Publication

Abstract : Background and objectives Āyurveda recommends abhyaṅga (massage) for swastha (healthy individual) in the context of jātamātra paricharya (neonatal care) and in Ayurvedic treatises such as Arogyakalpadrumam as a daily routine. There have been many community surveys held in India to explore the prevalence and various practices of infant oil massage tradition, but there is a void in data regarding the current status of traditional infant oil massage practice among communities in the Kerala state. Hence, this study was conducted to understand the knowledge level and current practices related to traditional infant oil massage. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 145 primiparous mothers of infants in Malappuram district, Kerala. The data were collected via face-to-face interview on their consent using a newly developed closed-ended questionnaire after testing its validity and reliability. Results In total, 71% of mothers were practicing traditional oil massage to their infants, 94.5% of study subjects were unaware about abhyaṅga said in Āyurveda, and 96.9% never sought opinion from Ayurvedic practitioner before starting massage practice. Coconut oil was used by 75.9% mothers. Conclusion Traditional infant oil massage practices were widely practiced across the study setting. The knowledge level of mothers related to this traditional practice seemed limited, and the practices were varied too. Therefore, authentic, scientific, and systematic guidance from reliable sources to parents and caretakers may serve as a better infant healthcare approach. Thus, Āyurveda may help in shaping policies and protocols to sculpt a healthy life by incorporating such infant care modalities.