#AyurvaidWay: Ayurveda Insights on Bala Samskara

Hi all I am Dr Aswathi from Apollo AyurVAID hospitals, New Delhi. Today I am here to share some Ayurvedic insights on Bala Samskaras some of the Indian rituals done for babies post 6 months. A major milestone in a 6 month old baby is weaning off of solid foods. This is marked by Annaprashna samskara. During the ritual of Annaprasana samskara a symbolic representation of introducing all six tastes to the baby is done. This is done by various food items that are made according to the culture and place. Babies can get all required nutrients from breast milk until 6 months of age but after that slowly other food items should be introduced. At first mashed and properly cooked food items can be given, fruits can also be given. Annaprasana is also a time period setting that until this ritual no other food is allowed to be given. Next is  Karnavedhana samskara that is ear piercing which is done at 6th or 7th month. In Ayurveda it is done as a protective measure as wearing of many gems and pearls can help in preventing harmful radiations. It also benefits in pacifying the internal doshas of the baby. According to Ayurveda the lobe of ear also has an important significance. It connects directly to the baby's brain. Next is is Chuda karna Samskara- the first head shaving. It is done after 1 year of age and before 3 years. head is shaved properly to inspect any deformities and to cleanse scalp. Afterwards specific oils are applied for various requirements. In this way the traditional practices that we follow in India play a major role in supporting healthy, holistic living in a child. Thank you