What Is Down Syndrome? A Perspective As Per Ayurveda

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of extra genetic material from chromosome #21 in some or all of an individual’s cells. The condition reduces cognitive ability and results in certain characteristic physical features.

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Individuals with Down Syndrome may have considerable abnormalities in other body systems putting them at greater risk for heart defects, vision problems, gastrointestinal problems, ear infections, breathing difficulties, memory loss, and thyroid dysfunctions. Dr. Smita Naram Co-Founder of Ayushakti shares an Ayurveda perspective on down syndrome.

Nearly 1 in 800 - 1,000 children are born with Down Syndrome and this mainly occurs due to the age of the mother and other key factors.

Ayurveda’s Perspective on Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that affects individuals from birth, causing cognitive and physical challenges. While there is no cure for this syndrome, Ayurveda offers supportive treatment plans to manage its symptoms effectively. Ayurvedic approaches focus on balancing the vata dosha, which is believed to be the root cause of the imbalance in Down syndrome.

One of the primary symptoms of Down Syndrome is mental retardation, which can be addressed with Ayurvedic medications known for their intellect-enhancing properties. Medications like AshtamangalaGhrita, Ashtanga Ghrita, and herbal combinations containing Mandukaparni, Yasthimadhu, Guduchi, Shakhapushpi, and Jyotishmati have shown promise in managing mental health issues in children with Down Syndrome.
Also, formulations with herbs like Guduchi, Kushtha, Abhaya, and Shankhpushpi have been found beneficial for children with learning disabilities associated with the syndrome.

Can You Prevent Down Syndrome?

Prevention of Down Syndrome is not possible once a baby is conceived with the condition. However, prenatal screening and testing can help identify the syndrome before birth. Parents can then make informed decisions about their pregnancy, including the option to terminate or seek support resources for raising a child with Down Syndrome.

Detection of Down Syndrome:

Detection of Down syndrome before birth can be indicated by specific abnormalities in the mother's blood or ultrasound findings. More definitive tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling can confirm the diagnosis. Ongoing research is exploring new prenatal techniques involving sequencing fetal DNA fragments in the mother's blood to identify elevated levels of chromosome fragments.

While it may be heartbreaking to discover that a child has Down Syndrome, parents can provide love and support to help their child thrive. By incorporating Ayurvedic approaches to managing the symptoms of Down syndrome, parents can enhance their children's quality of life and provide the necessary care and support for their unique needs.