ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN THE PREVENTION & MANAGEMENT OF AGE-RELATED DISEASES

ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF AGE-RELATED DISEASES

• Ageing is a natural and inevitable process characterized by gradual decline in physiological functions.

• In Ayurveda, ageing is known as Jara or Vardhakya, categorized under Swabhavika Vyadhi (natural diseases).

• Ayurveda aims not only at disease management but also at promotion of health and prevention of diseases through Rasayana, Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Sadvritta, and Achara Rasayana.

• Modern medicine refers to age-related diseases as degenerative, metabolic, and chronic disorders including arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and malignancies.

CONCEPT OF AGEING IN AYURVEDA

• According to Charaka, ageing is caused due to the Kshaya of Dhatus and Ojas, and predominance of Vata Dosha in later age.

  "Vayo hi namupacayah prabhavashcha jarayate"
  (A.H. Uttara Tantra 40/1)
  वयो हि नामोपचयः प्रभावश्च जरायते॥

• Ageing process is classified under Kala Parinama – inevitable transformation due to time.

• Vata Dosha becomes predominant in old age, which leads to degenerative changes.

PRINCIPLES OF AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF AGE-RELATED DISEASES

• Nidana Parivarjana – Avoidance of causative factors

• Rasayana Chikitsa – Rejuvenation therapy

• Vatahara Chikitsa – Managing Vata imbalance

• Agni Deepana and Ama Pachana – Enhancing digestion and metabolism

• Balya and Ojovardhaka Aushadhi – Improving strength and immunity

• Srotoshodhana – Clearing channels of body

• Yuktivyapashraya, Daivavyapashraya, and Sattvavajaya – Rational, spiritual, and psychological therapies

RASAYANA IN PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

• Rasayana enhances longevity, memory, intelligence, youthfulness, and resistance against diseases.

  "Rasayanam cha tat jivitam smritimedhamarogyam tarunyam"
  (C.S. Chikitsa Sthana 1/7)
  रसायनं च तत् जीवितं स्मृतिमेधामारोग्यं तारुण्यम्॥

• Important Rasayana drugs:

  • Ashwagandha – Neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory

  • Amalaki – Antioxidant, rich in Vitamin C

  • Guduchi – Immunomodulatory, antipyretic

  • Shilajit – Anti-ageing, adaptogen

  • Pippali Rasayana – Used in respiratory and metabolic conditions

• Rasayana is especially useful in:

  • Neurodegenerative conditions – Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s

  • Degenerative joint disorders – Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis

  • Metabolic syndromes – Diabetes, obesity

DINACHARYA AND RITUCHARYA

• Regular regimen balances Doshas and strengthens immunity.

• Dinacharya includes:

  • Abhyanga (oil massage) – Prevents dryness and stiffness

  • Snana (bath), Nasya (nasal medication), and Dhoomapana – Protects sensory organs

• Ritucharya aligns lifestyle with seasonal changes to prevent seasonal aggravation of diseases.

  "Ritucharya hitham pathyam anutishthedyathavidhi"
  (S.S. Sutra Sthana 24/3)
  ऋतुचर्यां हितं पथ्यमनुतिष्ठेद्यथाविधि॥

ACHARA RASAYANA

• Ethical and moral conduct positively influences mental and physical health.

• Includes truthfulness, non-violence, calmness, spiritual practices.

• Helps prevent stress-induced aging, depression, and psychosomatic disorders.

SADVRITTA AND MANASIKA CHIKITSA

• Sadvritta guides personal and social conduct.

• Prevents mental illnesses, promotes emotional stability.

• Sattvavajaya Chikitsa (mind control therapy) is effective in age-related cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety.

PANCHAKARMA FOR DETOXIFICATION AND REJUVENATION

• Vasti – Best therapy for Vata Vyadhi, effective in degenerative diseases.

• Nasya – Used in neurodegenerative and ENT conditions.

• Abhyanga + Swedana + Basti combination shows good results in osteoarthritis and neurological conditions.

• Raktamokshana and Virechana – Indicated in diseases with Pitta and Rakta involvement like hypertension, skin diseases.

YOGA AND PRANAYAMA

• Enhances physical and mental wellbeing, improves flexibility and oxygenation.

• Pranayama reduces oxidative stress and improves cognitive functions.

• Yoga is beneficial in hypertension, depression, anxiety, arthritis, and diabetes.

MODERN PERSPECTIVE ON AGEING AND DISEASES

• AGEING MECHANISMS:

  • Cellular senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction

  • Telomere shortening

  • Oxidative stress and inflammation (inflammaging)

• COMMON AGE-RELATED DISEASES:

  • Cardiovascular diseases – Atherosclerosis, hypertension

  • Neurodegenerative diseases – Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s

  • Musculoskeletal disorders – Osteoporosis, osteoarthritis

  • Metabolic disorders – Diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity

  • Malignancies – Due to DNA damage accumulation

MODERN MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

• Lifestyle modifications – diet, exercise, smoking cessation

• Use of antioxidants – Vitamin E, C, CoQ10

• Hormone replacement therapies (controversial)

• Cognitive enhancers in dementia – Donepezil, Rivastigmine

• Bone health – Calcium, Vitamin D, bisphosphonates

• Glycemic control in diabetes – Metformin, insulin

• Vaccination and preventive screenings

INTEGRATIVE APPROACH: AYURVEDA + MODERN MEDICINE

• Ayurveda provides preventive and promotive health strategies.

• Modern medicine offers acute and emergency care.

• Integration enhances quality of life, reduces disease burden, and promotes healthy ageing.