Ayurveda can be translated from Sanskrit to “the science of life”. It is a holistic medical science that understands everything in nature as cyclical. Working with the laws and natural cycles of nature enables us to create environments for the body’s innate wisdom to heal itself. This article dives into the the first stage of the lifecycle: the stage of building, or childhood. Understanding the dominant biological elements at this stage of life is invaluable when it comes to fostering children’s health and immunity.
Ayurveda understands that this stage of life takes place from birth to puberty. During a child’s first years, they are growing rapidly, building new tissue, and changing everyday as the body, mind and Self grow and develop. It is during this time that children build their immune systems as they are constantly exposed to new environments and new pathogens. This explains why getting sick a few times a year for children can be healthy.
Severe, or long lasting symptoms, and/or frequent recurrence of colds and flus, however, are signs that there is a deeper imbalance in the body. Food sensitivities or food allergies are intimately connected to our immune systems. The number of food allergies and sensitivities is rapidly increasing in young children and often they come accompanied with other allergies such as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Read this case study to learn more.
The science of life can easily be applied to children as both preventative and curative medicines. Strength, resilience and vibrant health result from living attuned to nature’s cycles. Children have the adaptive ability to come into balance quickly since, in most cases, long term habits have not yet been engrained. Simple shifts can help to realign a child as the environment is created for the body to heal itself.
Constitution
Ayurveda takes an individualized approach to healthcare, recognizing that every individual is unique. Understanding tendencies towards imbalances is paramount in preventative medicine.
The golden rule in Ayurveda is like increases like and opposites decrease. In regards to one’s constitution, this means that elements present in a constitution can also be the elements that are responsible for imbalances. For example, a lot of fire in your constitution can result in burning indigestion more easily than constipation simply because more fire is naturally present.
Common signs of air/vata imbalances include constipation, excessive gas, physical and mental restlessness, fidgety eating habits, sleeplessness, and digestive difficulties, including constipation.
Common fire/pitta imbalances include inflammation, diarrhea, easily irritated skin, and irritability.
Common earth/kapha imbalances include poor digestion, congestion, lethargy, and weight gain.
To learn more about your child’s constitution, book a 15-min free consultation with Chloe Chaput, Family and Women’s Health Ayurvedic Clinical Specialist, to get started today.
Earth/Kapha Stage of Life
Kapha dosha is the physiological expression of the body that is governed by the elements of earth and water. During childhood, these elements increase, regardless of constitution because they are responsible for all of the building and growing at this stage. This concept might seem complex, but follow along, and see how it can be a tool to support you and your family:
Kapha: water and earth elements
Qualities: heavy, slow, cool, oily, smooth, dense, soft, stable, gross, cloudy
Functions: structure, cohesion, lubrication, hydration, growth, nourishment (building stages)
Kapha Strengths: A child who is well-supported with the above qualities and functions during the kapha-stage of life will develop strong and healthy tissues (muscles, bones, nervous system, brain, etc.) and be less susceptible to disease or imbalance as they get older.
Kapha Vulnerabilities: The excess qualities of kapha dosha – wet, sticky, heavy, dense – can result in congestion, coughs, runny noses, frequent colds, and excess mucous. While even healthy children are expected to get sick more often than adults, we want to set a foundation of health and vitality early on by supporting overall immunity and healthy earth and water development.
Supporting The Kapha Stage of Life Through Nutrition and Herbs
Naturally, children should have a tendency toward the “sweet” taste as sweet foods are building for the body (NOTE: this does not mean sugary cereals and other processed foods). In Ayurvedic nutrition, the “sweet” taste encompasses nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, proteins, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Children who are constantly craving sugary-type sweets may be lacking this more nourishing type of “sweet” taste in their diet.
Immune-boosting foods for kids help to keep them active and strong. Include foods like leafy green vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. An Ayurvedic diet includes cooking vegetables with digestive spices like garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric to enhance digestion and nutrient absorption – thereby building stronger and healthier earth and water.
There are many herbs that are safe for children to use:
- Chyanwanprash, a sweet-tasting, immune-boosting herbal jelly that is high in vitamin C and has adaptogenic properties.
- Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and supports a healthy respiratory system in children.
- Ginger has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties that help strengthen your child’s immunity.
- Honey contains vitamins and minerals is soothing on the gastrointestinal tract and has liver protectant qualities.
- Ghee is a wonderful source of vitamin A and a source of vitamin E to help support growth and development.
- Tulsi is a well-renowned immunity booster for kids. It is rich in phytonutrients, essential oils and vitamins C and A. It helps to fight both bacterial and viral infections.
- Try our Tulsi Tea for Kids!
Supporting The Kapha Stage of Life Through Lifestyle
Dinacharya, daily sense cleansing routines, is as important for children as it is adults. It sets everyone up for a lifetime of healthy habits and healthy stress-management tools that can be used now and in the future. Doing Ayurvedic rituals as a family also gifts time to bond and work together toward common goals.
Some routines that you can practice with your children include:
- Tongue scraping
- Morning gargle of warm salt water with a pinch of turmeric to neutralize bacteria
- Drink a glass of warm water first thing in the morning to hydrate the system, stimulate digestion and help empty the bowels.
- Enjoy a warm, grounding breakfast and dinner together, such as oatmeal, cooked apples, and warm grain bowls.
- Easy and delicious Ayurvedic dinner recipes for kids include:
- Sweet and healthy snacks and desserts for the whole family include:
Relaxation practices for kids include coloring, reading, soft music, visualization meditations, time spent in nature, yoga for kids or yoga practiced with an adult or older child, and daily gratitude practices.
Working with the laws and natural cycles of nature enables us to create environments for the body’s innate wisdom to heal itself. Understanding the dominant elements at this stage of life is invaluable when it comes to fostering children’s health and immunity.
Article authored by Chloe Chaput, who is dedicated to her role as a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist (CAS) to work with women’s health, male and female fertility challenges, parents/caregivers, and children to address a variety of clinical health concerns at the root of their cause. Contact Path Wellbeing today to set up your appointment with Chloe Chaput, CAS.
The information contained within this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace the direct advice of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Always consult a medical or other professional healthcare provider when considering a new health regime.
