E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Jara Laxanas

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2022 Volume 7 Number 1 Jan-Feb
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Review on conceptual study of Jara Laxanas mentioned in Brihatrayee

V Kurahatti M.1*
DOI:

1* Manjula V Kurahatti, Associate Professor, Dept of Sanskrit, Samhita and Siddanta, BVVS Ayurved Medical College and Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.

The present study reveals that the process of ageing was elaborately described in Ayurveda. Ayurveda, the science of life covers a wide range of subjects and issues of living beings in relation to total approaches of individual development and health care. Different Samhita in Ayurveda gives detail knowledge about signs and symptoms which appears in old age including primitive, preventive and curative aspect of health sciences. Jara management in present time is a challenging task for present health providing system. Our Aptas knowledge helps to overcome from these through Rasayana Chikitsa.

Keywords: Jara Laxanas, Kalaja and Akalaja Jara, Vata Dosha

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Manjula V Kurahatti, Associate Professor, Dept of Sanskrit, Samhita and Siddanta, BVVS Ayurved Medical College and Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		Manjula V Kurahatti, Review on conceptual study of Jara Laxanas mentioned in Brihatrayee. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(1):256-259.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1699

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2022-01-27 2022-01-29 2022-02-05 2022-02-12 2022-02-19
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 16%

© 2022by Manjula V Kurahattiand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Kurahatti M : Review on conceptual study of Jara Laxanas mentioned in Brihatrayee

Introduction

Ageing is continuous process which begins in the mother womb (at conception) and ends with death. Authoritative text of Ayurveda has mentioned growth period as up to 30 years. After that the growth of an individual stops and Ageing starts to continue.[1]

According to Ayurveda, Jara is natural phenomenon like (hunger, thirst and sleep) authenticated texts also mentioned group of naturally occurring disease named as Svabhava-Bala-Pravrutta-Roga which includes thirst, hunger, sleep, life, and death.[2]

Etymologically the term Jara has been derived from the Sanskrit  root word ‘Jrushvayohaanii’- means decrease of life span. The last phase of life span has been referred as Jara. It is described as a natural and inevitable process as well as natural disease. Other term that may be correlated to the word with old age are Jirna, Jirana, Jara na, Vriddha Jiryata, Jara, Vayohaan.[3]

Authoritative texts of Ayurveda classify the age into 3 stages. The Vriddha Avastha is predominated by Vata Dosha there will be depletion of Dhatu, Indriya, Bala, Virya etc.[4]

Ayurveda plays major role in the maintenance of health as the place of birth having strong influence, time conducive for strength, excellence of diet, body suitability and psyche.[5]

The above mentioned factors are important cause of ageing and after obtaining specific age the process of ageing starts which may be slow or fasten depending upon the environmental habits and other dietary factors of the individual.[6]               

Factors influencing on Jara of a person

1. Daiva & Purusha

Life span of the person depending upon two factors; Daiva (works of previous life), Purushakara (works in the present life). The rationality of life span of individual depends upon the strength present in both Daiva and Purushakara. These are classified into three categories, viz. Pravara, Madhyama, Avarabala.[7]

2. Dhatukshayajanyakarana

a. “Kupitatsu Khalu Sharire Shariram Nana Vidair Vikarair Utpati Bala Varna Sukha Ayusham Upaghataya|” Hence Kupita Vata is cause for

b. One who indulges in excess of physical exercise, fasting, food which is having more of dry, less in quantity, with one taste (Pramithasan), and more of worries, expose to sun and wind, fear, grief, liquids which cause dryness, vigil (Prajagara), Excessive excretion of Kapha, Shonita, Sukra, Mala, old age – [8]

3. Shariravriddhikara Bhava

Acharya Charaka also given some other factors which may be considered as growth promotive, namely; For example, youth is the proper time for growth of the individual, Svabhava Samsiddhi (natural process as result of unseen past action are also responsible for growth), Ahara Sansthan (excellence of diet), Avighata - absence of inhibiting factors; for example excessive indulgence of sex and mental affliction inhibit the growth of the individual.[9]

4. Balavruddhikarabhava

Some other factors plays major role in the maintenance of health as - birth in place, having strength, that in time conducive for strength, favorable time, excellence of seed and soil, excellence of diet, body suitability and psyche, natural mechanism ,youth ,physical exercise and cheerfulness.[10]

5. Swabhavoparama Vada

Trividhahetu, Praghnaparadha, Asathmendriyaartha Samyoga and those who will not follow Achara Rasayana, Sadvritta, Dinacharya & Rutucharya etc are the causative factors to attain Vriddhaavastha at early age.

In the concept of Svabhavoparama Vada, it has been mentioned that each and every day Kala causes minute changes in the world, which may not be appreciated and this Kala is responsible in attaining Vriddha Avastha.[11]

6. Kalaja and Akalaja Jara

Kalaja Jara is natural at the stipulated time of age

Timely aging means which comes naturally to everyone. Human body is called Shareera & it has been defined as "Jiryate Anena Iti Shareera" means which gets decayed and decomposed every moment.[12]

So the change is inevitable. But the process of aging can be slowed down by following Rasayana therapy. The onset and manifestation


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of each decade can be postponed by using the Rasayana therapy and Achararasayana, Sadvritta, Dinacharya, Rutucharya etc.[13]

Akalajara - Premature Aging

AkalaJara or premature aging or early onset of aging comes to those who don't follow the proper diet and behavior regimen.[14]

Jara as Swabhava Bala Pravrutta Vyadhi

A group of natural diseases under the heading of Svabhava Bala Pravritta Vyadhi are mentioned, among them includes aging (Jara) too. Other conditions of this group are thirst, hunger, sleep and death. In this way according to Ayurveda aging is a natural disease.

These diseases occur due to the power of Nature (Prakriti Shakti Gaata).[15]

Bala and Agni, Concept of Prakruti in Ageing

Ageing is the phenomenon characterized by decay and degeneration, and person’s Prakriti is determined by Tridoshas according to their predominance.

Among Tridoshas, Pitta is basically responsible for the premature manifestation of ageing due to its specific properties like Usna, Tikshna, Visra, etc.[16]

Vata Dosha in ageing

During old age Vata remains in Prakopa Avastha.[17] During the stage of Madhyama Vaya which proceeds the old age, the diminution of tissues starts and it leads to increase in Vata. Increase and decreased state of Vata has inverse relation with Dhatu i.e., with increase in Vata the diminution & vice versa.

Lavana and Kshara as cause for early ageing

If a pregnant lady eats excessive salt then her child will suffer from Vali, Palitya and Khalitya, which are also signs of aging.[18]

Excessive taking of salt leads to Vali, Palitya and Khalitya (Charaka Sutra 26:43). Similarly excessive taking of Kshara (alkali) also leads to Palitya and Khalitya.[19]

As wrinkles, gray and falling hair is the common symptoms of aging, therefore intake of salt and Kshara may have some role in aging. Following the rules of Svasthavritta (daily and

seasonal regimen), the Dhatu remains in healthy condition, thus free of diseases. The healthy tissue growth leads to delaying the aging.  Otherwise aging may be earlier.[20]

Jara Laxanas according to Acharyas

These are Jara Laxanas according to different Acharyas which indicates the Vata Dosha Vruddhi Laxanas.

Lakshanas


  1. Sramsa: It was explained as Kinchit Swasthanachalanam by Chakrapani.
  2. Ojosramsa, Dehasramsa, Dantashaithilya, Srastanga su17 and Su U 37.
  3. Dhramsa: It was explained as Bhramsastu Duragati by Chakrapani - Pada Bhramsa, Guda Bhramsa, Yoni Bhramsa, Mano Bhramsa, Ojo Bhramsa.Chi.28, Cha.Su 20, Ast. San Ni 16.
  4. Vyasa: It was explained as Vistaranam by Chakrapani. (Twachovistara) Cha.Chi.28 Sanga: (Graha) Varchonigraha, Mutrasanga, Angacheshta Sanga, Gatisanga etc Ast San Su.Cha chi 28.
  5. Bheda: Twachobheda, Asthiparvabheda, Angabheda Su Ni 1, Cha. Chi 28.
  6. Sada: Agnisada, Angasada Ast.Sa.Su 19.
  7. Toda: Twachastoda, Angatoda A.St.Hr.Su.13, Cha Chi 28.
  8. Vyatha/Ruk: Angavedana, Sandhivedana Ast.Hr.Su.16
  9. Parushya: Nakhaparushya, Twakparushya Cha.Ni.8, Su.Su 18.
  10. Sosha: Asthisosha, Angasosha Cha.Su.20, Su Ni 1
  11. Supti: Twaksupti, Padasupti Cha Chi.28, Cha.Su.20
  12. Stambha: Bhukta Stambha, Asthiparva Stambha, Vartma Stambha Cha Chi 28, Cha. Ni 1.
  13. Vislesha: Janu Vislesha, Sandhi Vislesha.Ni.1, Cha.Su.20.
  14. Sankocha: Vartma Sankocha, Parva Sankocha Cha.Chi.28, Cha.su 20

It is evident from the above instances that Vata


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Dosha is the governing entity for both the maintenance of bodily processes and their destruction in old age and disease.[21]

Discussion

Ageing is one of the unavoidable processes occurring in and every living being and one cannot prevent it. Classics have mentioned it as a Svabhavika Vyadhi (naturally occurring disease) because risk of developing various diseases in old age. There are structural and functional changes at cellular level, tissue level and organ level. The biochemical composition of cells and tissues undergo changes with age, physiological capacity reduces and the ability to maintain homeostasis in adapting to various stressors decline thereby person becomes more vulnerable to diseases.

For understanding the process of ageing in terms of Ayurveda, needs the analysis of the physiological changes occurring at the level of Tridoshas, Sapthadhatus, Malas, Shrotas, Indriyas, Agni and Ojas. The main Dosha involved is Vata And there is Agnimandya leading to improper nourishment of various entities of the body. There are different patterns of functional deteriorations occurring with aging. There may be gradual and partial functional loss or compete functional loss. The dependent Dhatus also undergo improper nourishment. This process is gradual and leads to irreversible process of ageing. Nidanas (causative factors) such as Ati Ahara Vihara (excess food intake and improper lifestyle), Manasika Vega Adhaarana (non suppression of unpleasant emotions) leading Srotolepa (blocks the body channels) which in turn causes Agnimandya and Ama. When the function of Agni is vitiated, there is improper nourishment of Rasa and successive Dhatus.  Finally leads to Shareera Apachaya (improper nourishment of body) and Ojo Haani (damages the Ojus) resulting in Akaala Jara (premature ageing).

Conclusion

Different anatomical and physiological changes occur by age. These changes often lead to health problems and even death in elderly. In order to ensure health and wellbeing of this growing age group, it is important that health care professionals, the government, the community, their families and the elderly themselves understand the changes that are happening and adopt the preventive

measures to avoid the suppression of natural urges, follow the Dinacharya practice of regular yogic exercise, Shodhana according to Rutu and consumption of Rasayana drugs at proper time. All these things will help to avoid increased risk related to aging.

Reference

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  2. Astanga hridaya, Shareerasthana 3\105-107, Reprint ed 2011, Chaukambha Orientalia, Varanasi Pp 405.
  3. Astanga sangraha, Shareerasthana 8\20-22, Reprint ed 2011, Chaukambha Orientalia, Varanasi.Pp 518, 519.
  4. Charaka Samhita, Vimanasthana 3\32-34, Reprint ed.2013, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, Pp 243.
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