Exploring Physiotherapy in Bala Roga

Ayurveda is a complete science that covers all the aspects of Chikitsa. Bahirparimarjana Chikitsa such as Poorva and Paschata Karma of Panchkarma therapy Swedana, Udwartana, Udgharshana etc are the physiotherapy practices in Ayurveda. In addition, certain individual references in Ayurveda classics also strongly indicate physiotherapy practices in Bala Roga such as use of physical agents in Pranapratyagamana, postural assistance during Upveshana Sanskara and use of ‘Phakka Rath' in Phakka Roga. OBJECTIVE To reveal references indicating physiotherapy practices in Bala Roga, to provide probable scientific basis behind practicing these techniques and also to explain the purpose of these techniques according to Ayurveda vis à vis physiotherapy. DATA SOURCE Jatisutriyashaariram of Charak Samhita, Bala upcharniyam Adhyaya of Ashtangahridayam, Phakka Roga Chikitsa Adhyaya of Kashyapa Samhita. REVIEW METHODS Relevant materials were searched from sources such as published books, journals and the internet. A critical review was done over the same. RESULT Use of physical agents in pranapratyagamana activates primitive reflexes of the neonates initiating a physical response generally in form of crying which results in initiation of respiration via expansion of lungs. Postural assistance during Upveshana Sanskara helps in supporting the spine. Use of Phakka Rath if child does not walk after one year of age provides external support, improves stability, help in maintaining balance while walking, activates neural facilitation and help in generating movement thus help child learn walking. CONCLUSION The physiotherapy practices found in Ayurveda are scientific and can be well explained on basis of functional living anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology and physiology and patho physiology. Dr. Lovepreet | Dr. Sunil Kumar Yadav | Dr. Kalpesh Jajhoria | Dr. Akshita Choudhary | Dr. Akanksha Rana "Exploring Physiotherapy in Bala Roga" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-6 | Issue-2 , February 2022, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd49369.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/medicine/ayurvedic/49369/exploring-physiotherapy-in-bala-roga/dr-lovepreet