Anti-Aging

Siddha philosophy believes that the aging process can be slowed down, and that a long and healthy life can be achieved. This requires strict daily regimen in terms of diet and medical supplements.

There are two ways of achieving a long and healthy life.

• The use of kayakalpa medicines
• The practise of kalpa yoga

The word 'kaya' means body and 'kalpa' means stone. The word 'kayakalpa' means sturdy as a rock and ageless. Some good kalpa herbs are Ginger (Zinziber Officinalis), Kattukai (Terminalia Chebula), Amukkura (Withania somnifera), Keelanelli (Phyllathus Niruri), Date Palm (Phoenix Dactilyfera), Seran Kottai (Semicarpus Anacardium), Vembu (Azadiracta Indica), Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum), Lemon (Citrus Media Varacida) and Vilvam (Aegle Marmelos).

Kalpa drugs are manufactured from inorganic compounds also. For instance, Ayasambeerakarpam is made from certain metals soaked in lime. Ayabringaraja Karpam is made from iron processed in lime juice. Poorna Chandrodayam contains gold, mercury and sulphur. Kalpa drugs have rejuvenating powers and are believed to retard the aging process.

The eight steps of Kalpa Yoga are identical to the eight stages of yoga prescribed by Patanjali.

These are:

1. Iyama: This is a moral code, which advocates truth, non-violence, honesty and continence.
2. Niyama: This is a code for internal and external purification by study and selflessness.
3. Asana: This is concerned with physical postures that improve bodily strength and endurance.
4. Pranayama: This is the regimen for regulating breathing. It keeps the body healthy and the mind calm.
5. Pratiyakara: This refers to the withdrawal of the mind from worldly affairs and the control of the senses.
6. Dharana: This is the art of concentrating on a specific object.
7. Dhayana: Deep meditation.
8. Samadhi: This is the highest state of yoga where, one's consciousness identifies with the super-consciousness.

The practice of yoga holds the promise of slow aging and a long and healthy life.