Abstract

ROLE OF PANCHKARMA & RASAYANA IN - NUERO DEGENERATIVE DISORDERS

*Dr. Kshama Gupta MD, Sharir Rachana and Dr. Suhail Jandial MD Kayachikitsa

ABSTRACT

Ageing is a process of physical, psychological and social change in multidimensional aspects. The world population of the elderly is increasing significantly, and by the year 2050, adults older than 65 years will comprise 1/5th of the global population. In India 3.8% population are older than 65 years age. According to an estimate the likely number of elderly people in India by 2016 will be around 113 millions. The Ayurveda has very much potential in prevention of diseases by promotion of health & management of various syndromes & diseases occurring in old age. The leading causes of illness and death among aged peoples comprise degenerative conditions such as Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Alzheimer‟s disease, Depression,Psychiatric dis-orders, Parkinson‟s disease and Urinary incontinence diminish the quality of life. Prevention and management of health problems could help the elderly to improve quality of li e and remain in- dependent for their daily activities to certain extent. Ayurveda attributes primary importance to preventive and promote health care and the maintenance of positive health. Rasayana therapy is a specialized branch of clinical medicine in Ayurveda aimed at preventing the effects of aging and to improve intelligence, memory, and complexion, sensory and motor fun tions. Numerous Rasayana medicines possessing diversified actions like immuno-enhancement, free-radical scavenging, adaptogenic or anti- stress and nutritive effects are described in Ayurveda literature for their use in health promotion and management of diseases with improvement in the quality of life. Undoubtedly the strength of Ayurveda in the context of Geriatric care is Rasayana therapy, which is unique because of its ability to promote longevity and influence all aspects of health in a positive way. Describing the effects of Rasayana, the classical texts of Ayurveda say that from Rasayana one attains longevity, improved harmony and intelligence, freedom from disorder, youthful vigor, excellence of luster, complexion and voice, optimum strength of physique and senses, command over language, respectability and brilliance. Some singal herbal Rasayana drugs- Eindri (BacopaMonieri), Atibala (Abutilon Indicum), Aswagandha (WithaniaSomnifera), Amalaki (EmblicaOfficinalis) etc. Some Herbal compounds Rasayana are- Chyavana Prash, AmalakiRasayana, NagbalaRasayana, BalaRasayana, BrahmiGhirta, Aswaga dhaleha etc. are really beneficial in prevention a d cure of Geriatric disorders.

Keywords: Geriatric disorders, Rasayana, RasadiDhatus, ChyavanaPrash, NagbalaRasayan.