Another desire every body want, is to live youthful mentally and physically till they die. With people becoming more health conscious, the desire to maintain fitness and look young is growing. Ayurveda, the 5000 years old system of healthcare has been focusing on slowing down the aging process right from its beginning.
Ayurveda has a deeper meaning to anti aging in the sense that it aims at maintaining good health through the growing years while keeping the body and mind in its optimal capacity. It includes prevention of degeneration or wear and tear of the tissues, bones, glands and internal all systems of the body. The Ayurveda concept is more towards a healthy aging rather than anti aging as it recognizes the value of life experience and maturity.
Ayurvedic Anti-Aging Therapy – Origin
The anti aging treatment of Ayurveda was started and practiced by Chyavana Maharishi. He made several experiments and came out with the wonder drug called Chyavanaprasha which is a medicine classified as Rasayana. This herbal medicine is a proven remedy for regaining vitality and vigor in aging people. .
According to Ayurveda the human body is made up of seven constituents, known as Saptha Dhatus. They are:
- Raktha (blood)
- Mamsa (flesh)
- Rasa (lymph)
- Asth (bone)
- Medas (fat)
- Majja (marrow)
- Shukla (sperm and fertility)
Ayurveda attributes premature aging of the skin to the aggravation of vata dosha. Vata dosha tends to increase with age. The major problem with aging is the premature aging of skin that prominently visible to the naked eye. The loosened and wrinkled skin causes worry as it affects the overall looks of a person. Dryness of skin is a characteristic of vata dosha body constitution. The skin loses its elasticity and moisture due to various factors. Skin aging is caused by the change in seasons and can be caused by both internal external. Internally the skin loses its ability to retain moisture, production of lower levels of elastin and reduction in the formation of new cells. Smoking, excessive exposure to sunlight, or extreme cold environments, stress, poor diet and lack of exercise and such lifestyle choices may cause the skin to age prematurely.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Ayurveda has some effective remedies for the tightening of the skin. These remedies use natural ingredients mostly herbs and easily available substances in the kitchen. They mainly deal with the vata dosha imbalance in the body to reduce the symptoms of aging.
Rasayana is the most popular Ayurvedic treatment for aging. The Rasayana should be taken under strict medical supervision. Chyavanaprasha is the highly effective form of Rasayana for anti aging. The main ingredient is Amla known as gooseberry (Phyllanthus Emblica). It boosts memory and protects the eyes and helps in improving eyesight. It makes a good energy booster when taken with honey and good for all age groups.
Home remedies and herbal treatment for Premature Skin aging
Massage face with any one of ghee, almond oil or coconut oil at bed time.
Make a face pack of grated cucumber and apply on the face. It removes dark circles and works as a moisturizer.
Applying fresh Aloe Vera gel to the skin is highly effective in keeping the skin wrinkle free and retaining its elasticity and moisture. Aloe Vera gel is available
Ayurvedic Herbs with Anti Aging Properties
Shilajit: Shilajit is an herb found in the Himalayas during the summer season and is used in the preparation of anti aging Rasayana. It is a pale brown resin with a shiny appearance. It is purified and added with milk and consumed. It helps in improving immunity and the strength to fight against disease. Rasayan is basically the Ayurvedic medicine used to retard the aging process.
Amla: Amla is the Indian Gooseberry that is versatile herb which is used in many of the Ayurvedic medicines. Charak has elaborately explained in his book Charak Samhita, the magical powers of Amla which is used in curing almost all diseases. Ayurvedic preparation Chyavanaprasha contains Amla up to more than 50%. Amla is a rich in Vitamin C and also contains Pectin that helps in reducing cholesterol. It can regulate Vata dosha thus playing a major role in retarding the aging process.