Description
Prof. Dr Manohar Palakurthi PhD, BAMS, Iowa, USA – MIU (Maharishi Nadi Vigyan) Doctoral Program Researcher, Clinical Professor of Physiology and Health, Clinical Director of Maharishi AyurVed Panchakarma Center, Ayurvedic Physician, Institute of Natural Medicine and Prevention -MIU-USA. Vaidya Manohar Palakurthi, BAMS, is a highly respected Ayurvedic expert in the Western world and India. He has been practicing Ayurveda for 33 years. He is a leading Ayurvedic physician, educator and consultant in the Ayurvedic curriculum. Vaidya Manohar Palakurthi is a leading expert on Maharishi AyurVeda-the consciousness-based approach to health-having worked directly with Maharishi for three decades. Vaidya Manohar has taught Maharishi AyurVeda courses, including Maharishi Nadi Vigyan, around the world, and currently teaches at Maharishi International University, in the United States.
Ayurvedic Geriatrics: Promoting Longevity and Healthy Aging Through Rasayana Therapy
Overview
Ayurveda approaches aging as a natural stage of life in which progressive changes in Vata, Dhatu, Agni, Ojas, and tissue strength influence physical vitality, mental resilience, digestion, immunity, sensory function, and overall quality of life. Ayurvedic geriatrics, or Jara Chikitsa, emphasizes preserving function and promoting healthy longevity rather than merely treating diseases associated with advanced age.
Rasayana Chikitsa is one of Ayurveda’s principal approaches to healthy aging. Traditionally, Rasayana therapies are described as supporting nourishment of the tissues, strength, vitality, intellect, immunity, and resistance to premature degeneration. The approach may include individualized nutrition, daily and seasonal routines, appropriate exercise and yoga, meditation, sleep practices, rejuvenative herbs, and carefully selected Panchakarma procedures when clinically appropriate.
This presentation will explore classical Ayurvedic concepts of aging and longevity and discuss how Rasayana therapy can be integrated with contemporary geriatric and preventive healthcare approaches. Particular attention will be given to the relationship among Agni, Ama, Ojas, Prakriti, Vikriti, Dhatu nutrition, and age-related changes.
Key Areas
- Ayurvedic understanding of Jara (aging) and longevity
- Jara Chikitsa and the principles of Ayurvedic geriatrics
- Rasayana: definition, objectives, classifications, and therapeutic principles
- Role of Agni and digestion in healthy aging
- Maintaining Ojas, Bala, and Dhatu integrity
- Prakriti-based approaches to aging and individualized care
- Dinacharya, sleep, exercise, yoga, pranayama, and meditation
- Nutrition and lifestyle strategies for healthy aging
- Classical Rasayana herbs and formulations
- Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Amalaki, Shatavari and other traditionally used Rasayana botanicals
- Appropriate use and limitations of Panchakarma in older adults
- Supporting cognitive health, mobility, vitality, and resilience
- Prevention-oriented approaches to age-associated decline
- Integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern geriatric and integrative medicine
- Safety, contraindications, drug–herb interactions, and individualized assessment
- Research perspectives and future directions for Ayurvedic gerontology
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Describe the Ayurvedic concept of aging and the principles of Jara Chikitsa.
- Explain the role of Rasayana therapy in promoting healthy aging and longevity.
- Discuss the importance of Agni, Ojas, Dhatus, Prakriti, and lifestyle in geriatric care.
- Identify commonly discussed Rasayana herbs and their traditional applications.
- Develop a framework for individualized Ayurvedic lifestyle and wellness strategies for older adults.
- Recognize important safety considerations when integrating Ayurvedic therapies with conventional geriatric care.
