Ayurvedic Treatment of Autism and ADHS

by Sheela Rani Chunkath

Parents with special children often agonize over the ways in which they can improve the child's cognitive and mental development. Other than physiotherapy, western medicine does not have much to offer. In Ayurveda, Kaumaram or pediatrics has been a separate science since hundreds of years. Our acharyas devoted much attention to the care and well being of infants and children.

During the past forty years or so that I have been in public service, I feel that cases of autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Syndrome (ADHS) are on the increase. My gut feel is that this may have something to do with Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccination about which there is a raging controversy. Anyway to be on the safe side, I would not advise taking children for any kind of immunization if they are at all feeling ill or a bit under the weather. Anti MMR protagonists say that when the intestinal flora is disturbed and vaccination is done at that time, untoward reactions such as autism etc. can occur. With millions of dollars invested by pharma companies in vaccine research and production, it will be quite a while till the controversy is settled. In the meantime, we need to address the outcomes.

Mahakalyanaka Ghritam, Saraswat Arishtam, Brahmi Ghritam, Brahmi vati and Rudraksha Churanam are some of the formulations often prescribed by our acharyas for manasika rogas (psychological and mental problems). The restlessness that children experience with ADHD is often addressed with Rudraksha Churanam. Rudraksha seeds are not only made into a mala that can be worn, they can also be taken internally. I think that reason that saints and sadhus wear the rudraksha is perhaps because of its calming effect. Rudraksha Churanam is said to help in depression. In India most people would have heard of rudraksham. By associating it with spirituality and giving it visibility our acharyas brought the knowledge of its importance to the common folk. I find that they have systematically tried to educate people on herbs that are important by giving them spiritual and divine significance. Take turmeric for example; Every self respecting Indian would probably know about it. It is not only a common culinary herb but it is also used on all auspicious occasions. And of course its medicinal uses are legion.

Mahakalyanaka Ghritam which is a ghee preparation used in the treatment of manasika or mind related issues, contains turmeric and tree turmeric (Daruharidra), Triphala, some of thedasamula ingredients, some cooling herbs such as sandalwood, lilies and jasmine. The ghee is prepared from the milk of cows which have calved for the first time. Probably these contain different bioactive compounds which would be helpful to address mind problems. However, I am not sure whether store-bought preparations are so particular about the manner in which milk is procured.

I will digress a bit and talk about an area that needs to be addressed by Ayurvedic drug manufacturers. Labels need to indicate what exactly is used and whether thy differ from the original classical formula in which case it should be so indicated on the label. Where preservatives are used, it should be indicated. Kotakkal, a very big name in Ayurvedic drug manufacture, does not indicate the use of preservatives. Omissions such as these detract from the way ayurvedic drugs are perceived.

For the treatment of autism, we first need to improve the digestive power of the children, rajanyadi and ashtachuranam would be a good choice as it brings down kapham. Then the ghee-based medicines can be administered. Panchakarma in the form abhyangam with Lakshadi kuzhambu is ideal for bringing down restlessness. Laksha has what is called sthira guna, the guna of being still and this is imparted to hyperactive children.

Vasti with Dhanavantaram Mizhagu Paku and Takra dara are some of the Panchakarmatechniques that can be done. To make the buttermilk for Takra Dara, milk boiled with Mushta,Amalaki and Jatamanshi (after filtration) is set as curd and then made into buttermilk. Many options are available depending on the individual symptoms of the patient. Early treatment addressing these issues will help affected children to achieve a modicum of independence. Cure is not possible, but amelioration can certainly be done.

--- The writer is retired Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu. She can be reached at Sheelarani.arogyamantra@gmail. com. Earlier articles can be accessed at http://arogyamantra.blogspot.com/