Concise Ayurvedia Immunisation Chart

In continuation with our past article, “Jatakarma – Concise Ancient Immunization Activity” It is amazing to know, in terms of human growth, how our ancients were far advanced than today’s world. In those line, there has been a lot of discussion and enquirers in our whatsapp group to know if there is any chart, like an allopathic vaccination chart, that is more holistic in nature and does only one thing, good without side effects!

We would strongly advice you to treat this article for information purpose only and seek your Doctors or right professionals if you want to follow it. We would like to thank all our parents in our whatsapp groupwho constantly kept us encouraging to publish something like this.

We went back our books, spoke various ancient healers and Ayurvedic doctors. Here is what we found, list of immunization from Day 1 to 12 Years.

Jaatamatra / One day old child

Vacha is grinded in the juice of Tripadika and three drop of this mixture is instilled over the centre of the head. This procedure will maintain the digestive power correctly, the doshas will maintain correct balance, and the affliction with Balagraha will be prevented.

Pakshateeta / 15 days to 1 month

The root, bark, leaf, flower and fruit of Bilva are taken together and powdered well. This powder is added with the juice of Dhatri and given internally.

Athipakshateeta / Completed 1 month

The drugs such as Musta, Hingu and Vilanga are powdered and added with ghee medicated with juice of Trayanti / Brahmi is given internally.

Thraimasika / Completed 3 months

The drugs such as Vyosha, and powder of Sariba is added with butter and given internally.

Shanmasika / Completed 6 months

The powder of Musalikanda and Trikatu are mixed together and added with honey is given internally.

Ekabdha / 1 year old child

The child of one year old should be administered with different preparations in each month for first 7days as:

1 year 1 month.-Powder of drugs such as Dhatri, Musta and Vyosha added with honey is given internally at 1 year 1 month
1 year 2 month.Powder of drugs such as Dhatri, Musta and Vyosha added with butter is given internally at 1 year 2 month
1 year 3 month. Powder of drugs such as Dhatri, Musta and Vyosha added with hot water is given internally at 1 year 3 month
1 year 4 month. Powder of drugs such as Dhatri, Musta and yosha added with honey is given internally at 1 year 4 month
1 year 5 month. The drugs of Panchakola (Pippali, Pippali mula, Chavya, Chitraka and Nagara) is powdered and added with ghee is given internally at 1 year 5 month
1 year 6 month. Powder of Jeeraka and Krishna is added with honey and given internally at 1 year 6 month
1 year 7 month. The drugs such as Dadima and Vyosha added with Dadhi masthu is administered internally at 1 year 7 month
1 year 8 month. The ghee medicated with the drugs such as Grandhika mula and Kalinga/Kutaja is administered internally at 1 year 8 month
1 year 9 month. The drugs such as Vella/Vidanga and Krishna added with honey is administered internally at 1 year 9 month
1 year 10 month. The drugs such as Jeeraka and Vyosha added with sugar are administered internally at 1 year 10 month
1 year 11 month. The drugs such as Jeeraka and Vyosha added with cow‘s milk are administered internally at 1 year 11 month.

The sugar and Jeeraka added with cow‘s milk is given internally at 1 year 12 month.

Thryabdha / 3 year old child

The child of three year old should be administered with different preparations in each month as

The drugs such as Guduchi, Pippali and Vacha are powdered and added with ghee and sugar is given internally at 3 year 1 month
The drugs such as Vyosha, Yasti, Vacha, Saindhava and Abhaya are powdered together and added with sugar and ghee is administered internally at 3 year 2 month
The drugs such as Vella, Musta, Ela, Vacha, Nagara and Pippali are powdered and given with sugar and ghee is administered internally at 3 year 3 month. The drugs such as Sariba, Vyosha, Vacha, Jeeraka and Kaisiki are powdered and added with sugar and ghee is administered internally at 3 year 4 month
The drugs such as Dadima, Ambhoda, Vacha, Dhanyaka and Magadhi/Pippali are powdered together and given with sugar and ghee at 3 year 5 month
The drugs such as Vrusciva, Bhunimba, Vacha and Ksheera taru twak are powdered well and mixed with sugar and ghee is administered internally at3 year 6 month
The drugs such as Supyaparni, Abda, Vira, Rudhi, Chapala and Vacha are powdered well and mixed with sugar and ghee is given at 3 year 7 month
The drugs such as Drona pushpa, Abda, Vacha and Dwija taru twak are powdered well and mixed with sugar and ghee is administered internally at 3 year 8 month
The drugs such as Trayamana/Brahmi, Abda, Vacha, Kutaja and Magadhi are powdered well and mixed with sugar and ghee is administered internally at 3 year 9 month
The drugs such as Malati pushpa, Vacha, Jeeraka and Kaisiki are powdered and added with sugar and ghee and given at 3 year 10 month
The drugs such as Samipatra, Jeeraka, Agni, Vach.a and Kana are powdered and added with sugar and ghee and given at 3 year 11 month
The drugs such as Vella, Talisapatra, Agni, Pashugandha, Abhaya and Vacha are powdered and added with sugar and ghee and given at 3 year 12 month

Panchayana / 5 year old child

The child of five year old is given with medicaments said for Thryabdha/3 year old child with Pushkaramula instead of Vacha.

Ashtabdha / 8 year old child

The child of eight year old is given with medicaments said for Thryabdha/3 year old child, added with root of Sankhapushpa instead of Vacha and the medium for mixing the compound is ghee and honey instead of sugar and ghee.

Dasabdha / 10 year old child

After the tenth year, the child is given with proper medicated ghee monthly for seven days such as:

Abhayadi Ghrita: Ghee medicated with the juice of Brahmi added with the kalka prepared with the drugs such as Abhaya,Vyosha, Saindhava, Vacha and Talisapatra, is given at 10 year 1 month
Vidangadi Ghrita: Ghee medicated with the kalka prepared with the drugs such as Vilanga, Amalaka, Vyosha, Patha, Dadima and Dipyaka added with the juice extracted from Krishnamunda, is administered at 10 year 2 month
Jeerakadi Ghrita: Ghee medicated with the kalka prepared with the drugs such as Jeeraka, Vyosha, Saindhava, Vacha, Jalada and Pushkara along with the juice of Vetasamla, is administered at 10 year 3 month
Jeevaniyadi Ghrita: Ghee medicated with the drugs in the group called Jeevaniya gana, Ambhoda, Jayanthi mula, Chitraka and Granthi added with goat‘s milk is administered at 10 year 4 month
Drakshadi Ghrita: Ghee medicated with the kalka prepared with the drugs such as Draksha, Vruschiva, Patha, Abda, Habusha mula, Katphala and Dadima along with goat‘s milk is administered at 10 year 5 month
Saribadi Ghrita: Ghee medicated with the kalka prepared with the drugs such as Sariba, Jalada, Ushira, Trikatu, Surahwaya and Jeeraka added with goat‘s milk is administered at 10 year 6 month
Nagaradi Ghrita: Ghee medicated with the kalka prepared with the drugs such as Nagara, Amalaka, Anantha, Vilanga,Indrayava, Ambuda, and the root, bark, leaves, flower and fruit of Bilva added with water is administered at 10 year 7 month
Pippalyadi Ghrita: Ghee medicated with the kalka prepared with the drugs such as Pipppali, Indrayava, Draksha, Bruhati, Amshumathi dwaya, Tikta, aikundapushpa, Ambu, Nalada/Ushira, Alarka/Arka, Dipyaka, Dadima, Ambhoda, Patha, Ugra/Vacha, Sigru, Hingu, Punarnava, Bilva mula, Shami valka, Malati mukula, Utpala, Vilanga and Amalaka added with the medicinal fluid called Masthu is added with sugar and Jeeraka is administered at 10 year 8 month
Bilvadi Ghrita: Ghee medicated with the decotion prepared with the drugs such as Bilva, Ajamoda, Nirgundi, Chapala mula, Toyada and Dadima added with the kalka prepared with the drugs such as Vyosha, Ela, Agni and Vilanga along with cow‘s milk is beneficial to prevent diseases. The drugs such as Patha, Vaikunda and Musta along with the medicinal fluid called Masthu can be used to prepare the medicated ghee. The same medicaments along with the decotion mentioned above can be used to medicate the ghee is also beneficial at 10 year 9 month
Trayamanadi Ghrita: Ghee medicated with the decotion prepared with the drugs such as Trayamana, Kalinga, Abda and Chapala mula added with the kalka prepared with the drugs such as Ativisha,Musta, Bhunimba and Kutaja is beneficial to prevent diseases. Ghee medicated with the kalka of the drugs such as Vyosha, Agni, Dadima and Jeeraka added with goat‘s milk is also beneficial to use at 10 year 10 month
Dadimadi Ghrita: Ghee medicated with the kalka prepared with the drugs such as Dadima, Triphala, Vella, Magadhi mula and Chitraka along with the juice of Jeevanthi and Masthu is advised to administer at 10 year 11 month
Pathakutajadi Ghrita: Ghee medicated with the decotion prepared with the drugs such as Patha, Kutaja, Bhunimba, Varshabhu / Vruschiva and Dhanyaka along with the kalka prepared with the drugs such as Vella, Palasa twak, Nisha dwaya, Punarnava, Vyosha, Dipyaka, Ananta and Madhuka / Yastimadhu is advised to administer added with honey at 10 year 12 month

Dwasasabdha / 12 year old child

At 12 year 1 month, the drugs such as Ananta and Vacha along with sugar and honey is administered internally while from 12 year 2 month onward, Instead of Ananta, the drugs such as Brahmi, Munda, Shami valka, Bhrunga, Amalaka, Magadhi, Vishala, Vajra valli, Indurekha, Bhunimba and Gopica are administered.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Velu Jayaprakash is a social entrepreneur, product manager, techy, photographer, meditator, father of two angels, ancient wisdom seeker, holistic adviser and Soul coach. You can reach him at velu.jayaprakash AT gmail DOT com View all posts by Velu Jayaprakash

Jatakarma – Concise Ancient Immunisation Activitiy

In today’s world when it comes to holistic childcare or wellness of the family, we have lot more options than ever. In the quest of finding the right procedure to build an over all healthy child seems to be an endless loop. Like a light at the end of the tunnel, current generation parents are indeed going back to the roots. It is surprising to see our ancestors have derived certain activities that is not only enhances physical or physiological growth, but for complete spiritual growth. Let us go back in time, and see what they did when a child is born.

We would strongly advice you to treat this article for information purpose only and seek your Doctors or right professionals if you want to follow it. We would like to thank all our parents in our whatsapp group who constantly kept us encouraging to publish something like this.

Immediately after birth

Very first thing when a baby arrives, they wanted to start with a positive impression on the baby, because babies can record consciously. The father would recite a Sloka in baby’s right ear.

“Angaadangaat sambhavasi hridayaadadhijayase|
Atma vai putranamaasi sa jiva saradassatham||”

Shathayuhu shathavarshoasi deerghamayuravapnuhi
Nakshatrani disho ratrirahashcha tvabhirakhshathu”

-Ashtanga Hridayam

Which means “You are born from each of my limbs. Heart is the abode of desire, called ‘Putra”, you are indeed my Atma (form). May you live a hundred years.”. The very first thing baby hears or get blessed is, “live a hundred years” Wow! What a positive thought our forefathers had!

Jatakarma

From this point onwards, one of the six childhood saṃskaras starts, this is called Jatakarma. They first cut umbilical cord. Today in the west and some hospitals in India, do allow fathers to be part of delivery and he gets a chance to cut umbilical cord, this situation fosters a healthy bonding with the new born.

Post cutting of umbilical cord, father chants a sloka and administers mixture of gold bhasma, ghee and honey. They might have done this for two reasons, firstly they would welcome the new born with sweet taste, which will trigger baby’s taste buds. Secondly, normal mother would take three days to lactate, until then, this mixture called as swarna prashan will give necessary nourishment. While administering father would chant the following sloka

“Jatakarma pashyame sharadaha shatham jeevame sharadaha shad am shrunuyama sharadaha shatham

Medham te Devassavita medham Devi Saraswati|
Medham te Asvinou deva vadhattamam pushkarasraja||”

“May the effulgent Savita Deva, Saraswati Devi and Asvini Devas wearing lotus garlands bless you with Medha (power of retentive memory).”

“Tvayi medham tvayi prajam tvayyagnistejo dadhatu|
Tvayi medham tvayi prajam tvayeendra indriyam dadhatu|
Tvayi medham tvayi prajam tvayi Suryo bhrajo dadhatu||”

“May Agnideva bestow on you retentive memory, progeny and splendor and power. May Indra bestow on you retentive memory, progeny and power of Indriyas (sense organs). May Surya bestow on you retentive memory, progeny and brilliance.”

The very next thing after blessing the child with long life, now, they enable and bless the baby with cognitive power.

On the first day, they used to give three type of gold based mixture with mantra japa, like :

Gold and vacha
Gold, vacha, brahmi, kushta, haritaki with ghee and honey
Gold, amalaki, chorrnam, ghee and honey.

They also placed the sacred nine grains called as navadhanyam mixed with turmeric water powder near the head side for 7 days. Each grains represent one the cosmic planet that influences the baby to attend positive support form this planets. Turmeric was mixed to drive away insects. There is also a hidden message in nine grains, which we will explore in our forthcoming article.

From day one to first birthday day, a lemon was kept near the head to observe the negative vibrations.

Second day and third day, yashimadhu ghrtam would be give, by this time, mother would be able to lactate. In case of delay in lactation, they used to give fresh butter.

Mother’s feed

By now, mother starts to feed her baby. At this stage mother would offer the right breast first with the following sloka.

“Ayam kumaro jaraam dhayatu dirghamayuh:|
Yasmai tvam sthanaprapyayayur varcho yaso balam||”

“May this child, by suckling, drink old age and long life. (may live a long life). O breast, enable this child to develop long life, brilliance, fame and strength.”

In some case, mother may not be able to lactate, the best alternative was to give goats milk

While feeding, a pot of water is placed at the head side of the baby. Following mantra is recited.

“Aapassuptheshu jagratha rakshaamsi niritho nudadhvam||”

“O Waters, while we sleep, you be awake and drive away demons from here.”

Pot of water can be placed at the head side of the baby till they sleep peacefully alone and pour this water to baby’s birth star plant, this washes away the negative energy. Even adults can follow this to protect them from bad dreams.

In lines to heal the birth wound, and nourishment overall growth, by applying cloth soaked in ghee on the head, If you read our article why they tonsure babies and healing property of ghee, you would know ghee would act as a amazing healer for skull development for baby.

They also used to wear vacha on hands, legs, neck and head. Precious gems were in use during olden days along with horn of cow or ox or deer. All these would help baby to heal and protect their nonphysical body.

Fumigation would be started with vacha, ashtagantha and few more herbs to strengthen their breathing path, protect from cold and purify air around that area. Mantras were chanted during morning and evening daily. By the tenth day they perform Naming ceremony known as Namakarana, which we will write in detail later.

It is astonishing to see our ancient peripatetic knowledge and practice is far advanced than we think, and in fact with no side effects! read that again. In our continuation of this article we will list of exact herbs and proportion that starts from day 1 to age 12.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

The embodiment of Fetus

It is amazing to know how our ancient’s knowledge about fetus. In one of our newsletter, we asked a questions about

“What is the embodiment of Fetus? That is, Where (or whom) does the babies inherit skins, blood, fat, muscles, hair, nail, constitutions, bone, nerves, intelligence, anger, laziness, voice, and so on” There was some interesting discussion about this in our whats-app group too

Answer is

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Why our ancestors insisted a ritual for introducing solids (Annaprashana) to infants?

In the series of reviving ancient practices with spiritual-scientific meaning, we will decode a specific activity called as Annaprasana. That is, action of introducing semi-solids to solids to baby. Like tonsuring, swarnaprashana, naming and so on, our ancestors have listed Annaprasana as of the sixteen samskaras to be performed by parent to child. This practice was very popular in olden days, it was spanning from india to iranian culture. Hence, you will find this in parsi custom too.

The process of introducing the semi-solids / solids is timed at a particular stage, NOT with respective month. This is extremely wrong. It should be done between the time, when teeth begin to show and mother’s milk starts to diminish. Another reason is, during this time, when teeth show up, it is a clear sign of digestive fire has started to work. So 6th month or 10th month is time the range, but not beyond 10th month. Best judge is the mother. When she know her milk is not sufficient and she sees a teeth, that is the time to introduce solids. It is also a warning sign for mother to slowly reduce her feed. Else, kids will get into suckling and mother unconsciously will lose her own energy.

Best judge is the mother!

Why pray before feeding?

Today, scientifically all agree that, what you think and say have an influence over everything. “Tesla said it. Einstein Agreed. Science proved it. It is a known fact that everything—including our own bodies—is made up of energy vibrating at different frequencies. That being said, can sound frequencies affect us? They sure can. Frequencies affect frequencies; much like mixing ingredients with other ingredients affects the overall flavor of a meal.” – Kasim Khan. Hence, they used to chant mantras or pray to their respective divine. That is why we pray before eating – to invoke the positive energy.

Water memory also illustrates how our own intentions can even alter the material world. This has been demonstrated by Dr. Masaru Emoto, who has performed studies showing how simple intentions through sound, emotions and thoughts can dramatically shape the way water crystallizes. This is also one of the reason, they pray before starting anything, particularly when mother feeds, keeping the mind calm and chanting help a lot.

Which day?

If you know the reasons “Why you shouldn’t cut nails during New Moon day (Amavasya)?” You would know, we are unconsciously affected by heavenly bodies all the time. Each nakshatra is a specific vibration that we can use it. That is the reason Swarna Prashana is given on a Pushya day. In similar line, Rohini has a specific effect. It is best for doing Annaprashana. If you can not follow this day, at least avoid birth star day.

Why this ritual?

In ancient time, this day was also meant to test kids memory. Memory to remember the past life. Today we have parapsychology that does lot of research on past life. For simpler version, trying reading the famous book “Many lives many master” by Prominent Psychiatrist Dr. Brian Weiss

After the first feeding, they used to place different articles, like money, toys, knife, books, flower, food and so on at equal distance to the child. Kids usually crawl towards those items and pick and play. They keep repeating this exercise few more time, sometimes it will be random and other times you will notice a pattern. They do it in ancient japanese tradition too, This reveals his journey for this lifetime.

What to give?

- by Dr. Laskhmy

Start with navara rice, wheat or barley
Modakas are the weaning foods mentioned in Ayurveda in form of semi-solid bolus given for babies on milk and solids. During the weaning phase babies are prone to health problems such as indigestion, diarrhea. Modakas are the weaning foods that can be helpful.
Priyala majja (Seed of Buchanania Lanzan), yashti madhu (glycyrhyzia glabra), honey, puffed rice and sugar-good for improving the nutritional status
Balavilwa (unripe fruit of Aegle marmelos), Elakka, Sugar, Puffed rice-good for digestion
Dhataki, sugar, puffed rice -prevents constipation
Shalyadi modaka- Prepared using any single cereal like rice, wheat, barley, etc. Based on the staple food of family.This can be combined with pulses after the child gets used to it.

Other ghrtas (Ghee based medicines) given for toddlers
Saraswata ghrtam
Mahasaraswata ghrtam
Ashtanga ghrtam
Vachadi ghrtam

Vachadi choornam for speech therapy - Vacha, Yashti Madhu, Rock salt, Haritaki, Shunti, Ajwain, Kushta, Pippalil, Jeerakam, Wight ghee.

Over a period of time, again, the reason was forgotten and people use the month count. If we look deeper, it was a based on common sense. It is amazing how brilliant our ancestors were.

A detailed blog is written by dr. lakshmy on understanding baby food.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Ravana – The world’s first Pediatrician

Long ago, there lived a king, Ravana, who was extremely knowledgeable in various fields such as,, Aeronautics, Alchemy, Architecture, Astrology, Astronomy, Cooking, Varma (later evolved into Acupressure) Music, etc. Above all, he was also an expert in Ayurveda, particularly pediatrics. This is the reason people equated him as 10 headed person.

He was well versed in the uses of various herbs. Probably to build a stronger and healthy childhood was one of his agenda, He invented an innovative way to extract herbs so that it can be given to anyone. He soaked various life supporting herbs in a liquid.

Generally, we know, when we boil vegetables, most of the nutrients contained in it will be evaporated. To avoid this wastage of nutrients, He collected the vapor back through a distillation chamber. Now, these droplets has the core nutrition of the whole raw herbs. Rather than eating those raw herbs, taking this few drops did the same job. Truly an innovative way during those time. The collected droplets is called as “arka” and the instruments he used was called as “arka yantra”.

Now, you know stories behind the arka that you get along with swarnaprashana. It is very useful for Improve grasping power, memory, intellect and speech and correct aberrations of emotions, mood and personality of an individual. Used in treatment of mental retardation, speech disorders, insanity, epilepsy, etc. Your Drs. are the best people to advise it.

There is a strong argument that his descendants have traveled all over the world which includes Egyption to Mayans. This distillation process was further evolved by various people around the world. The word “Arak” which means, distilled alcoholic drink, must have been rooted from arka, which means distilled herbs.

It said that, at the request of his wife, Mandodari, he authored this arka technique in a book called as Arka Shastra. This covers wealth of herbs during those times, their dosage, cures to some of the complex diseases. In another book called as Arka Prakasha, he states Arka as one of the Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana and is said to be the most potent. Arka Prakasha, is an extraordinary work on tinctures that would cure wounds instantly. Unlike the conventional capsules, which take at least half an hour to assimilate into our system, herbal tinctures enter the bloodstream within minutes.

His another book called as Kumara Tantra, an incomplete poetical work, dealing with metals and their calcinations. He covered in-depth details about taking care of mothers and expectant mothers. It also deals with various pediatric problems such as hiccups, vomiting, dysentery, diarrhea, ulcer, post-teething problem and swelling of the navel. This book must be the first exclusive book on pediatric, which makes him probably the world’s first pediatrician.

He has mastered the art of pulse diagnosis described in his Nadi pariksha text. Lastly, Ravana samhita, which is even referred today by many astrologers to predict one’s future. It is disappointing that many of his works is unknown to many. Considerable amount of his work is destroyed and hidden. With left over, it is something we need to preserve this knowledge and pass it to our next generation.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Why do kings and queens wear golden crown?

In continuation with, Swarna (gold) bhasma the healer, Now, we know why ancestors give so much importance to gold. No wonder it is the main ingredient in swarnaprashana. Apart from the usual medical and cosmetic benefits, gold has huge impact on spiritual life. Understanding this more deeper will unlock the mysteries of, why various religious practices used gold.

We are constantly influenced by many factors, such as food we take, environment we live in, the genetic patterns we carry (or more appropriately karma). The next core level influencer would be the planets and stars. From our recent article (on why you should not cut nails on a new moon day) it will be very clear. Gold as metal always has a special effect towards planets, it always pulls the positive cosmic energy and suppresses the ill effects. That is why in many worship places, they used to cover the roof or walls with gold.

The intensity of influence, from these cosmic bodies, varies with different objects. Over 1000s of years in search and medication our spiritual scientist discovered some stones had better response from specific planet and, in return these stones had greater influence on human physical, psychological and psychic senses. Over a period of time, they turned into precious, as many people wanted to balance their negative effects.

Even in olden days, it was hard to all to get access to gold or precious stones. So, a common place for worship created to place these items, in that way, everyone can experience or get the benefits. Just like, the oxygen parlor, where people visit today, to inhale breathing fresh oxygen in exchange for some money. These ancient wellness centres was upgraded with medical plants, spiritual rituals, specialized medical portions were given to people who visited them. The end goal was simple, to help human in the journey of self-realization and to maintain positive health. Over a period of time, like all projects, this was forgotten.

Every living thing or non living thing has an aura, it changes with your thoughts, food, or even when we touch any metal. Gold and precious stones has positive effects on our aura. From the time of kirlian device invention, scientifically there are continuous attempt to read aura. Apart from attracting cosmic energy or cleansing the aura, these precious stones particularly, diamond and coral, does have an amazing capacity to store primordial sounds. Like a USB memory drive. Recently there was scientific paper published saying that, you can store more data over a glass. Think about diamond?

According to the spiritual research foundation, “gold opens crown chakra gold should be worn above waist The gold bead will pick up more energy from the surroundings and give the meridian a boost. Gold is warm and dilates the tissues and relaxes the injured area, permitting repair to be a little faster.” From reflexology and acupuncture point of view, electrical meridians (is like a electrical circuits) of the body are the electrical circuits are influenced by gold. Gold also can be used as a sort of jumper wire that allows the energy to go from one meridian that is normal and strong to one that is weaker and not functioning as well.

Is it for this reason, Kings and Queens wear golden crown with precious stones. This is not for showing their richness, but to get all positive energy that is needed to make decision that is going to affect their entire nation for generations. Over period of time, this reason got vanished and the deeper knowledge of these metals and stones were lost or perhaps kept in secret and, it was used for ornamental purpose. Even in some worship places, they have a similar crown with precious stones, they used to chant those primordial sound and the vibration is stored. When anyone visits, the crown is placed over their head for some time get the benefits.

Similarly, Apart from metals and precious stones, even certain fresh flower has more aura enhancing effect. It is for this reason at the time of wedding in India they wear garlands made from flowers. This is just to enhance their clarity of self. Over a period of time, the flower turned into plastic.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Why you should tonsure (shave), particularly for baby?

Following overwhelming response of “Why you shouldn’t cut nails during New Moon day (Amavasya)?” – We are continuously getting more request for writing new articles on various lifestyle practices. In those lines, let us explore an activity that is very important for newborn and for adult – tonsure (or cut hair).

Tonsuring is the practice of cutting or shaving some or all of the hair on the scalp. This is done from infants to adults. Tonsuring is practiced in, all most all, religions. It is always connected with events of life style. It is so very important that it became one of the sixteen samsara known as chudakarana. There are plenty of meaning why our ancestors had given importance to this practice and their associated religious stories – you either ask your granny or Google it to know more.

Let us explore from a spiritual and common sense. From our research that is, searching data outside and deep self introspection through meditations, it became very clear and obvious to us that this is more from an medical meaning to it. At the time of birth, if we examine carefully, we will know the skull of an infant is not a single bone, but a collection of 6 bones creating a gap over the skull. Only because of the flexibility of these bones, the baby’s head passes through the birth canal easily during the time of birth. Had it been a single bone, C section would be the only answer. It is really amazing to see nature’s best work!

According to Embryology, these collection of bones create two gaps called as fontanellel. One at the top of the skull and other at the centre of the skull. Now, you might realise why baby’s head top is very soft and usually no one touches it. This gap on the top, called as, Anterior fontanelle, takes around two and half years to close. The other gap, called as posterior fontanelle, takes around 6-8 weeks to close. Over a period of time, these gaps fill and new bone tissues are created over it to form a fully developed skull.

To seal the gap efficiently, and nourish the growth of these bones, we need vitamin D. Best source of Vitamin D is sunlight. Hair over the head blocks the sun rays. So if we tonsure, the head is nicely exposed to sunlight allowing to generate enough vitamin D. Probably, that is why in some religion they leave a small portion of hair during tonsure over the gaps to make sure those gaps are not touched in by mistake.

This is one of the reason we always push our parents (in our Holistic Parenting Whatsapp group) to practice at least weekly oil bath. Apart from skull development, tonsure helps in stimulating a healthy blood flow, growth of hair, enhances brain development, nervous systems, free from lice, relief from headaches and pains caused during teething.

To conclude, now, we know why our ancestors insisted to tonsure at regular intervals. Usually the 9th month, 3 years and 5th years. Over a period of time, the real meaning was forgotten and it was done as per convenience or for the sake of respect or wishes from parents or grandparents.

Do share us your belief on tonsure, this will be useful for all other parents.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Why you shouldn’t cut nails during New Moon day (Amavasya)?

Moon has significant influence on us. If you wonder how these bodies in space could affect us, ask a person at beach on a full moon day. Those rising tides are due to the effects of full moon. From common sense, when moon can influence an ocean, think about a human body? Our body consist of more than 50-70% of water, this is even higher in infants. Our brain consist of more than 75% of water. So it should be clear that moon influences our brain, which is translated to thoughts and reactions. Hence the word “lunatic” is derived from the word “Luna” means moon.

All most all traditions and religious rituals gives much importance to moon’s relative position to us on earth. From spiritual-scientific angle this makes lot of sense. At our holistic childcare group, we often remind parents (or even push them in our Whatsapp Group) to follow certain tips. One such thing is, we request them, not to cut nails (particularly toes) during new moon (or Amavasya) in tandem, we advise parents not to cut hair on a full Moon day (or Purnima).

Without exploring more into various religious rituals connected to Moon, We will analyse from a spiritual angle. Life force in our body keeps oscillating all the time, this is relative to various chakras, nadis, surrounding, etc. On a full moon day our life force is at the head level.

full moon

Now exploring further about the connection towards hair’s effect to health will be clear. Hair is the extension of our nadi. there are around 72,000 nadis in our body. Ida, pingala & sushumna were few important nadis that you must be aware of. It is through this hair tip we sense subtle sensation. If you had visited some ancient south Indian temples, Male devotes are requested to remove their tops while entering the main shrine. Because the spiritual energy are sensed through hair in their chest.

On a full moon day, the life force is high and near the top of the body, head, so cutting the hair will affect the nadi and this will affect the life, health of a body on a longer term. In the same lines, on a New Moon day, when you do not see the moon at all, so less effect on us. So, the life force is at foot level. Nails are also an extension of nadi and it is also through this we sense subtle energy. Now you know the reason, we see all ancient spiritual-scientists (or in other words, rishis, yogis or siddha, prophets, healer, etc.) grow a lot of hair and do not cut nails.

Since, the life force is either pulled to top of the head on a full moon day or at the foot level on a new moon day, it creates indigestion problems. That is one of the reason why people choose to fast on this day. This (biweekly fasting) is good for healthy living.

If you are a regular yoga person or a meditater or a person who can sense the inner sensations of your body, you would for sure feel the pulse at a certain location of your body, particularly on full moon or new moon day.

We are a by-products of our ancestor’s karma. Those passed souls on new moon day, settle at ground level, and it is this time, if you show gratitude, they might bless your family. This is 1 of 12th blessing essentials for our growth mentioned in ancient texts.

From Wikipedia.

Even today, traditional workers like masons do not work on Amavasya in India. However, they will work on Saturdays and Sundays. Even High Court judges of 18th century India used to observe Amavasya as a day off. It was the British Rule that brought the Sunday-off principle to Indian industry.

There are plenty of situation we can use moon to our advantage by knowing its position, We will explore this in great details in coming future. Do ask questions or share this with others.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Oil Bathing with benefits

Oil pulling is getting popular in the west. There seems to be a lot of discussion in media and research community about its various benefits. On those lines, we decided to introduce yet another important practiced by our ancient people for a healthy life. It’s called as Oil bathing. This is one activity we contently reminding our parents in our whatsapp group.

Case Study on Oil Bath from our parenting community.

Though we (people from India) have been practising oil bathing for ages, we decided to research further into Ayurveda and siddha text to dig more details about this holistic practise. This article is not only for babies, but to all every one.

Oil bath is a process of applying certain oil over the body, in a certain way, on a certain days. When we practices this over a period of time, we reap lot of benefits in short, to long term. Let’s start with the benefits first, followed by a details procedure. The procedure we would recommend would suites well with our busy lifestyle.

There seems to plenty of benefits of performing an oil bath, some has been proved in research and some are yet to be provedJ. Over all it does benefits in a positive way to mention some:

Balances the Vata, Pitta and Kapha known as Tridosha- if this is balanced, consider all the benefits are just a free add-on!
Best Anti-ageing, younger skins, natural moistening, healthy blood circulation, healthy eyes, cool head, reduces headache, Feel lighter, frees from stiffness and body pain, Healthy hair, scalp, etc
At a spiritual level, it cleanses the Aura, balances the chakra and keep the body at alert and aware state. And the list goes on…

Let’s go deeper in the “applying certain oil over the body, in a certain way, on a certain days” part.

Recommended Oil

Gingelly oil (a.k.a til oil or sesame oil)
Coconut oil
Herbal / medicinal oil recommended by Ayurveda or Siddha doctor

Many people use other oils as well, Olive oil, Mustard oil, Castor oil, etc. There is nothing wrong in using these oils. Ayurveda or siddha speaks highly of gingelly oil. So we highly recommend gingelly oil. Not many know, it is called as queen of all oils.

We also highly recommend that you play with other oil in parallel that suites well. Your body and mind is the best judge, just explore all and you will end up with one that makes you feel well. In most cases its gingelly!

It is better if you can get cold pressed organic oil. Or if you are in India and have local knowledge you can find places where they prepare oil in a traditional way. Or even you can prepare your own herbal oil in upcoming articles.

Recommended procedure to apply

Scalp: Always start applying at the scalp with a gentle rub. You should feel the heat radiating out from the skull
Yes: if the oils Is of good quality and pure you can apply couple of drops in eyes
Ears: few drops to dilute the ear wax
Rest of face
Palms and feet: apply in both palms and rub it
Rest of body

Following the procedure in a same order will release the heat thru eyes without irritation.

Massage the body

Unless you are trained massage therapist. Do not play hard, especially with kids. Just apply oil and may be a gentle massage against gravitational pull.

Day and time

If you are from India or especially from south you know it’s a Saturday. Actually our ancient text given even more details, they recommend.

For Men: it is Wednesday and Saturday
For Women: it is Tuesday and Friday

In today life busy world, it’s hard to do this in a working day partially if you have early start. But sticking to Saturday is something we should add in our schedule.

Usually it recommended to apply oil and face the sun rise. To not wait for long time. 10 to 20 mins it more than enough if you are living in a cold country.

Scrubbing

Homemade scrubs are better for babies. Some like this

Bengal gramflour,
1 tsp tumeric powder,
1 tsp vacha powder,
1 tsp zeodary root powder
Cream of milk

Mix all together a best scrub for babies. Natural scrubbers such as vetiver scrubber, sponge guard, Bark of Rita even soft coconut fiber can be used.

One of the parent from our group was able share her home made shikakai powder and ubtan (scrub) for babies. This is a something they have be using this recipe of many generation, Unlike what we recommended or what you get in market, She makes Shikakai power with 18 herbs that is good for hair.

If you can not make it yourselves We would suggest give it a try.

Use warm to hot water. Do not pour hot water directly over the head. Use luke warm to cold water for head because hot water is said to be not good for hair and sense organs especially eyes. It can cause hair loss and decrease the strength of the sense organs.

We would not suggest soap, as it’s very hard to get the oil out and it damages the skins. We recommend gram flour.

For girls, when are using in face you can also add a pinch of turmeric powder with gram flour to remove unwanted facial hairs.

Any natural soap free shampoo is better or Shikakai power (you can even by a home made shikakai for here).

After an oil bath

Make sure you follow few things

Black pepper rasam or soup
Do not eat cooling food
Avoid sleep in day time as this is most important to follow

As you practice this over a period of time you will notice the changes in body and you will feel lighter healthier mentally, physically, spiritually.

It advisable to avoid oil bath when

You are not well
Cold or flu
Weather is cold or rainy day

To save some time over you weekend. You might first apply over your body followed by applying to your kids and give them a bath, in the last you take bath.

Do share your feedback or what kind of oil bath you do or even ask question in our comments.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Celebrate a holistic “REAL” Deepavali a.k.a Diwali

We started getting calls / emails / whatsapp post in our group, from parents asking us on how to celebrate deepavali that would enhance their experience from holistic angle and would benefit their kids. Apart from the many request, we also felt it’s a high time we need bring awareness of the real deepavali.

We will leave it to Wikipedia to know about the knowledge of Deepavali. We would rather focus this article to explain from a common sense with some spiritual / scientific angle.

Our ancestor were spiritual-scientific people, when it comes to celebration, they design the best way and timed it perfect, such that, broad spectrum of people gets the benefits. (Not just restrict to some specific religion) at the end it results in better for holistic individual as well as social growth.

From a common sense, during olden days, say thousands of years back, we all accept that whole India was of forest with small village in between. When rainy season ends winter starts. The day is shorter and sky is much more clear, so during this time, many insects and so on, tries to enter various habitat for shelter. After rainy season, people need a way to send them out else they would cause infection to the people in the house. So they set up a array of lamps was used for certain period of time inside and out side. In that way the array of light was also a guide for trespasser in darkness.

Why light ghee lamp?

People would clean the house and light lamps outside the house and rivers. In that way, all the insects seeing light and warmth they move out. It you notice, our ancestors never killed even an insects. There are plenty of benefits of ghee lamp today many scientific evidence prove it. To mention some read this “Comparative study of the effect of holding a lit candle and a lit ghee-lamp using the electrosomatographic technique”. Even today in southern part of india, they all lit lamp with some herbal oil. All village takes turn creating an atmospheric relations.

Why burn fireworks?

Many wild animals who were hiding inside rainy forest roam around to breed, to make sure that, they do not enter any village and cause disturbance these lights would let know keep out. Over a period of time, fireworks made way to India in trade. When they burn this, it create a more sound. Animals was scared to enter the human habitat. Do we need this today?

Why sweets?

To increase the celebration mood, you need instant energy, so what else you could think of other than sweets? So, that is they use sweet in all festive to increase the sugar in body. Also its keep the body warm. Off course it was all cow’s ghee based sweets, so easy to digest, etc. Whenever they distributed the sweets, they also give a small portion of Deepavali Lehyam along with it. This will improve the digestion and immunity. How humble, our ancestors were!

Today

We are in modern cities, with complete change over the climate. So we need a way to continue the tradition at the same time we do not create more problem. So it’s high time we refine this festival.

Few tips to completely energy this day!

Start you day early morning with an nice oil bath. if you have attend our intro session on swarna prshana program. You would know by now, for other, Begin with the oil bath with gingelly oil. The oil massage followed by bath with ubtan or body scrub and shikhakhai removes the dead cell and refreshes and energises the body. The oil bath brings down the pitta or excess heat in the body and increases the appetite. We will write a detailed article soon.
After oil bath take Deepavali Lehyam daily One spoon. This lehyam is a solution to the indigestion caused by the sweets and fried foods eaten during these days. Its made with the spices easily available in the kitchen. Like peppercorns, jeera, coriander, dry ginger, ajwain etc. Want to know how to make this ? Go here.
Teach children about lighting ghee lamp. There are plenty of benefits for you, family and whole society. Did you read this, “Comparative study of the effect of holding a lit candle and a lit ghee-lamp using the electrosomatographic technique”
Its good time, to discuss in open ended discussion about why our ancient people celebrated ask these question and see their reply, you would be amazed by their common sense and their imaginative power
It’s a best day to spend with kids open a comic version of history related to deepavali and narrate the story
PLEASE say NO to fireworks – you all agree to it, for very little ones, you should try trade to buy something else like gift etc….☺ But fulfill it!
NO serial lights, they are not equal to ghee lamps
Since you cannot control sweets. Make sure you all take triphala daily night Or after festival to clean your stomach

These are few tips we could think of. If you like to add some comments let us know.

Enjoy and happy Deepavali!

Jaatamatra / One day old child

Pakshateeta / 15 days to 1 month

Athipakshateeta / Completed 1 month

Thraimasika / Completed 3 months

Shanmasika / Completed 6 months

Ekabdha / 1 year old child

Thryabdha / 3 year old child

Panchayana / 5 year old child

Ashtabdha / 8 year old child

Dasabdha / 10 year old child

Dwasasabdha / 12 year old child

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Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Immediately after birth

Jatakarma

Mother’s feed

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Why pray before feeding?

Which day?

Why this ritual?

What to give?

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Recommended Oil

Recommended procedure to apply

Massage the body

Day and time

Scrubbing

After an oil bath

It advisable to avoid oil bath when

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Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Why light ghee lamp?

Why burn fireworks?

Why sweets?

Today

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Author: Velu Jayaprakash