REVIEW ARTICAL ON KARSHYA AND PEM IN AYURVEDA

Vd. Vishal S. Ture* and Vd. Deokumar W. Raut

ABSTRACT

Karshya is one of the nutritional disorder i.e. Apatarpanjanya Vyadhi. Karshya disease is similar to undenutrition. In Karshya, there is emaciation of Sphika (buttock), Udar (abdomen), Griva(neck) take place and also there is insufficient supply of nutrients in any stage of age. In ayurveda, Aahara- Nidra -Bramhacharya are three pillars of the body. Aahara (food) is the first pillar because nutrition mainly depends upon it.[1] Lack of insufficient Aahara/ food leads to nutritional deficiency condition. In Ayurvedic texts, Nutritional disorders are described in scattered manner. PEM (protein energy malnutrition) is one of the disease related to the annavahasrotas. It is a major public health problem in India. According to World Health Organization, PEM refers to an imbalance between the supply of protein and energy and bodys demand for them to ensure optimal growth and function. PEM is measured in terms of underweight (low weight for age), Stunting (low height for age) and wasting (low weight for height). In Ayurvedic literature, Nutritional disorders are described in a dispersed manner. In Samhitas of various Acharya, they described Various Nutritional deficiency diseases such as Karshya, Phakka, Balashosha and Parigarbhika. If Karshya is not treated in proper time then compication like Shwasa, Kasa, Pliha, Gluma, Arsha, Udarroga, Grahaniroga occurs.[2] Malnutrition is the burning problem in children so immediate attention is required. This article highlights the Ayurvedic view of nutritional disorder like protein energy malnutrition.

Keywords: Karshya, Undernutrition, Protien Energy Malnutrition (PEM).