Rakshakarma
means protective measures. It is one of the important procedures extensively used
in Ayurveda.
It
is one of the procedures involved in the resuscitation of the newborn. The
concept of
Rakshakarma
in Ayurveda is quite efficient for providing a complete physical and
psychological protective shield to the newborn. Protective measures for the new born baby
are
taken to prevent the infections and to clean the environment, as well as to increase humoral
immunity.
The fumigation
(
dh
u
pan
a)
of the
Sutikagara
(sanatorium/labour room) by various
drugs is mentioned to protect the baby from various opportunistic infe
ctions. Ayurvedic
acharyas
have advocated
the
use of clean
and fumigated
clothes, beddings etc
.
The various drugs
mentioned in
dhupana
karma have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which have been
also
proved experimentally in
various studies
.
Plants protect by secreting natural phenols, flavonoids,
isoflavones, glucosinolates, etc. These different chemicals are usually bitter, pungent or
astringent in taste. In addition to their bactericidal or biological activity these substances may
provide
a defense against predators. Chanting hymns and practicing
Yama
and
Niyama
provide a
psychological support to the patient, which is helpful for quick recovery and rehabilitation. Thus
we can say that
Rakshakarma
procedure provides a complete physical and psy
chological
protection to the mother and the child.
Real Time Impact Factor:
Pending
Author Name: Kalpana Patni and Gaurav Sinha
URL: View PDF
Keywords: Rakshakarma, Immunity, Protective Measures, Antisepsis, Vrana
ISSN:
EISSN: 2350-0204
EOI/DOI:
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