Résumé
The knowledge of Ayurveda have been divided in eight branches i.e., Ashtangayurveda. Out of which Kaumarbhritya is the branch of Ayurveda, which deals with the knowledge of diseases and care of child right from conception till adolescence. Kashyap Samhita is the most important and main classical text of the Kaumarbhritya. The Kashyap Samhita is divided in various sections (Sthana) of which Vedanadhyaya is 25th Chapter of Sutrasthana where the symptomology of various diseases in children’s are explained and it helps in pediatric examination and diagnosis as children are not capable to speak about their symptoms themselves. The present review article is the humble effort to investigate the classical text of the Vedanadhyaya and its modern aspects. It is observable that Acharya Kashyap has integrated a broad collection of diseases of different system like skin, ENT, gastro-biliary, hematology and urinary system and has also included the Balgrahas. The symptoms described are truthful and rational in modern logical era also. Therefore, a comprehensive study of Vedanadhyaya is necessary for appropriate understanding of Ayurvedic point of view for pediatric diseases and their ordinary discriminative symptoms. It reinforces the view, that children are not miniature adults and diseases in pediatric age group have different features and requires understanding of it. This review article highlights the importance of Vednaadhyaya in clinical diagnosis of childhood diseases.
Résumé
Kashyapa Samhita is a book of pediatrics having main focus on the health and well-being of children and their pathological manifestations. The most revered source book available on Kaumarbhritya, is presented in the form of compilations of the preaching of Acharya Kashyapa by his disciple Vridhha Jivaka. The Kashyapa samhita available today is actually one fourth or even less than what it would have been in its original form. Fortunately we have Vedanadhyaya where in 32 pediatric illnesses are described. The text is divided in various sections (Sthanas) of which Vedanadhyaya is twenty fifth chapters in Sutra Sthana. Acharya Kashyapa has provided us a strong diagnostic tool which is useful in day to day practice of pediatrics. He undoubtedly laid the foundation stone of clinical pediatrics. Vedanadhyaya concerns the symptomalogy of various diseases in children and serves as a great guidance for pediatric examination and diagnosis as children are unable to narrate their symptoms themselves. So the present article reviews the original text of the chapter and critically analyses it in light of contemporary medical science.