The Effect of Tila and Bala Taila Abhyanga on Full Term Neonate

Ayurveda describes Til taila (sesame oil) as a best amongst vegetable oils. But Ayurved specifies „Bala taila‟ for Abhyanga in neonates, instead of til taila. The reasons remain obscure. Bala (Sida cordifolia), as a name suggests is a drug used to increase strength, promote growth and it is also best in „Vatashamana‟. This effect of Bala will augment the benefits of Abhyanga in nutrition and vatashamana. Hence „Bala taila‟ looks more useful in full term babies. To find its efficacy over Til taila present study is design and Infants were selected with the weight above 2.5 kg at Birth. The group A receiving Til Taila and group B receiving Bala Taila for Abhyanga. Abhyanga was performed for 15 min. with 15-20 ml of oil once a day morning up to 60 days of life. Infants were observed for weight, Height, Head circumference, activity on initial 3days and later on 15, 30, 45, 60 days. 30 patients from both groups each were selected for statistical analysis. Both groups showed minimal weight loss in initial days and birth weight regain on 6 day on an average. When both groups were taken together mean gain in skin texture, lanugo, plantar creases, arm recoil, popliteal angle, weight, height, head circumference were selected for statistical analysis. Due to vatashaman sleep pattern of both group babies shows improvement. Skin becomes Snigdha in both Taila applications. Muscle tone and popliteal angle has shown slightly more effective in Bala Taila Abhyanga. Weight increases in both groups equally effective both groups. Hence effect of Bala taila and Til Taila Abhyanga is similar with respect to growth. Highly significant result observed in both the group of babies with the p-value <0.001. Bala taila Abhyanga is better than Til Taila Abhyanga in adjusting behaviour.