Traditional Indian Medicine For Longevity

Ayurveda, loosely defined as “life science or knowledge”, is a traditional form of medicine indigenous to the country of India. This medical theory refers to old age as “Vardhakya” and claims that it begins at age sixty. It is thought that at the age of sixty the deterioration of the body begins highlighted by different pain originating in the mind and body.

From the standpoint of ayurvedic, the primary factor for commencing certain bodily tasks is known as vata, responsible for instigating movement, respiration, excretion, digestion, metabolic function etc., this becomes agitated during old age and therefore the ordinary bodily tasks are disturbed. When this occurs, there is huge change within one’s physiological, psychological and pathology characteristics within the body. Of late, most elder citizens seem to be increasingly at risk of contracting illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and suffer chronic pain throughout their body. Following ayurvedic principles, to live a lifestyle that is preventive and proper, it is vital to understand the means of maintaining equilibrium despite stress and challenges produced by normal life.

The traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda, focused on longevity and prescribed several remedies for the same. Gold, silver, mercury, garlic and honey are described as having specific curative powers in the vast treasury of India’s pharmacopoeia. medical texts of ancient India. Some of these have subsequently been credited with the same curative powers by modern scientists.

Ayurveda’s Longevity Secrets

Ayurvedic medicine from India was devoted to keeping people healthy so they could live a full term of 100 years or more. And a whole branch of Ayurveda dealt with Rasayana - the science of longevity.

Longevity herbs

The writers of the first Ayurvedic textbooks extolled the youth-preserving virtues of a number of herbs with interesting names such as haritaki, amalaki, guduchi, ashvagandha, shatavari, pippali, shilajit. Recipes were given to make jams, wines, tablets and other life-promoting preparations which are still in use today.

Modern research on rasayana herbs has brought fascinating results – all these herbs have a combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-stress properties! They reverse the markers of ageing!

Ayurveda recommends rasayana herbs for couples planning conception, for pregnant mothers, for newborn babies, children and adults – and for those in their mature years. Ayurvedic practitioners can tailor a lifetime rasayana programme to suit your age, body type, genetic weaknesses, and health history.

Panchakarma

However, for these herbs to work optimally, it was considered that the body must be cleansed of toxins. Just as it is hopeless to replace a car’s oil without ensuring a clean oil filter, the body’s cells cannot effectively absorb rejuvenative herbs without first eliminating clogging wastes and toxins.

Panchakarma is ayurveda’s powerful method of detoxifying the body – even (research has found) environmental toxins lodged in the fatty tissues for dozens of years. A panchakarma treatment is traditionally recommended twice a year, at the change of seasons. This is followed by a rasayana programme of rejuvenative herbs and nourishing diet.

Diet

Ayurveda recommends a diet that is easily digestible yet nourishing. Most foods are cooked to increase digestibility, so raw foods form only a minor part of a healthy diet. Spices are used to improve digestibility.

How you eat is even more important than what you eat! According to Ayurveda, relaxation during meals is essential for proper digestion, and for proper tissue formation.

A range of good quality fats is needed for health, especially to reduce excessive inflammation. Not only do we need omega-3 oils to balance the omega-6, but we need saturated fats as well. Every traditional society has used saturated fats, even in India – ghee (clarified butter) in the North, and coconut oil in the South.

Eat foods that are high in antioxidants, such as colourful vegetables and fruits. Use spices like ginger, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon and tamarind. Clove oil is one of the most powerful antioxidants known. Prunes, raisins, pomegranates and the berries are rich in antioxidant agents.

Ayurvedic diet advice does not make rules or contradict modern nutritional advice; a qualified practitioner will help you integrate the knowledge to suit your personal constitution and needs.

Harnessing the mind and body

Ayurveda says that illness is often caused by “faulty intellect” – muddled thinking in which we make unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices. Controlling stressful thoughts brings clarity of mind, in which we make intuitive choices that are appropriate for health.

Traditional Yoga can provide you with a systematic way to manage stress and achieve greater mental clarity and self-awareness. Ayurveda recommends exercising to slightly increased breathing and a slight sweat.