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Ayurvedic and Modern Perspectives on Comprehensive Ageing Appraisal

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: An Ayurvedic & Contemporary Perspective on a Comprehensive Appraisal of Ageing
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Author(s):

Priyanka Kumari
MD Scholar, Dept. of Kriya Sharir, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Kratika Saini
MD Scholar, Dept. of Kriya Sharir, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Chhaju Ram Yadav
Professor & H.O.D, Dept. of Kriya Sharir, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Sarika Yadav
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Kriya Sharir, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan.


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: An Ayurvedic & Contemporary Perspective on a Comprehensive Appraisal of Ageing

Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10iSuppl3.1209

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Aging, referred to as Jara or Vardhakya in Ayurveda, is seen as a natural and unavoidable process that involves structural and functional changes across an organism's lifespan. It encompasses the degeneration of organs and intellect and marks the transition into the final life stage known as Vriddhavastha. The article highlights how factors such as Shareera (physical state), Indriya (emotional realm), Agni (metabolism), and Ojas (vitality) influence the aging process. These changes lead to the deterioration of bodily functions, including the decline of various anatomical tissues and cognitive abilities, particularly when Vayudosha becomes predominant during old age.

The Role of Tridosha in Aging

One significant aspect of aging discussed is the Tridosha concept in Ayurveda, which comprises Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The physiological changes during aging are strongly tied to the dynamics of these doshas. In the prime of life (up to 30 years), Kapha is dominant, promoting growth and nourishment. As individuals progress to their middle ages (31-60), Pitta takes precedence, leading to decay and degenerative processes. Finally, in the elderly (above 60), Vata becomes dominant, characterized by reduced physical strength and accelerated aging. These doshas impact tissue quality (Dhatu) and overall resilience (Ojas), creating a framework for understanding health and disease in the aging population.

Modern Science and Aging

The article also aligns Ayurveda's perspectives with modern scientific understanding of aging, recognizing it as a multifactorial process involving biological and environmental elements. Various physiological systems—such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, and nervous systems—gradually deteriorate with age, resulting in functional decline and increased vulnerability to diseases. Understanding these changes emphasizes the importance of proactive geriatric care, including better nutritional practices and management of age-related ailments, parallel to Ayurveda's holistic approach in promoting wellness and resilience in aging individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ayurveda stresses the significance of geriatric care as a vital part of health management, particularly as societies face rising elderly populations. While aging is inevitable, Ayurveda offers a unique therapeutic approach that emphasizes prevention and the promotion of health through practices like Rasayana therapy, a balanced diet, and lifestyle modifications tailored to one’s constitution (Prakriti). These methods aim to delay aging and mitigate the severity of conditions associated with older age, thus enhancing quality of life within this degenerative phase. Future advancements in addressing aging can benefit from integrating Ayurvedic wisdom with modern healthcare practices.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Jara in Ayurveda and how is it perceived?

Jara refers to ageing in Ayurveda, viewed as a natural and unavoidable process. It encompasses physical and physiological degeneration over time, affecting various systems in the body, and is considered a natural sickness that leads to the final stage of life, Vriddhavastha.

How do Tridosha and Agni influence the ageing process?

In Ayurveda, Tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha) plays a crucial role in health, while Agni (digestive fire) is essential for maintaining health. Vitiation of Vata can lead to poor digestion and tissue health, thereby exacerbating the effects of ageing and leading to various age-related ailments.

What role do nutrition and Rasayana therapy play in ageing?

Nutrition and Rasayana therapy are vital in Ayurveda for managing ageing. Rasayana therapies can promote longevity, enhance tissue strength, and manage degenerative issues. A balanced diet, along with practices like Dinacharya and yoga, contributes significantly to healthy ageing and disease prevention.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic and Modern Perspectives on Comprehensive Ageing Appraisal�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Disease:
A disease in Ayurveda is anything that causes suffering in people. Ayurveda recognizes ageing as an unavoidable condition that leads to various troublesome changes in the body, thus qualifying it as a disease. It addresses both natural and pathological changes in ageing.

2) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India that emphasizes a holistic approach to health, balancing bodily energies (Doshas), and preventing disease through lifestyle, diet, and natural therapies. It also views ageing as a natural, treatable process.

3) Agni:
Agni refers to the digestive fire in Ayurveda which plays a critical role in health and longevity. If Agni functions normally, it supports good health, but vitiated Agni causes undernutrition of tissues and poor health, affecting the elderly particularly.

4) Dhatu:
Dhatus are the seven basic tissues in Ayurveda that form the structure of the body. In the ageing process (Jara), the quality and quantity of Dhatus decline, contributing to the body's deterioration.

5) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are the three fundamental bodily bio-elements in Ayurveda. The balance of Doshas is crucial for health. In ageing, Vata predominates, causing various degenerative changes.

6) Jara (Jara°, Jará):
Jara, or ageing, is recognized in Ayurveda as an inevitable and natural process marked by the decline of different bodily functions and tissues (Dhatu), leading to various changes and diseases. It is the final stage of life.

7) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda responsible for movement and physiological functions. In old age, Vata predominates, causing dryness, decay of body tissues, reduced strength, and hastened ageing.

8) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas are the channels within the body that transport fluids and nutrients. Healthy Srotas support the formation of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala, but when vitiated, they become a site for disease manifestation, particularly in old age.

9) Pitta:
Pitta is the Dosha responsible for metabolism and transformation. During the middle age stage (Madhya), it causes decay and degenerative changes in the body, such as early greying of hair and gastritis, due to its hot and sharp qualities.

10) Vishamagni (Vishama-agni, Visamagni):
Vishamagni refers to an erratic digestive fire. In old age, Vata Dosha aggravates Vishamagni, impairing digestion, causing undernutrition of tissues, and contributing to various ailments like malnutrition and poor tissue health.

11) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
At old age, Vata Dosha predominates, bringing characteristics such as dryness (Ruksha), lightness (Laghu), and decay of bodily tissues. This predominance results in ageing symptoms like decreased body strength and dry skin.

12) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three basic elements of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha that govern physiological and pathological conditions in Ayurveda. The balance among Tridosha is essential for maintaining health and preventing disease.

13) Parinama:
Parinama is the Ayurvedic term for the process of ageing or transformation influenced by time (Kala). Ayurveda uses Parinama to explain the natural degeneration of the body and the onset of ageing.

14) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana therapy in Ayurveda aims to rejuvenate the body, delay ageing, and enhance tissue strength and immunity (Vyadhikshamatva). It includes herbal remedies, diet, and lifestyle practices tailored to an individual's constitution.

15) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi or disease in Ayurveda includes all conditions causing suffering. Ageing, or Jara, is considered a Vyadhi because it leads to the deterioration of body functions and the onset of various diseases.

16) Blood:
In Ayurveda, vitiation of Rakta (blood) during old age contributes to pathological changes such as loss of muscle compactness and various ailments. Proper Rakta health is vital for overall well-being.

17) Bala:
Bala refers to physical strength and immunity in Ayurveda, which diminishes with age. Decreased Bala leads to a vulnerability to diseases (Vyadhikshamatva) and reduced capacity for physical activities.

18) Kala:
Kala, or time, is considered responsible for the process of Parinama (ageing) in Ayurveda, leading to degenerative changes in the body. It is a critical factor in understanding and managing ageing.

19) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation in Ayurveda refers to the imbalance or agitation of bodily elements such as Doshas, Dhatus, and Srotas. Vitiation of Vayu and Vishamagni prominently occurs in old age, leading to health issues.

20) Indriya (Imdriya):
Indriya are the sensory and motor organs in Ayurveda. During the ageing process (Jara), there is a decline in the functioning of Indriya, affecting perception, capability, and response.

21) Madhya:
Madhya refers to the middle age stage (31-60 years) in Ayurveda where Pitta Dosha predominates, leading to metabolic and degenerative changes such as early greying of hair and increased susceptibility to conditions like gastritis.

22) Kshaya (Ksaya):
Kshaya denotes the decline or depletion of bodily elements in Ayurveda. Ageing leads to the Kshaya of Dhatu (tissues), Oja (vital essence), and other essential components, contributing to disease.

23) Shukra (Sukra):
Shukra represents the reproductive tissue or semen in Ayurveda. During old age (61-70 years), the production of Shukra declines, affecting fertility and vitality.

24) Kumari:
Priyanka Kumari is one of the authors of the article discussing the Ayurvedic and modern perspectives on ageing. She contributed to the analysis and conceptual framework of the research.

25) Nature:
In Ayurveda, the natural progression or nature of ageing (Jara) is viewed as inevitable, and a balance must be maintained to manage its impact on health.

26) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda responsible for growth and stability. It predominates in the early years (Balya) but decreases gradually, impacting nourishment and body structure.

27) Balya:
Balya stage (1-30 years) in Ayurveda is the period of growth and is dominated by Kapha Dosha, which is responsible for nourishments and body tissue development.

28) Ojas:
Ojas is the essence of all Dhatus responsible for vitality and immunity (Vyadhikshamatva). As one ages, the Ojas declines, leading to decreased resistance against diseases.

29) Mala:
Mala refers to waste products of the body in Ayurveda, which are integral to maintaining balance. Age-related changes can affect the formation and expulsion of Mala, contributing to health issues.

30) Hair:
Ageing affects hair, resulting in greying and baldness due to the predominant Vata Dosha and degenerative changes in body tissues (Dhatu).

31) Burning sensation:
Burning sensations are related to Pitta Dosha predominance during the middle age stage (Madhya), leading to conditions like gastritis and early greying of hair.

32) Vyadhikshamatva (Vyadhiksamatva):
Vyadhikshamatva in Ayurveda refers to the immune resistance against disease. In old age, the decline of Oja contributes to reduced Vyadhikshamatva, making elderly more vulnerable to illness.

33) Dhatukshaya (Dhatuksaya, Dhatu-kshaya):
Dhatu-kshaya denotes the depletion of body tissues, which is significant in ageing. This decline affects overall health and susceptibility to diseases.

34) Malnutrition:
Malnutrition in the elderly results from impaired digestion and nutrient absorption due to Vishamagni (irregular Agni) and loss of myenteric plexus nerve cells in the gastrointestinal system.

35) Dhatusamya (Dhatu-samya):
Dhatusamya refers to the balance of body tissues (Dhatus). Ayurveda strives to maintain this equilibrium to mitigate the impact of ageing and prevent diseases.

36) Discussion:
The discussion covers the different perspectives of Ayurveda and modern science on ageing. It compares and integrates ancient theories and contemporary findings on bodily degeneration.

37) Sadvritta (Sadvrtta, Sat-vritta):
Sadvritta refers to ethical conduct and lifestyle guidelines advocated by Ayurveda to promote health and longevity, playing a role in slowing down the ageing process.

38) Prakriti (Prakrti):
Prakriti denotes an individual’s constitution in Ayurveda. It influences the approach to Rasayana therapy and other treatments to slow down ageing based on the person’s specific needs.

39) Samhita:
Samhita in Ayurveda refers to classical texts that contain the foundational principles and practices, including aspects of ageing (Jara) and rejuvenation (Rasayana).

40) Grahani:
Grahani is a term used in Ayurveda by Acharya Charak referring to Agni's functioning. Proper Grahani (digestive fire) is essential for health and longevity. In ageing, Vishamagni disrupts this balance.

41) Visada (Vishada, Visha-da):
Vishada is a property of Vata Dosha, meaning clear or non-slimy. In ageing, Vishada along with other qualities of Vata causes dryness and degeneration in the body.

42) Vriddhi (Vrddhi):
Vriddhi refers to growth. In Ayurveda, it is a phase from 11-20 years linked with bodily development and is heavily influenced by factors like Kapha.

43) Tikshna (Tiksna):
Tikshna is a property of Pitta Dosha indicating sharpness. It contributes to the metabolic and degenerative changes during middle age stages (Madhya), affecting substances and processes in the body.

44) Drishti (Drsti, Drishtin, Drstin):
Drishti refers to vision. Ayurveda notes that vision deteriorates significantly from the age of 51-60, along with other sensory and cognitive functions.

45) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha means dry, a property of Vata Dosha. Its predominance in old age leads to dryness of skin, tissues, and general bodily decay associated with ageing.

46) Dushya (Dusya):
Dushya refers to the bodily elements that can become vitiated and cause disease. Vitiation of Dushya due to Srotovaigunya is significant in disease manifestation in old age.

47) Jaipur:
Jaipur is the location of the National Institute of Ayurveda, where the authors of the study conducted their research on comprehensive ageing perspectives.

48) Sharika (Sarika):
Sarika Yadav is listed as an Assistant Professor in the article, contributing to the research on ageing from an Ayurvedic and contemporary perspective.

49) Repair:
In modern science, ageing is understood as the progressive breakdown of the body's mechanisms to repair cellular damage, leading to functional decline.

50) Khara:
Khara means rough or coarse, a property of Vata Dosha. During old age, this quality exacerbates the dryness and roughness of skin and other bodily tissues.

51) Kriya:
Kriya refers to functions or actions, often specifically related to physiological processes in Ayurveda. The study focuses on these functions as they decline with ageing.

52) Medha (Medhas):
Medha means intelligence. It is highlighted in Ayurveda that Medha starts to decline around the ages of 31-40. Maintaining Medha is crucial for cognitive health.

53) Laghu:
Laghu means light, a property of Vata Dosha. Its predominance in old age (Jara) leads to lighter body tissues and overall decrease in bodily mass and strength.

54) Rakta:
Rakta, or blood, plays a crucial role in bodily functions. Vitiation of Rakta during ageing contributes to pathological changes and diminished physical health.

55) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna refers to heat, a quality of Pitta Dosha. Its predominance in middle age leads to heat-related conditions like gastritis and irritation but also impacts the ageing process.

56) Majja:
Majja means marrow, one of the vital Dhatus in Ayurveda. In old age, there is a failure in the accumulation of Majja in bones, contributing to conditions like osteoporosis.

57) Jirna:
Jirna means old age (above 60 years) in Ayurveda, characterized by predominant Vata Dosha causing degenerative changes like dryness and decay of bodily tissues.

58) Vishra (Visra):
Visra is a quality of Pitta Dosha meaning foul smell. Its role during middle age is associated with degenerative changes and metabolic processes within the body.

59) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush refers to life span and health science in Ayurveda. It embodies the goal of extending and enriching life through balanced living and therapeutic practices.

60) Birth:
Birth marks the beginning of one’s life cycle. Ayurveda sees life stages from birth to old age, influencing how health and disease are managed throughout one’s life.

61) Yoga:
Yoga is a practice integral to Ayurvedic lifestyle, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health, and is effective in delaying the ageing process through holistic well-being.

62) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Meda means fatty tissue. In old age, Ayurveda notes excessive production of Meda which contributes to diseases like obesity and other metabolic issues.

63) Amla:
Amla is a taste or quality associated with sourness, typically linked with Pitta Dosha in Ayurveda. It plays a notable role in changes and conditions during middle age.

64) Vayu:
Vayu or Vata is one of the Doshas responsible for movement. Vitiation of Vayu in old age leads to symptoms like joint looseness, dryness, and hastened ageing.

65) Diet:
Diet in Ayurveda is crucial for maintaining Dosha balance and preventing diseases. A proper diet, along with Rasayana, can delay the ageing process and improve health in old age.

66) Drug:
Drugs or herbal medicines in Ayurveda (Rasayana) are used to rejuvenate tissues, enhance immunity, and delay ageing. They are tailored to an individual's Prakriti or constitution.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Ayurvedic and Modern Perspectives on Comprehensive Ageing Appraisal�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Vishamagni, Vardhakya, Vriddhavastha, Dhatukshaya, Rasayana therapy, Ayurvedic Perspective, Oja Kshaya, Tridosha principle, Kriya sharir, Physiological change, Aging skin, Srotas function.

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