PRAKRITI-CONCEPT OF BODY CONSTITUTION IN AYURVEDA AND POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS

Ruchika Panwar* and Prof. (Dr.) M. B. Gaur

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda has a holistic approach and includes all the factors which are absolute or accessory in the determination of health. Prakriti is one of the most important concepts and it is decided at the time of conception. Prakriti indicates toward physical or Dosha constitution. Involvement of Dosha in Prakriti formation may be individual or intermingled. Prakriti also affects and decides the quality and rate of aging. Risk of osteoporosis is significantly associated with age, menopause age and duration of menopause, body mass index (BMI), educational level and alcohol consumption in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis, a skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass, structural deterioration of bone tissue, and compromised bone strength predisposing to an increased risk of fracture. It is one of the most common metabolic diseases and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly women. It is stat that several conditions such as aging, period of amenorrhea, parental histories of fracture, dietary calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, low body mass index (BMI), reduced physical activity, and thyroid function have been proposed as associated factors in bone mineral density changes in the elderly. Concept of Prakriti can be helpful in the prevention and early management of diseases or infirmities due to aging such as osteoporosis. Aim: to define significant role of Prakriti in osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Material and methods: Ayurveda as well as modern texts are approached for proper understanding of the subject.

Keywords: morbidity, osteoporosis, Prakriti.