Just like adults, kids already have a constitution, or dosha, that they come into the world with. This is called their prakruti, or true nature. Honoring a child’s prakruti can mean the difference between having a stressed, anxious child, and experiencing the joy of your child in their balanced state.
It’s important to keep in mind that, while there are 3 basic doshas, most people (including children) are a particular combination of the 3, usually with 1 or 2 of the doshas standing out above the rest.
When we come from the perspective of understanding your child’s dosha, we realize that every child is different, and instead of demanding them to be different, we can better understand them and help them excel at the things they are naturally good at, and avoid the humiliation of letting them fail at something they are not naturally predisposed to be good at.
>>> Read more about uncovering your child’s dosha
Immunity
Kids’ immunity can be an even stickier topic than that of adults, partially because children’s immune systems are not fully formed yet, and partially because their exposure (through school and other social activities) to illness and infection is so high.
Building a strong digestive system for your child by introducing the right foods, and keeping the blood sugar stable is a wonderful way to build a foundation of strong immunity for years to come.
In addition, the following four immune-boosting tips can help turn back-to-school and winter into a far less dreaded time:
- Moisturize your child’s sinuses with a cold mist humidifier and a good quality ear oil.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep by implementing an “early to bed” habit in your home.
- Keep them hydrated – make sure they are getting plenty of plain, room temperature water by putting a water bottle in your child’s lunch. At the very least, have them drink 12 ounces of water upon waking and before bed, and provide a glass of water at lunch.
- Don’t let that blood sugar crash – provide your child with a big lunch and have a healthy meal waiting on the stove for when they come home from school. The afternoon is the time when the brain needs a lot of nutrients to avoid the dip that many adults remedy with sugar and caffeine.
Stress
According to Ayurveda, a child’s thriving health depends on an environment that is nourishing physiologically and psychologically. Having a happy, stress-free home life is key to protecting your child’s nervous system and making sure that they feel safe and stable in their inner selves and in their lives.
Need Support?
- Have Dr. Douillard design an herbal program for you with a phone consultation.
- Get started healing with the 28-Day Ayurveda Challenge eCourse
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Need Supplements? We can help!
Perfect Health for Kids unveils little-known secrets every parent should know, including ways to help you treat your kids proactively—while they’re healthy—to prevent colds, earaches, and even the flu weeks before these ailments actually show up. Using time-tested and scientifically-proven Ayurvedic principles, you can do more than just treat symptoms; you can get to the root cause of childhood weight gain, ADD, asthma, allergies, tummy aches, and more.
John Douillard explains children’s different health needs based on their “kid-types” and the changing seasons. He shares his “Lazy Susan” of natural remedies, along with grocery shopping lists and practical health tips. With six children of his own, John Douillard has come up with dozens of kid-friendly routines to keep his children—and yours—happy and healthy.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is one of the most relied-upon adaptogens in Ayurveda and is great, in small quantities, for vata-type children. This sweet root helps deliver energy during the day and a restful sleep at night, supporting a healthy nervous system.
Brahmi Brain: A cooling herb for the brain, Brahmi Brain is wonderful for pitta-type children who may become angry or emotionally distraught when they are stressed. Named after one of the highest states of consciousness (Brahman), Brahmi Brain can help a pitta child settle down and focus, and is also phenomenal for supporting a good night’s sleep in the pitta child.
Bacopa: This brain and memory tonic is especially good for the slow-learning kapha types, who benefit from the rejuvenative actions of Bacopa. Kapha can suffer from low energy levels and sluggishness. Bacopa can help balance energy levels, support healthy memory, improve learning, support stable mood, stomach, and respiratory health.
Chyawanprash is a classic Ayurvedic superfood with a supporting cast of over 40 organic herbs for anyone who needs support to avoid vata imbalances during seasonal changes and stressful life transitions. The base and key ingredient of this formula is Amalaki, or Indian Gooseberry, a powerful antioxidant fruit that is considered a superfood in India for its potent free radical-scavenging properties. Chyawanprash helps support the body’s natural ability to remove toxins or “ama” and boost “ojas” which, in Ayurveda, supports optimal vigor and vitality.
