Special Correspondent
Over 350 delegates from various States took part in the seminar
A compendium of 78 abstracts was released
Coimbatore: Siddha is the oldest system of medicine and has gone deep
into the problem of the elderly people, K. Manickavasakam, Director
National Institute of Siddha, has asserted.
He was speaking at the two-day national seminar on " the role of
Siddha and Ayurvedha medicines in geriatric care" organised by the
School of Biosciences of Dr. GRD Damodaran College of Science here
recently.
The seminar was sponsored by the Department of AYUSH, Union Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare.
Three components
According to him, successful ageing consists of three components- low
probability of disease or disability, high cognitive and physical
function capacity and active engagement with life. Successful ageing
may be viewed as an interdisciplinary concept, spanning both
psychology and sociology, where it is seen as the transaction between
society and individuals across the life span with specific focus on
the later years of life.
The terms 'healthy ageing' 'optimal ageing' have been proposed as
alternatives to successful ageing. Six suggested dimensions of
successful ageing include no physical disability over the age of 75 as
rated by a physician, good subjective health assessment (i.e. good
self-ratings of one's health), length of 'undisabled' life, good
mental health, objective social support and self-rated life
satisfaction in eight domains- marriage, income-related work,
children, friendship and social contacts, hobbies, community service
activities, religion and recreation/sports.
Lifestyle modification is an integral part of geriatric treatment. It
includes proper food habits, sleep and relaxation, exercise, personal
cleanliness, tension free and clear mind, entertainment etc.
Ageing process also occurs due to loneliness during old age. Joint
family system as in the earlier years is the best treatment to avoid
old age sickness and ageing. Isolation plays the key factor in ageing.
This has to be avoided. Elderly people should be involved in all the
family activities giving due respect to their age and experience.
They should be kept in good spirits always. Health care and
psychological care are integrated with the best possible combination
of services such as housing, home care services, socialisation
programmes, financial and legal planning.
Care plan
A care plan tailored for each individual's circumstances is prepared
after a comprehensive assessment.
The care plan is modified when necessary based on the professional
geriatric care manager's monitoring of the effectiveness of the
components of the care plan. Professional geriatric care managers
accomplish this by combining a working knowledge of health and
psychology, human development, family dynamics, public and private
resources and funding sources while advocating for their clients
throughout the continuum of care.
He pointed out that the Siddha system proposed mainly the 'Kayakalpa'
treatment. 'Kaya' means the body and 'Kalpa' means the stone. Keeping
the body as strong as a stone is the main aim of 'Kayakalpa'.
According to him, by this treatment the body gets free from the
greying of hair, ageing, diseases etc. In Siddha there were 108
'Kayakalpa' drugs. Most of these drugs were antioxidant and
immuno-modulatory in their medicinal action.
Rheumatism
He asserted that yoga and pranayama had significance in dealing with
this challenge.
Researches had proved beyond doubt that these were efficacious in
neuro-muscular, musculo-skeletol, respiration and psychosomatic and
other health problems in elderly people.
"Rheumatism which produces immobility and pain in the joints first and
serious problems later is one of the common ailments that affect the
elderly people. Here in 'Siddha Thokkanam' physical manipulation of
the body with or without oil is the most effective remedy."
Alex Hankey, Consultant Professor, Vyasa Yoga Research Institute,
stressed the scientific integration of Ayurveda and Yoga which would
ultimately benefit the mankind.Over 350 delegates from various States
took part in the seminar and 46 research articles were presented.
A compendium of 78 abstracts was released. An exhibition of Siddha and
herbal products was also organised.
==
Souce: The Hindu 27th october 2009
Dr P Vyasamoorthy,
30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278
http://www.google.com/profiles/vyasamoorthy.
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