A RCT OF BALATAILA ABHYANGA VERSUS COCONUT OIL MASSAGE IN PHYSIOLOGICAL TRANSITION OF NEWBORN

Abstract

Background: Newborn care is of immense importance for the proper development and healthy life of a baby. Neonatal
health is undoubtedly one of the most significant health challenges facing the developing world. After the birth the baby
rely on external help and needs to adjust to live outside the womb & to develop a sense of security in newborn abhyanga is
essential. Objectives: To compare the Bala taila abhyanga and coconut oil massage in newborns Methods:
Healthy full term newborns are selected and enrolled in two groups by block randomization method. Study group (Group
A) for Bala taila abhyanga followed by panchavalkala kwatha snana and control group (Group B) were massaged with
coconut oil followed by plain hotwater bath from 24hrs of birth to 7 day of life and followed up at 1 ½ month, 2 ½ month
and 3 ½ month of baby age. Assessment was done by using parameters like systolic BP, Diastolic BP, respiratory rate,
heart rate and weight. Results: Initially after first 7 days of therapy there were significant results in BP, HR in both groups
but significant weight gain observed in group A. At follow ups when compared to both groups significant changes in
respiratory rate and diastolic BP. Heart rate and weight remain insignificant. Conclusion: the effect of bala taila abhyanga
and coconut oil massage in early newborn period is effective in physiological mentainance of HR and BP but significant
weight gain in abhyanga group. Helped in preventing physiological weight loss. At the first and second follow up
significant change in respiratory rate and at third follow up in diastolic BP. It can be inferred that the therapy may helped
until the massage has been practiced.