Review of The Concept of Stanyakshaya and its Management

Abstract

Breast milk is an elixir, a gift fromthe Almighty for little angels. Feeding a child is the most fulfilling and gratifying experience for a mother. The importance of breast milk is well explained in all branches of medical science. The child should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months after birth. Today, stanyakshaya (hypogalactia) or stanyanasha (agalactia) is a very common problem, especially with primiparous mothers. Consequently, it must be considered. In Asian and tropical countries like India, the prevalence of lactational deficiency could be 30 - 40%.Ayurveda acharyas consider stanyakshya to be a serious issue, and they have thoroughly described the condition, including the causal factors and management. Stanyakshaya is occurring due to psychological and somatic causes. Dhatukshaya and Agnimandya are the two major factors that lead to this condition. In Ayurveda, acharyas described severalstanyandajanana, stanyavardhaka drugs, as well as stanyavardhakaahaaras and viharas, which have been proven effective, safe, and of great significance over the ages. This paper makes an effort is made to describe the concept of stanyakshaya and its Ayurvedic management.