CARE FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH AYURVEDA

Aging is a process of physical, psychological and social changes in multiple aspects. With the growing number of elderly people in modern society, the health problems of older people are becoming more pronounced. Dealing with the problems of old age is not only the responsibility of older people. Family and society also bear their share of responsibility in this struggle. 

Ayurveda offers a reasonable concept of aging, its prevention and treatment. It deliberately includes Rasayana Tantra as one of its specialties dedicated to preventing aging and caring for the elderly.

 Geriatric care with Ayurveda has 2 levels:

1. Maintaining health and longevity

2. Treatment of diseases in old age

 Ayurveda, being at its core the science of life and longevity, addresses these issues in a unique holistic manner, including not just biological care, but also covering psychological and spiritual levels. There are enormous opportunities to provide psychosocial and physical well-being to older adults through the principles of Ayurvedic diet, lifestyle adjustments, herbal therapies including various types of massages, Rasayana therapy, yoga and meditation. Rasayana is not just one medicine or drug, it is an entire rejuvenating regimen that involves the use of rejuvenating drugs and drugs, a special diet, a healthy lifestyle in general, as well as positive psychosocial behavior.

            In addition to the preventative aspects of aging, Ayurveda can also treat diseases of old age in the most effective and safe manner. Musculoskeletal diseases including spasms, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, other age-related joint problems, gastrointestinal diseases including anorexia, constipation, metabolic errors, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, lipid disorders, obesity, nervous system diseases including paresthesia , neurological pain, degenerative brain diseases, insomnia, genitourinary system diseases including urinary incontinence, respiratory system disorders such as bronchitis, asthma, post-menopausal syndrome, psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, etc. – all this can be successfully treated with the help of Ayurveda and its various directions. The introduction of Ayurveda into the modern medical system will only have a positive impact on ensuring a quality life for older people. 

General instructions for therapeutic procedures in Ayurveda, followed by doctors at the Atreya Ayurveda Clinic

            Ayurveda, compared to modern medicine, is a rather individualized medical system. No medications or procedures can be made common to everyone. Two people with the same complaints will not be prescribed the same medications and procedures. Prescribing medicines or procedures is a highly specialized and individualized aspect based on the patient’s health status, his/her constitution and other Ayurvedic parameters, which will be analyzed after the patient’s medical history and clinical examination. But for the understanding of ordinary people, general recommendations and a description of the benefits of the procedures that are done in our clinic are still given:

Consultation with an Ayurveda doctor

An Ayurveda doctor can assess your health status, determine the natural constitution of the body (prakriti), diagnose your condition, prescribe a diet, give recommendations on your regimen and lifestyle, and prescribe medications if necessary. The consultation lasts 1-1.5 hours.

1.      Massages

Abhyanga

Abhyanga is a synchronized 4-hand full body massage using therapeutic oil. It includes 1) shirobhyanga (head and shoulder massage), 2) mukha abhyanga (facial massage), 3) sharira abhyanga (whole body massage), in 7 positions. According to Ayurveda, this massage is part of everyday life. It helps improve blood circulation, softens and smoothes the skin, soothes and relaxes the nerves, nourishes the body, gives muscle tone and strength, lubricates joints, improves sleep and vision, stimulates the nerves and removes toxins from the body. 

Padabyanga (Foot massage)

Applying oil to the feet and massaging them is called padabhyanga. According to the ancient Ayurvedic scriptures, “diseases avoid those who massage their feet before going to bed, just as snakes avoid the eagle.” The science of Reflexology states the fact that there is a connection between the soles of the feet and various organs of the body. Therefore, proper foot massage at the appropriate place on the foot using special oils prevents and treats various diseases. According to this science, various organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, and intestines can be stimulated through foot massage. 

Shirobhyanga (Head Massage)

This is a traditional technique of applying oil and performing various movements such as squeezing, capping, tapping, etc. for the purpose of relaxation. Massage helps to increase blood flow in the head area and thereby saturates the patient’s mind and body with vital energy. 

Podikizhi

Podikizhi is a type of massage in which the massage is performed using small cotton bags filled with warm herbal powders (herbs are selected for specific diseases). After a gentle body massage, the body is massaged rhythmically and continuously with the bags. This is an effective treatment for reducing sensitivity, pain, stiffness and heaviness of the injured body part or joints. 

Udvartana

Udvartana is a massage using heated herbal powders that are rubbed into the body with a certain force. The procedure is performed in 7 positions. Massage softens the skin and exfoliates dead cells, reduces fat deposits in the subcutaneous tissues, improves joint mobility, strengthens and tones muscles, improves circulation, and tones the skin and muscles. 

Sweda

With Swede, a closed steam barrel with an opening lid is used, where the patient lies on his back, head out, and is warmed by the steam in the barrel. The patient lies in the barrel for 10-20 minutes until he sweats enough. Usually this procedure is done after Abhyanga. It improves blood circulation, relaxes joints, relieves tension, reduces muscle spasms and pain, and also helps remove toxins through the skin.

Njawara

Nyawara is a type of massage using bags filled with rice cooked in a decoction of medicinal herbs. It is highly nutritious in nature. It helps in nourishing the skin, tissues, muscles and nerves. Improves the oiliness and appearance of the skin. Prevents the appearance of age wrinkles. Gives muscle tone. Relieves pain. 

Pichizhil

Pichizhil is another type of massage that uses large amounts of medicated oil. The massage is performed in 7 positions. It is even more beneficial than Abhyanga as it is more nutritious in nature and acts at deeper tissue levels. Helps relieve spasms and nourishes the nerves.  

2.      Dhara Techniques

Dhara is a procedure involving the pouring of medicinal liquids in the form of a stream onto various parts of the body.

Shirodhara

Shirodhara is a procedure of slowly and continuously pouring medicated oil over the center of the patient’s forehead. Medicinal decoctions, buttermilk, milk, etc. can also be used in this procedure depending on individual needs. This procedure induces a relaxed state of awareness, which results in psychosomatic balance, a sense of well-being, clarity of mind and perception. It also improves sleep and relieves stress. 

Takradhara

 When Shirodhara is performed using fermented milk products, it is called Takradhara. Promotes relaxation, ensures quality sleep, relieves stress and anxiety. Also helps with thermoregulatory skin problems.  

3.      Nasya

Nasya is a procedure of infusing medicinal oil into the nasal cavities, performed after some preparatory procedures. It has a wide range of uses, from problems of the upper respiratory tract to neurodegenerative diseases of the brain. 

Shirovasti

The procedure of holding medicinal oil on the head is called sirovasti. It also has a wide range of uses, ranging from minor ailments such as insomnia, stress and ending with major neurological diseases. 

Urovasti

The procedure of holding oil on the chest is called Urovasti. Effective for respiratory diseases. 

Kativasti (Kati)

Procedure for retaining oil on the lumbar region. Effective for lower back pain.  

4. Panchakarma

Panchakarma refers to cleansing procedures in Ayurveda and is usually performed for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. It starts with a preparatory diet, taking oil for 7 days, then 2 days of sweda and the last day – laxative procedure of virechan. Depending on the patient’s condition, a vasti (enema) procedure may be performed after Panchakarma. 

5. Yoga

Nowadays, yoga is a universal way to keep yourself fit and relaxed. But Ayurveda views yoga as a preventative and therapeutic aid. Therapeutic yoga is essential for treating health problems in old age. 

6.  Cosmetology procedures

Under the guidance of a doctor, Atreya has a cosmetology department where older people can maintain good skin condition and get rid of age-related skin problems such as pigmentation, wrinkles, sagging, dark circles, as well as hair problems such as hair loss, dryness, etc.

With the help of Ayurvedic procedures, you can significantly improve the quality of life of your elderly loved ones.

Just make an appointment with an Ayurveda doctor!