Perfect Health for Kids: Ten Ayurvedic Health Secrets Every Parent Must Know

by John Douillard

This “must-read” guide to children’s health “combines insights of the great wisdom tradition of Ayurveda with a current understanding of body, mind, and spirit” (Deepak Chopra, M.D.)
 
According to Ayurveda, an ancient Hindu science, health is a state of balance among the body, mind, senses, and soul. This book shows specific ways to promote children's health and well-being using Ayurvedic principles.
 
In this book, John Douillard explains how to identify the signs of imminent illness, how to make the home chemical and allergen free, and how to stock a "Lazy Susan" of useful natural medicines. Appendices provide shopping lists and a directory of national health providers.  Perfect Health for Kids  is an accessible, illustrated guide that provides highly effective health maintenance for children.

Genres: Parenting, Health

345 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2003

About the author

Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP, is a youthful 60-year-old globally recognized leader in the fields of natural health, Ayurveda, and sports medicine. He is the creator of LifeSpa.com, the leading Ayurvedic health and wellness resource on the web with over 4.5 million views on YouTube. LifeSpa.com is evolving the way Ayurveda is understood around the world, with over 700 articles and videos proving ancient wisdom with modern science. Dr. John is the former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets NBA team, author of 7 health books, a repeat guest on the Dr. Oz show, and featured in Woman’s World Magazine, Huffington Post, Yoga Journal and dozens of other publications. He has seen over 100,000 patients, and directs LifeSpa, the 2013 Holistic Wellness Center of the year in Boulder, CO.

Reviews

[Yamile Méndez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so wish I had found this book when my first child was a baby, or even before then! I would have saved myself lot of worry, and I would have been able to build up his (and his siblings') immunity system since infancy.
The idea is to treat illness before it starts. John Douillard says that you can avoid Spring allergies by taking certain precautions in the fall. And like this, he offers several other examples. Ayurvedic medicine is mainly preventative, and is aimed at maintaining the body in a state of health. The author says that Ayurvedic practitioners are paid when the patient is healthy; therefore, they have an incentive to find what things will help the patient be healthy, even after symptoms disappear.
The author explains about different body types. I did the questionaire for each of my children, and I was surprised at how accurate the descriptions of the three body types are.
He offers real life measures we can take to avoid getting sick, from using spices to better digest our food, to what foods to avoid certain types of the day and year.
I loved this book, and I'll be reviewing it often. The things I started to implement in our lives are working already, not only for the children, but also for me and my husband.
I gave it four stars because of several typos and grammatical errors. If you're going to write a book, have several people proofread it!
I recommend it to all who want to take an active part in taking care of their body and their health. A healthy immune system, and good eating/sleeping/exercising habits are one of the best gifts we can offer our children.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I was very impressed with this book. I have always liked certain Ayurvedic principles, but haven't spent too much energy studying the concepts - especially since so many books on the subject get into more religious philosophies than nutritional. However, Douillard keeps his book pretty much on the straight and narrow as far as nutrition goes. Also, I was even more motivated to dig into the material when he described Tate's constitution fairly accurately. I agree with Douillard, certain foods are better for certain people and particular foods can exasperate symptoms that are particular to a person's constitution. Also, seasonal changes should be acknowledged. I also thoroughly enjoy Douillard's stance on nostril breathing. Overall, I give this resource five stars and I think it is a testament to his principles that he has/is raising six children of his own. Some of the herbs he discusses are a touch foreign to me, but nevertheless, I am going to put some energy into incorporating some of these ideas into our health regime.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in a format that is reference-friendly (you don't have to read it cover to cover), this book brought up some very interesting solutions for ongoing health issues, without demonizing certain foods. Not just for kids or parents. Focuses on balance, seasonal eating, a joyful and grateful approach toward life, and respect toward daily and annual rhythms as a way toward a healthier life. If this sounds too pie in the sky, the book actually offered some very practical home remedies and health advice all while respecting a variety of values and lifestyles. After being sweet talked by a kind, elderly shopkeeper to buy this book, it sat on my shelf for two years before I made the very wise decision to begin referencing it.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

So informative, good for insight on anyone's health, not just kids. Not as good for figuring out babies, but I'm giving myself a headstart on what to do soon. It has also made me change some of my own ways. Really good information about food, diet and keeping healthy through paying close attention to the body's signals.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is sort of a reference book that I read all the way through and I just keep going back to in order to really learn it and apply it. It's a western representation of ayurvedic wellness--you know, the doctor doesn't get paid unless you're well--that kind of mentality. And it's for the whole family. And implementing it has had wonderful impacts on our lives.