Abstract

CLASSICAL DOCUMENTATION OF RASA DRAVYAS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GERIATRICS

Ankur Himmat Singhka*

ABSTRACT

Geriatrics is a process of physical, psychological and social changes of person. In Ayurveda geriatrics is mentioned as Jara janya vyadhi in which there is a gradual deterioration of Dhatus, Indriyas, Bala, Veerya with this there is a gradual depletion of function like as Grahana, Dharana, Smarana, Vachana, Vigyana etc. The prevalence of illness increases with the age; at the same time, life expectancy decreases. Rasa shastra has a Rasa Rasayana for treatment of geriatrics problem. Future aging can be reduced before the occurrence of old age. In fact the ideal time for treating the geriatric problems is youth. The Ayurveda has developed an independent discipline of rasayana to maintain health in geriatrics. The rasadravyas as rasayana therapy helps to attain longevity, immunity, mental competence, physical strength, qualities of dhatus. There are several common rasadravyas which mentioned as a Rasayana, such as Abharaka, vaikranta, makshika, Suvarna, vajra etc Similarly Suvarna has mentioned as Dhatu vivardhana There are several rasa formulations are used in geriatrics practices like Vasantakusumakara rasa, Smritisagara rasa, Brahma rasayan, Makaradhvja etc used frequently. In old age Vata dosha gets aggravated in some disorder like Parkinson, Alzheimer’s for this there are rasadravyas acts as Vataghna like hartala, manashila, Suvarna, rajata, kantaloha, naga, vanga, etc. So we can say that rasa dravyas have a great role in geriatrics. Even though many scientific advancements has come, still the age old references of rasadravyas have greater contribution in treating geriatrics disorders.

Keywords: Rasa dravyas, Geriatrics.