Randomised clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of Rudraksha lehana as an add-on to speech therapy in language disorders of pre-school children

Language disorders /Specific language impairment is characterised by significant variation between the cognitive level and language level. They follow an atypical pattern of language acquisition and use. As per The Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires early intervention and special education i.e, Speech-Language therapy in such conditions. Language therapy focuses on expanding vocabulary and understanding of semantics, improving syntax and pragmatic. As per the recent evidences, Speech-Language therapy is the choice of treatment for language disorders and these therapies take almost more than 6 months of time period to show any effect. There are currently no pharmacological interventions that treat language disorders.

In Ayurveda classics*,production of speech is said to be one of the prime functions of Vata Dosha and in sub type of Vata it is of Udana Vata.Avak’ (inablity to speak words) and ‘Vakya Rahita’ (inablity to speak in sentences)are the two terms indicating speech related problems as per Ayurveda. Based on the principles of Ayurveda, Rudraksha* can be used for speech delay as it has properties like Vata-Kapha hara, which is the main cause of speech disorders according to Acharya Sushrutha. Hence, based upon the above available references the following study has been designed to understand the role of Ayurveda treatment modality in Language disorders of pre-school childern .