Abstract

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF GERIATRIC HEALTH CARE IN AYURVEDA - A CRITICAL REVIEW

Pawle Tribhuwan Singh*, Baghel P. K. and Tripathi R. N.

Abstract

Geriatric care has to address two-fold problems, firstly the basic antiaging care to retard the rate of physiological ageing and secondly the medical management of diseases specifically occurring in old age. The conventional modern medicine is apparently strong in terms of the second aspect, although the final outcome may not be as significant. Ayurveda, on the other hand has got the potential for prevention of diseases by promotion of health and management of diseases occurring in old age. Ayurvedic System of Medicine offers an excellent line management for ageing problem. It has a focused branch called „Rasayana‟ which deals primarily with geriatric problems. It is an one of the important branch of Asthanga Ayurveda, for Vayasthapana, Ayu-medha-bala-kara and Roga Apaharana Samarthya. Prevention and management of health problems could help the elderly to improve quality of life and remain self-dependent for their daily activities to maximum possible extent. Geriatrics or Jaracikitsa in Ayurveda is a unique therapeutic methodology to delay ageing and to minimize the intensity of problems occurring this degenerative phase of one's life by restoring physiological processes that influence metabolic and immunological status. Besides Rasayana and numerous single and compound plant based formulations, Herbo-mineral formulations, Dincharya, Ritucharya, Pathy-Apathya, modification of life style & behavior and practice of Yoga will help in the effective management of Geriatric conditions. This paper review the detail concept of Ayurveda in the management of Geriatrics.

Keywords: Geriatrics, Ayurveda, Dincharya, Ritucharya, Rasayana, Panchkarma.