Geriatrics and Ayurveda

Q1. Are any specific therapies / treatment mentioned in Ayurveda regarding old age health problems?

Ans. Yes, Ayurveda describes the old age health problems as ‘Swabhavik Vyadhi’-- naturally occurring disorders, and a specialized branch of Ayurveda called ‘Rasayana therapy’ deals with these problems.

Q2. Are any dietary regimens and special health promoting conducts and behavior mentioned in Ayurvedic literature?

Ans. Yes, the dietary and behavioral regimens have been specified according to different seasons (Ritucharya) and the Achara Rasayana as health promoting conducts.

Q3. Are there any Ayurvedic medicines that boost memory and intelligence?

Ans. Definitely. Brahmi (Bacopa moneri), Shankhapushpi (Convolulus pluricaulis), Mandookparni (Centella asiatica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Yastitimadhu (Glycerrhiza glabra) are some of the Ayurvedic medicines which boost memory and intellect.

Q4. How is Ayurveda helpful in old age health management?

Ans. The drugs used in Rasayana therapy detoxifies and rejuvenates the body and reverses the degenerative changes. If practiced in association with dietary and behavioral regimens, this further protects the person from any potential ill impact.

Q5. Can premature ageing be possibly tackled by Ayurveda?

Ans. Premature ageing can be tackled with the help of Ayurveda by avoiding the Viruddh Ahar and Vihar. The concept is well elaborated in Ayurveda under the title Viruddh Ahar and Vihar.

Q6. Rasayana and Geriatrics are often found synonymous to each other. What are the Rasayanas helpful for old people?

Ans. Cowmilk and cow ghee serve as best Rasayanas. Besides these Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Ashwagandha (Withania somniferra), Shatavari (Asparagus racemose), Vriddhadaruka (Argyreia speciosa) etc. are proven to be good.

Q7. Is chyavanaprasha effective in promoting general health?

Ans. Yes, Definitely. Chyavanprasha is effective in promoting general health.The only caution is that it be consumed only by persons who do not have digestive disorders.

Q8. What herbal drugs have been generally used in Ayurveda for Geriatrics problems?

Ans. The Herbal Drugs used in Geriatric problems are Amalaki, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Mushali, Vidari Kanda, Varahi Kanda, Kapi Kachchhu, Mashaparni, Mudgaparni, Bala, Atibala, Jeevanti, Madhook, Kharjur, Vatam, Nikochak, Draksha etc.

Q9. Can a healthy person also take Rasayana therapy?

Ans. Certainly. The Rasayana therapy acts efficiently in a healthy body. Hence it is recommended that each and every person should undergo it.

Q10. Can premature graying of hair be treated in Ayurveda?

Ans. The premature graying of hair can be controlled through Nasya therapy in association with shodhan procedures and oral medication.

Q11. What are the diseases that aged people are usually prone to?

Ans. Asthma, Bronchitis, Cough, Osteoarthritis, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Loss of Memory, Hearing and Visual impairments, Prostate hypertrophy etc.

Q12. Are metallic preparations also given for geriatrics problems?

Ans. Yes, numbers of mineral / metallic preparations are being used for geriatric problems viz. Abhraka Bhasma, Suvarna Bhasma, Rajata Bhasma Trivang Bhasma etc. Caution should be taken in its proper preparation.