A case report on the management of Akaala Jara with special reference to Premature Ageing

Abstract

Akaala Jara is a condition where the Lakshanas of Jaravastha is seen in an earlier stage due to not following the proper conduct for health like seasonal Shodhana (elimination therapy), Dinacharya (daily regime) etc. Ageing is a set of progressive physiological changes in an organism often declining the biological functions and ability to adapt to metabolic stress. Due to the irregular dietary habits and faulty lifestyle, people are getting aged prematurely nowadays.  A 50 years old moderately built female patient complains of Utsahahani (decreased enthusiasm), Nidra Viparyaya (defective sleep pattern), Sandhi Shoola (joint pain), Shakrutgraha (constipation), Prabhahani (loss of lustre), Dourbalya (weakness), Arohana Ayasa (exertional dyspnea), Karmahani (difficulty in doing activities) and Twak Parushyata (skin dryness) for 10 years got admitted in Kayachikitsa IPD, TGAMC. The case was diagnosed as Akaala Jara. Investigations of Hemoglobin, ESR, CRP, Serum Calcium added to the diagnosis. After Koshta Shodhana by Haritakyadi Yoga, Narasimha Churna in Palaartha Pramana (24g) was given for one month, along with Shudhabalataila Nitya Abhyanga. At the end of course of treatment, improvement was noted in all symptoms as well as in Hemoglobin, ESR, CRP, S.Calcium and photographs taken before and after treatment. Narasimha Churna having Bhallataka, Guduchi, Chitraka, Shunti, Pippali, Maricha are Ama Pachaka and Agni Dipaka. The drugs Shatavari, Guduchi, Shunti may compensate the reduction in Superoxide dismutase, catalase and lactase dehydrogenase promoting the antioxidant defense mechanism. While the Shudhabalataila Nitya Abhyanga pacify the Prakupitha Vata, Narasimha Churna might have done the Dhatwagni Dipana, Utharothara Dhatu Poshana leading to improvement in the condition.