Abstract

CARE AND CURE OF GERIATRIC DISEASES IN SHALAKYA TANTRA

Dr. Srishti Vyas*, Dr. Anjali G. Niras, Dr. Ashwini A. Patil, Dr. Kavita A. Jadhav, Dr. Vaishnavi D. Patil, Dr. Akash P. Gaikwad

Abstract

The prevalence of illness increases as we age; at the same time, life expectancy decreases. Ayurveda has got the potential for prevention of diseases by health promotion and management of diseases occurring in old age. We discuss lifestyle recommendations such as exercise, Yoga, Rasayana therapy and good nutrition. Jarachikitsa or Rasayana is a unique therapeutic methodology to delay ageing and to minimize the intensity of problems occurring this degenerative phase of one’s life. Future aging can be reduced before the occurrence of old age. In fact the ideal time for treating the geriatric problems is youth. Adherence to discipline in youth keeps the geriatric problems away. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, the risk of no communicable chronic disease can be reduced. The Government of India launched a national campaign to popularize the strength of Ayurveda and Yoga in geriatric health care. It is the demand of the hour to develop an effective holistic protocol for geriatric care by combining Rasayana, Panchkarma, Dietetics, Ayurvedic medicines, lifestyle and Yoga is timely.

Keywords: Ayurveda; Geriatric; Rasayana; Yoga, Shalakya tantra.