HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE ON SHARIRIK AND MAANSIK VRIDDHI: AN AYURVEDIC AND MODERN UNDERSTANDING OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FROM INFANCY TO ADOLESCENCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22159/ijas.2025v13.56556Keywords:
Sharirik Vriddhi, Maansik Vridhi, Pediatric Ayurveda, Neurological Reflexes, Personality Development, Growth Factors, Vriddhi-Karak Bhaav, Samskara, Balaroga, SwarnaprashanAbstract
Human development is a complex and dynamic process, unfolding from the moment of conception through adolescence. It comprises physical, mental, neurological, and emotional changes that are influenced by genetic, environmental, nutritional, and sociocultural factors. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life [1], provides a profound understanding of growth and development (Vriddhi and Vikaas) through the lens of Sharirik (physical), Maansik (mental), and Aatmik (spiritual) development. This article aims to provide a comprehensive view integrating classical Ayurvedic principles with modern biomedical sciences. It addresses five core domains: Physical parameters of growth, psychological development, personality formation, neurological development and reflexes, and influencing factors on developmental trajectories. This integrative perspective serves as a guiding framework for holistic pediatric care and early developmental monitoring.
References
1. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 17, Shloka 117. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
2. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana. Adhyaya 6, Shloka 3-4. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
3. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 30, Shloka 26-27. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
4. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana. Adhyaya 8, Shloka 5-6. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
5. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 21, Shloka 3. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
6. Sharma PV, editor. Sushruta Samhita, Sharira Sthana. Adhyaya 10, Shloka 3-5. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
7. Sharma PV, editor. Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 15, Shloka 48. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
8. Sharma PV, editor. Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 35, Shloka 27-28. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
9. Sharma PV, editor. Sushruta Samhita, Sharira Sthana. Adhyaya 3, Shloka 10-12. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
10. Sharma PV, editor. Kashyap Samhita, Khila Sthana. Adhyaya 4, Shloka 10-12. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018.
11. Sharma PV, editor. Kashyap Samhita, Lehana Adhyaya, Shloka 1-5. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018.
12. Sharma PV, editor. Kashyap Samhita, Khila Sthana. Adhyaya 5, Shloka 15-20. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018.
13. Gupta KA, editor. Ashtanga Hridaya, Sharira Sthana. Adhyaya 1, Shloka 5-6. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2011.
14. Gupta KA, editor. Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 2, Shloka 10-11. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2011.
15. Gupta KA, editor. Ashtanga Hridaya, Uttarasthana. Adhyaya 1, Shloka 12-14. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2011.
16. Murthy KR, editor. Ashtanga Samgraha, Sharira Sthana. Adhyaya 2, Shloka 5-8. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2007.
17. Murthy KR, editor. Ashtanga Samgraha, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 3, Shloka 9-11. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2007.
18. Chunekar KC, editor. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Purva Khanda, Balya Varga, Shloka 15-20. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2016.
19. Chunekar KC, editor. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Purva Khanda, Medhya Varga. Shloka 5-8. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2016.
20. Chunekar KC, editor. Bhavaprakasha, Madhyama Khanda, Annapanavidhi Adhyaya. Shloka 12-15. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2016.
21. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 8, Shloka 17-20. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
22. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 27, Shloka 45-48. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
23. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 2, Shloka 35-38. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
24. Sharma PV, editor. Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 21, Shloka 6-8. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
25. Sharma PV, editor. Sushruta Samhita, Sharira Sthana. Adhyaya 4, Shloka 8-10. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
26. Sharma PV, editor. Kashyap Samhita, Khila Sthana. Adhyaya 6, Shloka 2-4. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018.
27. Gupta KA, editor. Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 5, Shloka 10-13. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2011.
28. Gupta KA, editor. Ashtanga Hridaya, Sharira Sthana. Adhyaya 3, Shloka 7-9. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2011.
29. Murthy KR, editor. Ashtanga Samgraha, Sharira Sthana. Adhyaya 4, Shloka 15-18. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2007.
30. Chunekar KC, editor. Bhavaprakasha, Purva Khanda, Dinacharya Adhyaya, Shloka 2-4. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2016.
31. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 6, Shloka 50-53. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
32. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana. Adhyaya 7, Shloka 10-12. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
33. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita, Vimanasthana. Adhyaya 8, Shloka 5-7. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
34. Sharma PV, editor. Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 28, Shloka 13-15. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
35. Sharma PV, editor. Sushruta Samhita, Sharira Sthana. Adhyaya 5, Shloka 8-11. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
36. Sharma PV, editor. Kashyap Samhita, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 9, Shloka 20-22. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018.
37. Sharma PV, editor. Kashyap Samhita, Khila Sthana. Adhyaya 8, Shloka 6-8. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018.
38. Gupta KA, editor. Ashtanga Hridaya, Uttarasthana. Adhyaya 3, Shloka 8-10. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2011.
39. Gupta KA, editor. Ashtanga Hridaya, Sharira Sthana. Adhyaya 6, Shloka 12-14. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2011.
40. Murthy KR, editor. Ashtanga Samgraha, Sutrasthana. Adhyaya 7, Shloka 5-8. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2007.
41. Chunekar KC, editor. Bhavaprakasha, Madhyama Khanda, Rasayana Adhyaya. Shloka 12-15. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2016.
42. Chunekar KC, editor. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Purva Khanda, Rasayana Varga. Shloka 7-9. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2016.
43. Sharma PV, editor. Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana. Adhyaya 1, Shloka 5-7. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
44. Sharma PV, editor. Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana. Adhyaya 24, Shloka 10-12. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.
45. Sharma PV, editor. Kashyap Samhita, Khila Sthana. Adhyaya 10, Shloka 15-18. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018.
46. Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF, Behrman RE, editors. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020.
47. World Health Organization. WHO Child Growth Standards: Length/ Height-for-Age, Weight-for-Age, Weight-for-Length, Weight-for- Height and Body Mass Index-for-Age. Geneva: WHO; 2006.
48. Berk LE. Development through the Lifespan. 7th ed. Boston: Pearson; 2018.
49. Freud S. An Outline of Psycho-Analysis. New York: W.W. Norton and Company; 1949.
50. Erikson EH. Childhood and Society. 2nd ed. New York: W.W. Norton and Company; 1968.
51. Piaget J. The Origins of Intelligence in Children. New York: International Universities Press; 1952.
52. Bayley N. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. 3rd ed. San Antonio: Harcourt Assessment; 2006.
53. Frankenburg WK, Dodds JB, Archer P, Bresnick B, Maschka P. Denver Developmental Screening Test II. Denver: Denver Developmental Materials; 1992.
54. Aylward GP. Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants. Dev Med Child Neurol 2005;47:220-4.
55. Prechtl HF. The Neurologic Examination of the Full-Term Newborn Infant - A Practical Guide. Clinics in Developmental Medicine No. 59. London: Mac Keith Press; 1977.
56. Capute AJ, Accardo PJ. Developmental Disabilities in Infancy and Childhood. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.; 2000.
57. Lobo MA, Galloway JC. Postural and reaching development in infants: A review of timing and mechanisms. Dev Psychobiol 2013;55:109-16.
58. Nelson CA. Neural development and early experience. The mnemonic brain. Annu Rev Psychol 2001;52:569-97.
59. Johnson MH. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. 4th ed. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell; 2010.
60. Glascoe FP. Early detection of developmental and behavioral problems. Pediatrics 2005;115:1805-16.
61. American Academy of Pediatrics. Identifying infants and young children with developmental disorders in the medical home: An algorithm for developmental surveillance and screening. Pediatrics 2006;118:405-20.
62. Lozoff B, Beard J, Connor J, Felt B, Georgieff M, Schallert T. Long-lasting neural and behavioral effects of iron deficiency in infancy. Nutr Rev 2006;64:S34-43.
63. Walker SP, Wachs TD, Gardner JM, Lozoff B, Wasserman GA, Pollitt E, et al. Child development: Risk factors for adverse outcomes in developing countries. Lancet 2007;369:145-57.
64. Black MM, Walker SP, Fernald LC, Andersen CT, DiGirolamo AM, Lu C, et al. Early childhood development coming of age: Science through the life course. Lancet 2017;389:77-90.
65. Britto PR, Lye SJ, Proulx K, Yousafzai A, Matthews SG, Vaivada T, et al. Nurturing care: Promoting early childhood development. Lancet 2017;389:91-102.
66. World Health Organization, UNICEF. Care for Developmental Milestones: WHO/UNICEF Guidance Brief. Geneva: WHO; 2020.
67. O’Connor NR, Knoppert D. Measurement and significance of primitive reflexes in infancy. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2012;5:123-35.
68. Hadders-Algra M. Early human motor development: From variation to the ability to vary and adapt. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2005;29:447-57.
69. Bayley M, Campos J. Motor development as a foundation for cognitive growth in infancy. Dev Rev 2004;24:129-52.
70. McNicholas F. Developmental assessment and screening in primary care. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2013;98:230-8.
71. Rutter M. Developmental psychopathology: Some conceptual considerations. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2006;47:269-79.
72. Sood A, Taneja S. Integrative pediatrics: Concepts and practice. Indian J Pediatr 2015;82:1012-8.
73. Chopra A, Patwardhan B. Ayurvedic approaches to child health: An evidence-based review. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2012;3:92-101.
74. Patwardhan B, Warude D, Pushpangadan P, Bhatt N. Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine: A comparative overview. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2005;2:465-73.
75. Singh RH. Ayurvedic concepts of Bala and Rasayana for improving child health. AYU An Int Q J Res Ayurveda 2010;31:123-9.
76. Gharote ML, Malshe KK. Role of massage (abhyanga) in infant care: Physiological and therapeutic effects. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2009;13:3-10.
77. Taneja S, Aggarwal AK. Nutritional rehabilitation and growth monitoring in children with chronic malnutrition: An integrative approach. Indian Pediatr 2014;51:197-205.
78. Bhushan P, Chopra A. Ayurvedic interventions in pediatric conditions: A systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018;32:139-49.
79. Malhotra S, Singh R. Role of traditional practices (samskara) in Indian child rearing: Implications for mental health. Int J Cult Ment Health 2016;9:1-12.
80. DiPietro JA. Maternal influences on fetal activity and neurobehavioral development. Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev 2005;11:215-22.
81. Guralnick MJ. Early intervention approaches to enhance the peer-related social competence of young children with developmental delays: A historical perspective. Infants Young Child 2010;23:73-83.
82. Johnson S, Marlow N. Early and long-term outcome of infants born extremely preterm. Arch Dis Child 2017;102:97-102.
83. Richman N. The infant behavioral assessment and intervention: Foundation for early developmental surveillance. J Pediatr 2003;142:45-51.
84. McGrath J, et al. Screening for autism spectrum disorder in early childhood: Evidence and recommendations. Pediatrics 2016;137 Suppl 2:S12-21.
85. Baron-Cohen S, Ashwin E, Ashwin C, Tavassoli T, Chakrabarti B. Talent in autism: Hyper-systemizing, hyper-attention to detail and sensory hypersensitivity. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2009;364:1377-83.
86. Grantham-McGregor S, Cheung YB, Cueto S, Glewwe P, Richter L, Strupp B, et al. Developmental potential in the first 5 years for children in developing countries. Lancet 2007;369:60-70.
87. Shonkoff JP, Garner AS, Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, Committee on Early Childhood, Adoption, and Dependent Care, Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. The lifelong effects of early childhood adversity and toxic stress. Pediatrics 2012;129:e232-46.
88. Black RE, Victora CG, Walker SP, Bhutta ZA, Christian P, De Onis M, et al. Maternal and child undernutrition and overweight in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet 2013;382:427-51.
89. Fernald LC, Kariger P, Engle P, Raikes A. Examining Early Child Development in Low-Income Countries: AToolkit for the Assessment of Children in the First Five Years of Life. United States: World Bank; 2009.
90. World Health Organization. Indicators for Assessing Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices: Part 1 Definitions. Geneva: WHO; 2008.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2025 Riya
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.