Longer Life With Youthful Vigour

We know that aging is a normal phenomenon and at the end of life span death is also a reality. But from the beginning of the human life, our ancestors started research to increase the lifespan. n Ayurveda, ‘Jara’ is the term used for aging. “Jeeryathe ethi jara”(astanga hrudayam) (because of degenerating it is called ‘Jara’). According to ayurveda generally our life span can be classified in to three stages- Koumara(bala-till age 16),Youvana(till age 60) and ‘vardhakya’(after age 60), there is a difference of opinion that Koumara is till age 30. In the Koumara stage, the bio energy ’Kapha’ will be dominant, in the Youvana ‘pitha’ will be elevated and the ‘vardhakya’ vatha will be dominant. The growth of the body will be in the 1st stage, in the 2nd stage pitha balances the activities and maintain the health and during the ‘vardhakya stage due to vatha domination the degeneration starts.

‘A man is as old as his arteries (black’s medical dictionary). This statement is also confirming the ayurveda principles about the aging (srotho vaigunyam-blockage and mal functioning of the channels)

Common problems at the old age are:

Dependency, rheumatism, general weakness, reduced memory, reduced concentration, reduced tolerance, impaired hearing, impaired vision,trimering, osteo-arthritis, depression, anxiety and fear about death, loneness, delirium etc.

These problems can be generally classified in to two namely physical and psychological. Insecure feeling and fear depends upon the social status, culture and atmosphere at home.

Physical problems are mainly due to the degenerative changes happening to the body.

Here the question is how can we maintain the health and reduce the complication due to aging.

RASAYANA (treatment for aging)

What is sareeram (body)/ - “seeryathe ethi sareeram” due to ongoing process of degeneration our human body is called ‘sareeram’.

From the ancient days itself our acharyas researching the methods to delay the aging process. Ayurveda describes in details about the subject under the title ‘jarachikitsa’ (rasayana)

 “Laabhopayo hi sasthanam rasadeenam rasayanam” (Astanga hrudayam) according to ayurveda rasayana is the way to bring back the strength of the seven body tissues which are getting weaker during the old age.

SWASTHAVRUTHAM (the daily/seasonal healthy habits)

“Vyayama nithyo jeernasee nithyabhyago jaram jayeth”(astanga samgraham)

Regular exercises, healthy eating habits (eat only when you have enough appetite), daily oil bath will delay the aging

THE MAIN AREAS WHERE WE HAVE TO TAKE CARE FOR GROWING GRACEFULLY OLD:

1. FOOD: During old age the ‘Agni’ (digestion) will be slow and low. So eat only when you feel good appetite. It is also advisable to observe ‘fasting’ at least once in a month. Ayurveda recommend reducing the intake of non-vegetarian food, fatty food and liquor. The food which contains more lavana (salt), Amla (sour), Pungent (katu), Meat, curd, germinated pulses may be avoided. The poisoness food combinations like milk and fish (especially prawns), heated honey, fruits and dairy products together should be avoided.

2. HABITS: Day time sleep should be limited or even avoided. There should be control over the sexual activities. Regular oil application for body and head, regular exercises, practice of yoga, early wake up, regular clean bowel habits, special care for different seasons, periodic ‘panchakarma’ cleansing therapies, intake of ‘rasayana’(rejuvenating) medicines are recommended.

3. MENTAL HEALTH: Philosophical out look towards life is essential to face the problems of old age. Our emotions should be under control, control our words that we speak, only say the truth, keep our morale and attain courage to face the realities etc. will keep us healthy. Yoga is one of the ways to achieve our target. Involvement in social activities will boost your morale and give a feeling that we are doing something for the society.

Don’t keep the health issues pending; treat them as soon as possible. Do periodic health checkups.’karkitaka masa chikitsa’ (ayurveda therapies in the monsoon season) is a kind of annual maintenance to the body.

ABHYANGAM (OIL MASSAGE OR OIL BATH):

‘Abhyaga machareth nithyam sa jara srama vatha ha

Drushti prasada pushtyayu swapta suthwak cha dardyakruth’ (Astanga Hrudayam)

Regular oil massage will keep you away from aging, fatigue, rheumatism. It is good for your eye sight, rejuvenating the body, induces good sleep, enhances the complexion and the luster of the

skin, nourishes all part of the body and also give strength to the muscles. Oil massage pacifies vata and pitha.

In general it Increases the  circulation, especially to nerve endings ,Toning of the muscles and the whole physiology ,Calming for the nerves ,Lubrication of the joints ,Increased mental alertness ,Improved elimination of impurities from the body .

The oil massage is traditionally performed in the morning, before your bath or shower. You can use medicated massage oil, sesame oil or aroma massage oil.

Few Ayurvedic oils used for massage: danwadaram thailam, murivenna, sahacharadi thailam, prabhanjanam thaialm, balaswagandhadi thailam etc.

We should apply oil to the head daily which will reduce the heat and rejuvenate the nerves.Eg. Asana vilwadi co.oil, Asana manjistadi co.oil etc. After bath apply ‘rasnadi churnam’ which will resist the body from getting allergic rhinitis and cold.

 EYE CARE:

Special care has to be given to eyes. It is advised to apply ‘anjana (kajal) daily on eyes which increases the eye sight and reduces the strain. ‘Elneer Kuzhampu’ is another classical eye drops advised for daily application.

RASAYANA MEDICINES

1. Chyavanaprasham: It is a classic formulation. Generally it is mentioned as a rasayana for cough, bronchitis, asthma, Tuberculosis, heart diseases, GUT infections.

Dosage; according to the’bala’ (resilience) of the patient. 20gm – 50gm daily

2. Brahma rasayana: A classic formulation. Can be used like chavanprash

3. Amalaki (Indian gooseberry): ayurveda describes the intake of amalaki  in a specific order for a long period (initially starting with few goose berries slowly increasing, then decreasing the dose-in ayurveda it is called ‘vardhamana prayoga’)

4. Silajatu (ozokerite)- mentioned as anti aging medicine. It has to be taken as long period by a small dosage (30mg-50mg daily)

5. Pippali(piper longum): recommended in ayurveda for the respiratory disorders as rasayana by ‘vardhamana prayoga’

6. Satavari (Asparagus recemosus) : another rejuvenating single drug recommended in ayurvedat5 in ‘pitha’ elevated persons.

7. Aswagandha (withania somnifera): recently the whole world is thinking aswagandha as a substitute for ginseng. In ayurveda it is recommended as a rejuvenating medicine to improve the ‘ojus’ and vitalizes the dhathus.Aswagandha pacifies vatha. it is available in the form of churnam tablets or churnam. Dosage:Cap.Aswagandha one-two daily or Churnam 5gm daily with 150ml of milk.

8. Lasuna swarasa (garlic): for the vatha elevated persons and those who are suffering from the blockage of srothas (the channels)- lasuna is best recommended.Dosage:4-5 petals of lasuna /day

9. Sidha (Rasa) preparations which contains gold-Eg:Sidhamakaradwaj. Dosage:10mg- 20mg daily