Muscle wasting, or ‘atrophy’, can affect people of all ages and can occur for a variety of reasons. In some cases it is due to an illness or an injury and an accurate diagnosis is required before any treatment regime can be prescribed. There may be an underlying bacterial or viral condition involved or perhaps a hormonal imbalance or mineral deficiency. But distinct from any of these possible causes there is the inescapable fact that after the age of 40 we all tend to suffer a decline in availability of the growth factors which are critical in maintaining muscle mass. With every ten year increment in age this tends to become increasingly noticeable and even a good diet and lots of exercise may not be quite enough to prevent the decline.

Muscle wasting not only makes movement of the limbs more uncomfortable, even painful. It also leaves the bones, nerves and the lymphatic system less protected and more vulnerable to injury, and the healing process is compromised. The joints are also weakened and inflammation and arthritis can easily result.

Ayurveda can provide treatments to address hormone balance in old age, and various yogic exercises such as Indian Push-Ups and Squatting or yogic postures, such as Uttan Padasana, Forward Bending (sitting or standing) and the Shoulder Stand can all be very helpful (see YATAN Yoga – A Natural Guide To Health & Harmony). Some herbal oil decoctions are also extremely effective in helping the muscles to regenerate and used regularly can provide an excellent means of prevention. With this in mind we have developed the Yatan Shankapushpi Massage Oil, which has strong nourishing and rejuvenating properties.

Shankapushpi Massage Oil is available from our online store.