Abstract

ROLE OF PANCHAKARMA IN GRACEFUL AGEING ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA: A REVIEW

Dr. Maheshchandra Bhojraj Khandate* and Dr. Vinod Kumar Swami**

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Abstract

Ageing is a natural process of oxidation at cellular level that begins at conception and ends at death. Ayurveda considers it as Swabhavaja or physiological degeneration of mental and physical entities with passage of time, which is reflected in the word Shareera (Body) means to continuously degenerate(Shiryate iti shareeram). According to Ayurveda Jara (ageing), being a Swabhavabala pravritta roga, occurs due to vyadhi-hetu called Kala/Parinam. Acharya Charaka and Vagbhata named the very first chapter of their samhita granthas as Deerghanjivitiyam and Ayushkamiyam respectively. The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur(life) and veda (science or knowledge), thus ayurveda translates to knowledge of life. A person adopting Rasayana Chikitsa (rejuvenation therapy) is bestowed with longevity, good memory, voice, generosity, immense strength to body and sense organs.[1] Ayurveda emphasis on prevention and promotion for the maintenance of health through Hita-charyas,which includes Dincharya, Ratricharya; Ritucharya for Ayu, Bala, Pusthi and Swasthya. Saddvrita, its aims to develop the right balance between mind and body for growth of a healthy life. Role of Ahara (food) in maintenance of health and longevity is un-questionable but it also has a pivot role to play in prevention and management of Ageing. Use of various Rasayana Chikitsa (rejuvenation therapy) like kuti praveshika (staying in specific cottage), vatatapika (therapy based on exposure to sun and wind), ajasrika rasayana (use of ghee and milk), (naimittika Rasayana (therapy for specific disease) with scientific rationale is beneficial. Vayasthapana dravyas (geriatric care), Medhya dravyas (intellectual drugs) and Achara Rasayana (following disciplinary life) are also extensively used to promote mental faculties and longevity. Antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anabolic, anti-stress, psychotropic, intellect and memory promoter etc. properties of various drugs are proved.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Ageing (Jara), Rasayana, Dinacharya, Ritucharya etc.