A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF JARA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO JANUSANDHIGATA VATA

Abstract

Ayurveda is the science of life has observed ageing as a graceful phenomenon. Old age and its health problems were great concern even for Acharyas during Vedic period. That was the reason why JARA- CHIKITSA has been mentioned as one independent anga in Ashtanga Ayurveda.It implies delaying the process of aging and managing the problems of old age. Jara is Swabhavika vyadhi which is natural, unavoidable, and palliable. In fact no treatment can prevent old age or changes occur due to age, but the process can be delayed. The detailed study of JARA in the light of recent developments in the field of geriatrics is very much essential to understand, analyze and revalidate the principles related to Jara .In Vrudhas avastha ,the vata dosha is in a dominant state and rasadi dhatus in a deprived state. This potent combination is responsible for the aged being vulnerable to many diseases. Among them the Janusandhigatavata, a vata vyadhi which is equated to Knee- Osteoarthritis stands top in the list of old age diseases. 80% of old age people have the radiological evidence of Osteoarthritis, though 25-30% is symptomatic. Knee-Osteoarthritis is a major cause of disability, limiting activity and impaired quality of life especially among elderly, the disease is more crippling in its advanced stage. It is ranked one among few diseases branded by WHO as “Global Disease Burden”.