Open AccessCRITICAL APPRAISAL OF RASAYANA FOR MENTAL HEALTH IN ELDERLY
Author(s) -
H P Savitha,
Suhas Kumar Shetty,
Narayana Prakash B
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of research in ayurveda and pharmacy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2277-4343
pISSN - 2229-3566
DOI - 10.7897/2277-4343.04436
Subject(s) - critical appraisal , mental health , gerontology , medicine , psychology , psychiatry , alternative medicine , pathology
Vardhakya (old age) is characterized by deterioration in the levels of vital capacity, energy, sexual potency, speech, perception, absorption, retention, memory and intellectual abilities along with predominance of Vata (Basic body humour). Vata is the main controller of functions of mind. Due to this shared association of Manas (Mind), old age and Vata, impairment of mental functions are commonly observed in geriatric age group. In the present criterion, care towards psychological wellbeing in the geriatric age group is of utmost importance due to the increasing senile population and altered social situations. Ayurveda confers the knowledge of Rasayana, where various pharmacological and non-pharmacological modes (Achara Rasayana) of therapies are used for prevention, promotion and management of diseases. Medhya Rasayana (nootropic), a group of Rasayana medicines are known for their action on psychological and intellectual functioning. Rasayana can heighten mental health in old age by its unique effects on Vata