Ageing is a term used to refer to the sum total of the changes that take place in a living organism with the passage of time. It is generally considered to be accompanied by increasing functional impairment and a decreasing ability to survive any form of stress.

There have been many attempts to explain the variability and the gradual increase in  life expectancy and modern science tends to focus on genetic and environmental factors, while mainstream medicine is preoccupied with fighting the ailments that are so often seen as an inevitable part of growing old. Some consider that a human body reaches its peak at around the age of 19, and after that starts to deteriorate. Others maintain that the downhill trend starts in middle age. What is certain is that there is great variation in the rate at which different people age.

The first signs of aging are generally the effects of dehydration. When the skin and mucus membranes dry up the tissues start to crinkle, then to wrinkle, then to sag, first in the face, followed by the arms and ultimately by the rest of the body. This is often wrongly attributed to not drinking enough water, but Ayurveda sees the problem as a reduction in Kapha – the dosha responsible for maintaining lubrication at every level. The Ayurvedic medicines used to address this are the same as those used for hormone regulation. It is first vital to improve the digestion so that the body can process fats adequately.

The next sign is the wasting of muscles, beginning from the extremities. The stomach then starts to protrude – a survival mechanism in which the body is trying to store fat but is unable to distribute it.

Finally the intercellular matrix begins to dry out, with the result that the neurons no longer receive an adequate supply of electrolytes, causing the electrical conductivity between cells to fail. The memory then starts to deteriorate and the eyes appear sunken and dry.

Ayurvedic treatments are first concerned with the promotion of digestion, absorption and assimilation, stimulating the ‘agni’ – the inner fire. The body then starts to produce its own new hormones. The skin and tissues can be further helped by the external application of  herbal oils, and medicines such as Brahmi and Bacopa help the brain to form new cells. Conductivity is restored between the nerve cells.

An Ayurvedic rejuvenation program which attends to diet and lifestyle, as well as supplying  the relevant medicines  and treatments that will help to restore a healthy mind – body balance, is the ultimate route to slowing the aging process.