may adversely affect their physical as well as mental growth. Sleep deprivation among children is not only detrimental to their wellbeing but also disrupts life of parents.

What is the difference between melatonin & serotonin?

 Melatonin facilitates relaxed and restful sleep while serotonin is a feel-good hormone that enhances positivity & relaxation. Both these hormones perform opposite tasks but they must work in harmony to keep the body balanced.

How lifestyle affects sleep?

Lifestyle is one of the major causes behind sleep deprivation. Parents must try to develop a regular sleep-wake schedule among children. Besides, they can also set a pre-bedtime routine like doing something every night before going to bed.

How food and sleep are interlinked?

Regular meals facilitate setting our biological clock & helps balance our sleep-wake rhythm. Children must take dinner several hours before bedtime. Also make sure that they are not eating snack in the middle of the night.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SLEEP PROBLEMS IN AUTISTIC CHILDREN?

 The causes of sleep problems in autistic children may include anxiety, night terrors and nightmares, bedwetting, illnesses and health conditions, biological causes, snoring, social communication difficulties, restless sleep, etc.

 WHAT CAN BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SLEEP PROBLEMS?

 Lack of proper sleep may have serious adverse effects on a child's life & overall health. Studies suggest that the following problems are associated with children with autism:

• Depression
• Irritability
• Behavioral problems
• Poor learning & cognitive performance
• Hyperactivity

Studies also suggest that the parents of children with autism also sleep less and may have poor sleep quality. They also wake up earlier than parents of children without autism.

HOW AYURVEDA HELPS TO IMPROVE SLEEP IN CHILDREN WITH ASD?

 Ayurvedic interventions offer the use of detoxification and purification therapies to reduce the effect of triggering factors. Ayurvedic Treatment focuses to remove any stress (external and internal) that the child may be undergoing, promotes a healthy lifestyle & slowly leads to normal sleep patterns.

JEEVANIYAM, A RELIABLE NAME TO GET EFFECTIVE AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

Jeevaniyam provides very effective and advanced Ayurvedic treatment to children with ASD to get rid of sleeping problems. Besides ayurveda treatment, Jeevaniyam provides music therapy, sensor integration therapy ,life style management and Humigation.

Sensory integration therapy helps children with sensory-processing problems like ASDs. The therapy is designed in a play-oriented manner and includes the use of equipment like slides, trampolines and swings. Sensory integration therapy clams an anxious child and improves child’s threshold for facing sensory-rich environments.

Music therapy enhances sleep because of its effects on the regulation of hormones. Music therapy reduces the level of stress hormone cortisol and triggers the release of good hormone dopamine. This therapy improves sleep by soothing autonomic nervous system. Physical & psychological responses to music are found to be effective in triggering sound sleep.

Fumigating is another therapy to facilitate sound sleep. Under this therapy, the room is fumigated with medicated powders and builds suitable environment.

Blog reviewed by:Dr Reshmi Pramod

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Importance of Sensory Integration in ASD

Sensory disorders in ASD ( Autism Spectrum Disorder) refer to the dysfunctional sensory system of a child or an adult with autism. Along with developmental disabilities, sensory problems are being recognised to be a major cause of behavioural issues such as hand-flapping, spinning and rocking. Sensory dysfunctions are considered to be quite disabling as they greatly interfere with various everyday activities.

What is Sensory Integration?

A therapy-based intervention, sensory integration is used to help children and adults to use all their senses, such as taste, touch, smell, hearing and sight, together. Many therapists strongly feel that such an intervention can also be very helpful for those autistic children who have difficulties in emotional regulation.

What does Sensory Integration involve?

Sensory Integration is an occupational therapy that is offered by specially trained occupational therapists. It involves various sensory activities that further help a child to respond to light, sound, smell and other inputs appropriately. The result of such techniques is improved behaviour, lowered anxiety levels and also better focus. Many experts, therefore, believe that Sensory Integration makes a real difference as it helps children manage their cravings and sensitivities.

How does Sensory Integration work?

Let us take a look at the various aspects of sensory integration therapy:

• Sensory and motor activities
• Basic Adaptations in the Environment
• Sensory Diet Programmes
• Education to parents, family members, caregivers about the sensory functions and ways and means to diminish the negative impact on the child or adult with autism.

Over the past few years, there have been many kinds of researches and studies that have shown the effectiveness of sensory integration therapy for individuals with autism. Today, this therapy is considered to be one of the most utilised and requested interventions for autism.

Blog reviewed by:Dr Reshmi Pramod

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Behavioural Disorders in Children

When it comes to children almost all of them are often naughty, sometimes a little defiant and impulsive too. Though, this kind of behaviour is often considered to be normal, tantrums that occur a little too frequently can be worrisome for the parents.

What are Behavioural Disorders?

When a child shows a pattern of disruptive behaviour that leads to problems at home, school and in the peer group, it may be referred to as a behavioural disorder. It is rare that a child who is below 5 years of age would receive a diagnosis of a behavioural disorder, nevertheless, he/she may show symptoms of a disorder that may be diagnosed later in their childhood, for instance:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Anxiety Disorder
• Depression
• Learning Disorder

What Causes Behavioural Disorders in Children?

Though the exact causes of major behavioural disorders are not really known, there are certain risk factors that include:

    • Gestation

A difficult or risky pregnancy, premature birth, birth weight abnormalities can cause a behavioural disorder later in life.

    • Gender of the Child

Behavioural disorders are found more commonly in boys as compared to girls.

    • Temperament of the Child

A child who shows aggression early in life is more likely to develop a behavioural disorder in life.

    • Dysfunctional Families

Children who grow up in an abusive household, broken family, poor environment tend to develop behavioural disorders.

Can Behavioural Disorders be Treated?

If such disorders are left untreated, they can make a child grow up to become a dysfunctional adult. Early intervention can greatly help a child in the long run. The following can contribute too:

• Parental Education
• Family Therapy
• Treatment of Associated Problems
• Encouragement
• Medication

Takeaway

Raising children is never easy, but if your child is showing behavioural disorders, the sooner you realise it, the better. Many of these disorders have symptoms that are displayed by many children but remember, the behaviours that last for over 6 months and disrupt a child’s personality and functioning are the ones that may be called a disorder and thus, may be diagnosed.

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Children with special needs, their immunity and Ayurveda

In part one of this series, we had talked about Ayurveda, immunity and children with special needs in a general, introductory way. Here, in part two, we will go into immunity and Ayurveda in this context in greater detail.

Children with special needs are those who, because of emotional, learning or medical problems need extra care in their lives, and they are put in an “Immunodeficient” category, susceptible to many medical issues, and that is what Ayurveda tries to correct.

This branch of Ayurveda is called Kaumarbhritya, a part of Ashtanga Ayurveda, and is concerned with the prevention and cure of childhood diseases.

Immunity is the “condition of being able to resist a particular disease especially through preventing the development of a pathogenic organism or by counteracting the effects of its products.” 

Human immunity is provided by two cooperating defence mechanisms called, NonSpecific Innate Immunity and Specific Acquired Immunity. 

NonSpecific repels all microorganisms equally, while Specific creates its response specifically to one particular organism. Both, thus work together to prevent harmful organisms from entering and breeding inside the body.

It is here that Ayurveda with its concept of whole-body healing; treating mind, body and spirit as one; becomes an effective method. It modulates or tunes or enhances the body’s immune responses by nonspecifically activating immunity using what are called Immunomodulatory Agents, often of plant/herbal origin. Ayurveda enhances the body’s natural resistance as a whole, rather than against one particular condition.

While medication, based on Brahmi, Shankhpushpi and Jatamansi; and therapies like Shirodhara and Shirobasti, have been found beneficial, current research has found that a holistic programme, starting early, is most effective.

These include sensory integration techniques, music therapy, exercises for the brain and yoga. This integrated approach has been found effective in treating children with cerebral palsy, autism, learning disabilities and hyperactivity.

Combining Ayurveda with physiotherapy and speech therapy also helps in developing fine motor skills, cognitive skills and functional skills.

Blog reviewed by:Dr Reshmi Pramod

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Ayurveda propels strong immunity for special children

A fundamentally preventive approach can be termed as the step of Ayurveda as it plays a major role in one’s well-being. Treating all the imbalances and neurological problems, Ayurveda would bring out optimal health in special children. This would help to function in all the life cycles and energies in a natural way to improve strength, resilience, and vibrant health.

Ayurveda describes immunity in their beej-bhumi theory. If the human body is filled with toxins or ama and lacking in ojas, the infection will spread faster. However, if digestion and Ojas are strong then ama will predominate in the body thus, the infection will not spread faster. Natural exposure, vaccination, nutrition, age, and physical stress would be considered certain factors that affect the immunity of an individual.

Normally, immunity falls into 3 types such as innate, adaptive, and passive. Everyone is born with an innate or natural immunity that helps general protection. As individuals, we develop adaptive immunity based on certain exposures. And passive immunity is what we borrow from other sources which lasts for a short period. 

Usually, the immune system takes a while to develop and would require certain vaccines. The child needs to receive the required vaccines mandatorily at the right age which helps to keep the child healthy and strong. 

The digestive system plays a major role in the immune system. As the seasons change from hot to cold, the Agni or digestive fire will start to fluctuate dramatically. The diet and routine need to be adjusted with the appropriate ayurvedic guidelines to build up the strength. Thus, it is understood that the principles of good digestion would include Agni, Ojas, and Ama. Good digestion would be the right measure to get cured or prevent a lot of health issues in the human body. 

Immunity would differ for children who have autism, cerebral palsy, or neurological disorders. Autism primarily affects the functioning of the brain as it is a neurodevelopmental disorder. These kids would show severe social and behavioral developmental problems. Kids with cerebral palsy would find it difficult to have a clear functioning of the neural ways. This could affect posture, walking, and related movements. All these neurological disorders can be treated with the help of physical therapy, medications, certain lifestyle changes, and the required ayurvedic measures. 

Certain tips to keep a child healthy and strong

Dinacharya - habits of daily living will help support life with optimal wellness through routine, detoxification, and nourishment. This has to be practiced as the first thing in the morning as it would help maintain a connection to the sleep-wake cycle. Tongue cleaning, brushing, flossing, oil massage, and clearing the bowel would come under the daily routine. 

Prathimarsha Nasya - a procedure of administering medicines through the nasal route. Pratimarsha Nasya needs to be practiced daily after waking up, brushing, and after all the other regular activities as well. This procedure helps to keep the sensory organs healthy, prevents nasal respiratory issues, improves eye health, delays greying of hair, prevents deafness, strengthens the denture, neck, and temporomandibular joints, face muscles, relieves fatigue and alleviates Vatha dosha. 

Herbal gargling - gargling is a traditional method to heal a lot of throat related issues and to improve one’s oral health. It also helps to clean out the germs and bacteria in the nasal passage before it gets into the bloodstream to weaken immunity. It is recommended to use turmeric, ginger, and related herbal-based elements to gargle. 

Breathing exercises or pranayama - prana is considered to be the breath and ayam is to control. Prana must be required to fulfill one’s dharma and accomplish goals. By controlling the breath, ayam would direct one’s energy where it is required. If pranayama is practiced regularly then the mind awakens, energy will be cultivated and balance is well maintained. 

Sensory integration therapy - a therapy that involves specific sensory activities to help special children to respond to light, sound, touch, smells, and other required inputs. 

Balanced diet - normally, after checking the Prakrithi traits of the special children, certain immunity-boosting food will be suggested. This would include leafy vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. However, the ayurvedic diet would include cooking vegetables in digestive spices such as ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and turmeric.

Better sleep pattern - Sleeping habits should be patterned well and an oil massage can help increase the natural immunity to sleep better. It is recommended to focus on positivity before sleeping to improve the sleep pattern. Positivity plays an essential role in boosting immunity. 

Lifestyle changes - physical activity is important for a child as it helps to improve blood circulation, balance the energy levels, and supports the flow of nutrients. Physical activities can help detox mechanisms in the body and reduce the early onset of any problematic issues that can cause stagnation. A proper routine can create a sense of safety, trust, and stability for the child’s nervous system which will help with good health.

Yoga or exercise - it is always good to remain fit mentally and physically as it helps to improve bodily functions better. Certain asanas and a little bit of meditation will help special children to improve their cognitive and behavioral skills. Meditation would help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure. It also helps to build a connection with the inner self, improves memory, focus, mental discipline, and sleep pattern. 

Medications -  there would be certain medications given to special children while under treatment. This needs to be divinely consumed to complete the treatment right. 

At Jeevaniyam, the team provides accurate ayurvedic measures to improve the special children’s immunity within the stipulated time. Each kid will receive specialized and individualized products for the promised results. 

Blog reviewed by:Dr Reshmi Pramod

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What to expect during cerebral palsy treatment?

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders. This condition negatively impacts the communication between the brain and the muscles, causing a permanent state of uncoordinated movement and posturing. Several problems, such as lack of oxygen to the brain, genetic conditions, infections, brain hemorrhage, severe cases of jaundice, and injury to the head can cause CP. Some other risk factors of cerebral palsy are:

• Prematurity
• Blood clotting disorders
• Very low birth weight (especially in babies weighing less than 1.5kg)
• Viruses
• Chemical/substance abuse during pregnancy
• Infection
• Bleeding in the brain
• Trauma
• Complications of labor and delivery

Ayurvedic Management of cerebral palsy:

Jeevaniyam Ayurveda Hospital and Research Centre diagnose and treats infants, children, and adolescents with cerebral palsy with the help of Ayurveda. Ayurveda has been effective in managing cerebral palsy and has shown excellent results. Cerebral palsy can not be fully cured. However, ayurvedic treatment can reduce disability and improve the functioning of your child to a great extent. The ayurvedic treatment focuses on treating the presenting symptoms and attempting to reverse the brain damage.

What to expect?

Ayurvedic herbs used to treat cerebral palsy have several advantages. These medicines show miraculous effects such as:

• Improves the functional capacity of the brain
• Regeneration of damaged brain cells 
• Prevents or reduces convulsions
• Formation of the muscles and tissues
• Improves the nerve conduction and muscular coordination 
• Panchakarma therapy has proved to be effective in managing Cerebral Palsy. It is the ultimate mind-body healing experience for detoxification of the body, for strengthening the immune system, to restore balance and wellbeing. 

The following are the benefits of panchakarma therapies that are useful in treating the condition. 

• Reduces the increased muscle tone
• Improves muscle bulk and power in CP
• Increases the blood flow locally
• Increases tendon extensibility and provides pain relief
• Facilitates the free movement of the joints 
• prevents the development of deformities and contractures 
• Reduces spasticity 
• Brings lightness in the body
• Improves appetite and relieves pain 
• Opens the minute channels
• Improves blood as well as lymphatic circulation
• Practicing yoga helps children with cerebral palsy to strengthen muscles, stretches the body, improves flexibility and motion range in joints, and overall mobility. 

If your children show any signs of cerebral palsy and are suffering in silence, seek immediate medical attention. Book an appointment at Jeevaniyam Ayurveda Hospital and Research Centre and help your child.

Blog reviewed by:Dr Reshmi Pramod

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