Ayurveda-Based School Health Programs and Their Role in Promoting Physical and Mental Wellness among Children: A Narrative Review

School health programs play a crucial role in promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of children. In recent years, increasing academic pressure, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and psychological stress have contributed to a rise in lifestyle disorders and mental health concerns among school-going children. Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian medicine, offers a holistic and preventive approach toward child health through principles such as Dinacharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Sadvritta (ethical conduct), balanced nutrition, Yoga, meditation, and lifestyle modification. The present narrative review aims to explore the role of Ayurveda-based school health programs in enhancing physical and mental wellness among children. Relevant literature from classical Ayurvedic texts, peer-reviewed journals, and contemporary school health studies was reviewed to assess the potential applications of Ayurvedic principles in school settings. Evidence suggests that Ayurveda-based interventions can improve immunity, nutritional status, concentration, emotional stability, sleep quality, behavioral regulation, and overall quality of life in children. Practices such as Yoga, meditation, mindfulness, herbal support, healthy dietary habits, and routine-based living may contribute to stress reduction, cognitive enhancement, and prevention of lifestyle-related disorders. Furthermore, integrating Ayurveda into school health initiatives may promote preventive healthcare awareness and healthy behavioral patterns from an early age. The review highlights the relevance of Ayurveda as an integrative and sustainable model for child wellness and emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary research and policy-level implementation of Ayurveda-based school health programs to support holistic childhood development.