With the onset of interest and belief in the Indian system of ancient wellness around the world, incorporating ancient wisdom into the care of your new baby is not just an emerging trend but it can provide a holistic approach to well-being. In this blog, we'll discuss and delve into the basic principles of Ayurveda – the Indian System of Holistic Wellness and explore how it can be thoughtfully applied to your infant care.

Understanding Ayurvedic Principles:

At the core pillar of Ayurveda stands at the belief that each individual is a unique combination of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha: representing the fundamental energies that regulate different bodily functions, both physiological and psychological. Understanding the doshas is crucial in Ayurveda as it helps identify the difference in each human being, narrowing down its treatment practices to every individual's constitution rather than the belief of mass medicines, promoting balance and harmony with no side effects to worry about. This allows real root treatment of the problem rather than suppressed short term relief.

Lets now understand these doshas a little more:

Vata:

Vata types tend to be thin and lanky. They are very mentally and physically active and enjoy creative endeavors, meeting new people, and traveling to new places. In a state of equilibrium, individuals with balanced vatas exhibit flexibility, vibrant imagination, and original thinking. Associated with the elements of air and space, Vata governs movement and is linked to qualities such as lightness and changeability. Vata individuals frequently encounter symptoms such as cold extremities, constipation, dry skin, and joint cracking. Insomnia and reduced immunity are prevalent challenges for those with heightened vata sensitivity.

Pitta:

Pitta types are dominated by the fire element, which makes them innately strong, intense, and irritable. They tend to have a medium build and endurance with powerful musculature. Individuals of this type typically possess a moderate physique, enduring strength, and robust muscles. Their skin, often freckled, readily reddens in sunlight, during physical activity, massages, and when experiencing embarrassment. They exhibit strong determination and excel in adhering to their convictions.

Aligned with the elements of fire and water, Pitta is responsible for digestion and metabolism, characterized by qualities like heat and intensity. They boast robust digestion and a hearty appetite, craving both nourishment and challenges. Frequently, they contend with health issues like inflammation, rashes, acne, and loose stools.

Kapha:

Individuals with a Kapha constitution possess sturdy builds and inherent athleticism, provided they engage in regular exercise to control their inclination towards weight gain. Rooted in the elements of earth and water, Kapha is linked to structure and stability, embodying qualities of heaviness and solidity. They value a systematic, step-by-step approach and prefer maintaining a consistent routine in both their personal and professional lives. Introducing themselves to new environments, meeting new people, and occasionally practicing fasting prove beneficial for them.

Applying Ayurvedic Principles to Infant Care:

1. Individualized Care: Ayurveda constitutionally recognizes that each baby is born with a unique psychological and physiological composition, influenced by the predominant dosha. Though the correct composition can only be determined by a certified Ayurveda Practitioner - observing a baby's temperament, physical characteristics, and responses to stimuli can offer slight understanding and insights into their dosha balance.
2. Balanced Nutrition: Ayurvedic dietary principles emphasize the importance of food as nourishment source that align with a baby's dosha. For instance, Vata-predominant babies may benefit from warm, grounding foods, while Kapha dominants actually may need occasional fasting. Pitta-dominant infants may thrive on cooling and hydrating choices.
3. Gentle Massage and Touch: The practice of infant massage is deeply rooted in Ayurveda also know as Abhyanga. Read our blog in details about it at: https://www.wearmiho.com/blogs/news/ayurvedic-baby-massage-oil-for-winter Using warm, natural oils, and gentle massages not only help soothe the nervous system and promote digestion and physical strength, but it also forms an emotional bond between parent and child, helping them understand body clues better until the little human understands itself.
4. Creating a Calming Environment: Considering a baby's dosha, parents can create a perfect room setting for their babies’ overall health and development by adjusting factors such as lighting, room temperature, and choosing the correct sensory stimuli. Vata babies may benefit from warmth and soft textures, while Kapha babies may appreciate a well-ventilated space.

Analysing a baby's dosha constitution at home for the basics involves observing various factors like:

Physical Characteristics:

Consider the baby's build, skin type, and features. This might keep on changing due to initial rapid growth period.

Temperament:

Observe behaviours, likings, sleep patterns, and reactions to stimuli. Understanding their human behaviour can suggest the constitution widely.

Appetite and Digestion:

Note how the baby responds to different kinds of foods and feeding habits in corelation to their digestive stress.

Ayurveda provides a gentle and holistic framework for caring for the youngest members of our families. Ayurveda encompasses a vast expanse of wisdom, addressing various facets of life. It holds the potential to enrich your life in multiple ways. For personalized advice regarding your baby, consulting with an Ayurvedic expert is recommended.

Bonus:

Here are some long lost Ayurvedic advices for babies and new mothers:

1. The sun and moonlight have various health benefits that the baby needs during the initial months.
2. Traditionally the day the baby completes his fourth month, he is bathed, made to wear new clothes and brought out of the nursery. The elderly and well-wishers bless the baby and only then the baby is taken to other rooms of the house.
3. the baby's room was fumigated with ayurvedic resins and leaves to counter negative energies and infuse positivity in the room. Utilize Brahmi, heeng, gugulu, and jatamansi for fumigating a baby's room and clothing, effectively neutralizing airborne germs.