Developmental Delay Disorders (Phakka)
बाल: संवत्सरा पादाभ्यां यो न गच्छति l
स फक्क इति विन्जेय: ll
Developmental Delay Disorders-Phakka
Children normally cover their developmental stages corresponding to their age. Slight variation in this may not be a matter of concern. But progressive and multiple delays in the developmental process should be noticed and intervention should be done at the earliest. Late identification may lead to growth challenges later in life. Developmental delay generally refers to slowness in the achieving language, thinking, and motor skills milestones. Ayurveda describes about developmental stages and also disorders and disabilities that occur due to lack of proper development in children. The major disability under this group is Phakka. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has specific programmes for providing awareness about the growth and development of children. Ayurpediatrics is the special department at IAFA, exclusively for children, focusing on all health related issues in children and their treatment.
Reasons for Developmental Delay in Children
Developmental delay may be caused by any of the following reasons:
- Hereditary factors
- Problems related to pregnancy
- Premature birth
- Complications in child birth
Ayurveda explains the reasons for developmental delay as vitiated breast milk, conception of breast feeding mother, lack of nutrition, early weaning etc.
Ayurvedic reference of Developmental Delay Disorders-Phakka
Delay in Speech and Language
First three years is the most active period in the development of language and speech in children. At this time, brain development and activity will be dynamic. By 6 months, most children identify basic sounds and by 3 years of age they can speak small sentences. A delay in speech may be due to abnormality in muscle coordination of the vocal cord, tongue, lips, and jaw. It will be observed when the child does not produce words corresponding to their age. Language refers to various aspects like speaking, gesturing, writing etc. A delay in language can be identified when the child finds difficulty in understanding what others are saying. Problems with hearing can also be a reason for speech and language delay.
Delay in Motor Skills
Motor movement may be of two types – Fine motor and Gross Motor. Fine motor movements include small movements like holding something. Gross motor skills refer to larger movements like jumping, throwing, climbing etc. Following characteristics in children may throw light to developmental delay:
- Loose arms and legs
- Stiffened limbs
- Reduced movement of arms and legs
- Inability to sit without support within 9 months of age.
- Reduced voluntary movements
- Inability to stand up by about 1 year of age.
“Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has specific programmes for providing awareness about the growth and development of children. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® Ayurpediatric department is focused on making the parents aware about the various developmental stages and its delay”.
Visit Dr. Gupta’s IAFA without delay and helps your child to grow without any delay!!!
-Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFAⓇ
Diet in Developmental Delay
Do’s (Pathya) for Developmental Delay
- Proper child care and close observation
- Nutritious diet
- Provide breast milk to the maximum period of time
- Train adequate exercises
- Proper antenatal care
- Give self confidence
- Encourage active movements
- Provide walker
- Practice with brain games and interactive toys
- Sufficient family support to child and parents
- Timely intervention
Don’ts (Apathya) for Developmental Delay
- Lack of exercise
- Over feeding
- Fatty and junk food
- Physical and mental trauma during pregnancy period
- Blaming and discouragements from family
Yoga and Pranayama in Developmental Delay
Yoga practice helps in attaining flexibility of body joints. It also helps in increasing over all blood circulation in body. This rejuvenates the body tissues and organs. Following Yoga postures will be extremely beneficial in the management of developmental delay:
- Viparitakarani
- Sarvangasana
- Matsyasana
- Halasana
- Padahastasana
- Trikonasana
- Padangushtasana
- Vrikshasana
- Ardhachakrasana
Pranayama helps to normalize movement of Vata dosha in body. It provides control over body functions and organs.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Developmental Delay
Ayurveda incorporates internal medicines as well as external therapies for improving disabilities related to developmental delay in children.
Internal medicines for Developmental Delay
- Kalyanaka Ghritha
- Shatpala Ghritha
- Amruta Ghritha
- Saaraswath Ghritha
- Brahmi Vati
- Rasnadasamoola Ghritha
- Rajanyadi Choorna
- Ashta Choorna
- Aam Visha Balance Tablet
- Manasamithram Vatakam
External Medicines for Developmental Delay
- Rajataila
- Lakshadi Taila
- Dhanwanthara Taila
- Ksheerabal Taila
- Jeevanthyadi Choorna
External Procedures for Developmental Delay
- Abhyanga (Oil massage)
- Udvartana (Powder massage)
- Swedana (Sweating therapy)
Purification Therapy for Developmental Delay
- Virechana (Purgation)
- Vasti (Enema)
Single Herbs for Developmental Delay
- Trivrut (Operculina turpethum)
- Rasna (Alpinia galanga)
- Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Shankpushpi (Convolvulus prostratus)
- Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.)
- Aswagandha (Withania somnifera)
- Bala (Sida cordifolia)
- Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
- Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How developmental delays are identified in children?
Question: How does developmental delay affect the growth of a child?
Question: Does Ayurveda offer good treatment for developmental delay?
Book on Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections.
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