Jara Chikitsa

Ageing is a process of physical, psychological and social change in different aspects. Ayurveda promotes health, prevention of diseases and delaying the process of ageing with number of measures. Jarachikitsa or Rasayana in Ayurveda is a unique therapeutic method to delay ageing and minimize the intensity of problems occurring in this degenerative phase of one's life. Prevention and management of health problems could help the elderly to improve their quality of life and remain self-dependent for their daily activities. So, Ayurveda gives top priority to geriatrics. Now a days, Diabetes, hypertension, degeneration of bone health, etc has become a part of one’s life as person crosses 40 years of age. Many decades ago, people had more healthy and groovy life than the people in this new era. And yes, we all know the reason is their healthy habits and regimen.

The aim of Ayurveda, the mother of all healing systems, is not just to cure disease, but to achieve total good health. Of the eight branches of this 5000-year-old science of life, Jara Chikitsa or Rasayana Chikitsa, is a positive expression of this philosophy. “Jara” actually means wrinkles, but this Ayurvedic specialty is not confined to geriatric treatment or old age. It is said that Jara is an irreversible condition that can only be stabilized or prevented and not to be cured. Jara Chikitsa or Rasayana Chikitsa is a rejuvenating therapy that repairs wear and tear along with everlasting phenomenon of the body, and revitalizes body tissues. It arrests ageing, gives luster to the skin, nourishes the blood and tissues, energizes and boosts the immune system. Rasayana Chikitsa ensures a longer life with good physical and mental health- and actually goes a step further, to provide spiritual support for an individual’s total wellbeing.  Many formulations have been explained in Samhitas to slower down the aging process as well as to lead a comfortable life in the old age. Ghrita is the best one among all the Snehadravya, and maximum number of Ghrita preparations are explained in Rasayana Chikitsa. Panchagavya Ghrita is one of the formulations having both Apatarpanakaraka and Santarpanakaraka Dravyas together, so that both kinds of properties can be obtained through it, which is essential in the management of Jara.

As per fundamental principles of Ayurveda, Kapha is the predominant Dosha during childhood, Pitta during the adulthood and Vata during old age. Kapha is the principal humour responsible for the vigour and vitality of youth. Vayu according to its fundamental properties it performs all the actions of body. As a function of ageing, with advancing age Kapha gets gradually depleted and Vata increases spontaneously. Hence in Jara chikitsa, we need to focus on controlling Vata as it is the root cause in most of the cases in old age.

Rasayana therapy acts as antioxidant therapy. The drugs called Arjuna, Guggulu and Pushkaramoola act as cardioprotective in cases of Ischaemic heart disease, in this way so many drugs are going to be used in Jara Avastha. The Ayurveda - based package of geriatrics care may consist of use of Dashvidha Pariksha, Sadvritta, Swasthavritta, Satvik diet, Yoga, Meditation, Geriatric Panchakarma and Rasayana Therapy. Population Ageing and the increasing number of elders in the population is a matter of great significance because of its likely impact on public health and socioeconomic growth of a nation. Ayurveda, being the science of life and longevity, offers a treasure of geriatric care. It deliberates on the science and philosophy of life and longevity with the goal of healthy ageing and long life to achieve the Purushartha Chatustaya - Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. It considers ageing as Swabhava of life and describes in details the pattern of sequential losses of biological strength with advancing age in relation to the doctrine of Tridosha and advocates the management of ageing and diseases of ageing on principals of Samanya- Vishesha Siddanta.

Rasayanas are considered to be immunostimulating preparations used extensively in holistic medical practice. Also, anticancer activities of Rasayana and research over it is growing day by day. Rasayanas are also effective myeloprotectors in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Cancers are metabolic, genetic, or infectious in origin. Ayurveda as a part of the health management system in Asian countries approaches the philosophy of prevention and preservation as the first step to the treatment. Every system of medicine emphasizes treating the disease but in Ayurveda, treating a disease is secondary. Ayurveda aims to maintain and preserving health. To achieve this goal day to day regimen is advised with seasonal changes and diet changes, along with the implication of Rasayana. Hence for well-being of an individual, Rasayan therapy is essential.