Guest content from Karma Centre Kings Heath!
It’s Children’s Mental Health Week on February 7th-12th, check out this piece on Ayurvedic Regime for Autism by the Karma Centre!
AYURVEDIC REGIME FOR AUTISM
Autism is recognised as a complex neurodevelopmental disorder impacting the normal functioning of the brain, challenging the child’s development particularly in the field of language and communication, social skills and emotional behaviour.
There are three types of autism spectrum disorders:
1. Autistic Disorder. This is sometimes called “classic” autism.
2. Asperger Syndrome. People with Asperger syndrome usually have milder symptoms of autistic disorder.
3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified.
Ayurveda is the oldest holistic medical system continuously practiced from over 5,000 years ago. The Sanskrit term ‘ayurveda’ is composed of two words: Ayur and veda. Ayur means life and veda means knowledge; thus, the literal meaning of Ayurveda is the “Science of Life,” and the knowledge comprising ayurveda was given to the people of ancient India more than 5,000 years ago.
Ayurveda uses natural remedies – diet, exercise and lifestyle management along with herbal medicine, manipulative therapies and counselling – to restore, promote and maintain a balanced state of health. Ayurveda addresses the whole of the individual’s physical, psychological; and spiritual selves.
These are some key areas Ayurveda concentrate on:
1. Digestion – Eating involves sight, smell, taste, chewing, swallowing and digestion. Suitable nourishing diet for each individual need to be set and monitored by the Ayurvedic professional.
2. Allergies – individual need to be monitored for food allergies.
3. Toxins – causes of illness could be related to undigested, unsuitable foods can lead the accumulation of toxic material.
4. Senses -Ayurveda recognises the importance of the senses in autism – sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch. movement and balance. Sometimes when touched unexpectedly, they may feel pain, fear and confusion which can make communication difficult.
5. Focussing – Autistic individuals usually by routine have their own comfort zones, any disorders or changes is can cause upsets to the point of shut down.
6. Responsiveness – background distractions can interfere with the autistic individual to concentrate and understand
7. Behaviour – repetitive body movements such as rocking, humming etc is a way of coping with any form of upset or disorder.
REASONS FOR CONDITIONS There is no known single cause for autism spectrum disorder, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function.
A variety of nutritional, herbal, physical and manipulative therapies are employed toward removing toxins from the system and at the same time nourishing and energizing the cells and tissues so that they may repair themselves and provide grounding.
Diet
For the treatment of autism, we first need to improve the digestive power of the children. Consult with Vaidya for individualistic diet (also with Primary Healthcare Physicians) Ayurveda prefers a vegetarian diet, but any organic, whole food diet will give quick results. If the child is constipated, then a vegan or vegetarian diet is strongly recommended. The most important factor is removing all processed foods from the diet. Ghee and olive oils are recommended with a special emphasis on pure cow ghee. Organic ingredients should be used as much as possible, try gluten-free and casein-free diet, use seeds such as amaranth, quinoa, millet and buckwheat. Diluted yoghurt drink blended with spices such as cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, coriander and ginger. A little jaggery or raw sugar may be added.
5-6 drops of coriander juice should be put into food each meal as a seasoning. Long Pepper, Black Pepper.
Fresh fruit juices especially if organic and in season aid in detoxification of all tissues and are very calming and soothing to the mind and nerves. Diluted fresh pomegranate juice, Mango and Paw Paw, Apple and grape, Grape and carrot, Apple and carrot, Paw Paw and pineapple are recommended.
Avoid – Microwaved food. All refined processed and chemical food (this includes white sugar, chips, chocolates, white flour, legumes other than green and white mung, soft drinks and most anything you would find in a modern supermarket shelf), Dairy Products, Night Shade Vegetables, including tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, and peppers, Citrus Fruits, Peanuts. Preservatives, colours, food additives, Leftovers, Old cheeses, Cold foods and drinks, All soya products and their derivatives. If you are lactose intolerant and can’t take organic milk, then make almond or rice milk (do not purchase readymade milk powders). To make almond milk, soak and skin some almonds and blend with water.
NB: Only use fruits that are in season and ideally organic otherwise peel them.
The body cannot easily digest chemically extracted vitamins so look for vitamins from balanced nutrition and strong digestive fire. Check with your doctor and find natural substitutes or consult with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.
ABHYANGA MASSAGE
This is an oil massage that is soothing, and we find that initially it can be daunting but once they get used to it, they will enjoy it and learn to relax during the therapy.
COMPLIMENTARY THERAPIES
1.1.Poorva Karma -Preparation for Pancha Karma
2. Pancha Karma –Main detox
3. Pashchatya Karma -Post Pancha Karma.
YOGA AND PRANAYAMA
Yoga as a form of exercise can be used in children with ASD by addressing their physical and sensory issues. The practice of yoga improves muscle strength, tone and helps children to become aware of their placement of arms, legs and feet in comparison to the rest of their body.
The additional physical strength also helps to improve coordination. Pranayama (breathing technique), Asana (postures), Bandhas and Mudras (relaxation and meditation) promote physiological and psychological processes which can induce a calm state of mind. Yoga soothes the nervous system, the poses of flowing movements that allow energy to be released through the movements of the yoga the overburdened sensory system is calmed and pent-up energy is released. By practicing yoga, the autistic person gets a break from his or her usual experience of a sensory overloaded body.
Practicing yoga may help a child feel relaxed and able to concentrate better on learning social skills
Yoga can help to decrease anxiety, releasing energy and calming down their burdened system. Yoga can have a positive effect on Central Nervous System like improving the wave frequencies, glucose metabolism, neurotransmitter activity and the autonomic nervous system all of which are affected in disruptive behaviour. It can prove to be a useful tool for children with Autism and requires a long term practice. Yoga postures that may help in autism include Trikonasan, Veerbhadrasan, Parvatasana, Sukhasan, Shavasana, Makrasana.
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anuloma Viloma) is easy to use and employ at any time. This exercise affects your autonomic nervous system (the one we have no conscious control over). The mind is being used directly to regulate the breath, allowing the body to learn to self-regulate. Being centred has to do with balancing the energy on the left and right sides of the body, an important part of self-healing. Breathing Exercise can also be very helpful
SAMPURNA VAIDYARS HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH SPECIALISTS IN THIS FIELD AT PRESENT
(Our contact is a Professor who has dedicated his career to developing natural cures for children with growth, memory, attention deficit issues.
Disclaimer
These are general guidelines and do not apply to people with certain disorders. Always check with your GP especially for diet suitable to your condition If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, please check the authenticity of their qualification.