30 to 50 years – What happens as we age?
Once early adulthood is passed we pass seamlessly as it seems, into our 30s and onwards as the process of wear and tear we call ageing occurs.
The ancient physicians of Ayurveda identified how this process of ageing impacts us sequentially. As we traverse the decades there is key functionality that becomes challenging. This of itself is useful as it highlights the functionality to focus on strengthening during each decade.
Let’s take a look at what to strengthen in each decade from 30-50 years of age.
- 30-40 years: Intelligence which is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.
- 40-50 years: Skin health.
Looking forward…
- 50-60 years: Sight.
- 60-70 years: Virility which includes the creation of Ojas.
- 70-80 years: Strength.
- 80-90 years: Discrimination which is the ability to recognise and understand the differences.
- 90+ years: The use of our senses and our ability to hear, touch, see, smell and taste.
Ayurveda sees ageing as natural to life and guides with the use of Rasayana, this process can be effectively managed so we age gracefully and live a long life.
Ancient physicians recommended Rasayana which are special herbal formulations designed to help with the lengthening of lifespan.
So let’s take a look at the years between 30-50 years in more detail and see what Rasayana would be recommended, while remembering that Ayurveda guides us to move with the seasons of Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer, favouring the foods and lifestyle choices that naturally go with each season.
30-50 years is the Pitta stage of life
As these years are guided by Pitta dosha the natural focus of these years is one of being active, forming an identity, developing our natural gifts, talents or interests and refining skills. This is a natural process of maturation.
During our 30-50 years, people typically bring up a family, establish a career and become a contributing member of our community. It is a time of activity and achievement! People during this time are often goal-oriented, focused, driven and can be competitive or fiery which are qualities of Pitta dosha. This intensity of focus may hide a strong will, with an over-identification with the mind and intellect which can lead to becoming unaware of or disregarding one’s physical and emotional needs.
Does this sound familiar to you?
When wear and tear lead to an imbalance of the fire element then irritability, acid indigestion, heartburn, ulcers, inflammatory conditions and overwork may be the result.
To help balance the fiery Pitta during the ages of 30-50 years:
Take recourse to moderation with a balance of work and relaxation. Make time to spend with loved ones and prioritise self-care activity such as exercise, meditation, yoga, massage, chill time, holidays and the enjoyment of hobbies. Take opportunities to be compassionate towards yourself and others, express gratitude and contribute to others and your community where you can. It’s good for the heart and soul!
Maintain the body’s connection with the underlying consciousness or intelligence that Ayurveda explains guides the physical expression of our mind and body by taking Maharishi Amrit Kalash Rasayana daily.
Reduce stress as it accelerates the ageing process. Stress or distress occurs when we consider that our resources are not adequate to meet the need or demands we face. This leads to feeling threatened either socially, mentally or physically and results in the “fight-flight-freeze” stress response.
Increasing one’s capacity to cope with the well researched Transcendental Meditation Technique and taking the adaptogenic herbal formulae MA686 Ashwagandha/Indian Asparagus daily are very effective strategies to help build your resilience in order to reduce the impact of stress upon you.
Get adequate sleep – be in bed by 10 pm then wake and rise around sunrise or 6 am. Aim to have a good quality of sleep where you feel rested, clear and alert when you wake up. Research indicates quality sleep helps to lengthen life and also protects the quality of life.
Look after your digestion to ensure your gain optimal nourishment and minimise the accumulation of impurities(ama) from incomplete digestion. Great digestion along with nourishing food choices work together to create Ojas which supports immunity and longevity. Ayurveda explains Ojas is formed when food is fully digested.
To support optimal digestion consider taking the largest quantity of food at lunchtime when your capacity to digest what is eaten, is highest. Sit and eat with full attention and rest quietly for 5-10 minutes after eating. When you can follow your lunch and evening meals with a 10-15 minute walk to aid digestion. Also, reduce or avoid very cold or frozen food and drinks as they dull or weaken your digestive fire. As digestion slows as the sun goes down consider taking 1-2 tablets of Triphala with Rose (MA505) to support digestion prior to your evening meal.
Favour an Anti-aging diet high in organic or spray-free fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, vegetarian proteins, low in animal products or animal sources of protein, alcohol and caffeine. Ideally, take fresh foods that are freshly prepared by a happy cook at regular intervals during the day with a good appetite. To reduce ama it is best to avoid or minimise packaged, frozen or reheated foods. Consider enhancing nourishment by taking the powerful Rasayana for Women (MA3347) or Rasayana for Men (MA631) daily.
Best Rasayana for the years 30-50 years
Maharishi Amrit Kalash
This 2 part formula is considered to be at the top of Ayurvedic Rasayana formulations. It is designed to help promote vitality, the balance of both the mind and body, immune strength and resistance to disease. Rasayana is traditionally formulated to help enliven and extend life. Amrit Kalash
Rasayana for Women (MA347)
This Rasayana stimulates the intelligence that underlies both the body and mind supporting cellular regeneration and a youthful glow, helping to slow biological and psychological ageing. Rasayana for Women (MA3347) can be taken daily and the benefits grow and accumulate over time. It is especially helpful during the years before menopause as it supports the blood, bones, and bone marrow, which must be constantly replenished for an easy, natural menstrual cycle.
Rasayana for Men (MA631)
Rasayana for Men (MA631) is a herbal powerhouse designed to increase strength, energy, and vitality. Ayurveda rasayanas are considered the primary method for maintaining health and vigour – herbal remedies used to maintain optimal health. Rasayanas are ayurvedic rejuvenators and this formulation has been shown to slow cellular ageing. While nourishing the whole body, it specifically rejuvenates blood, muscle, bone, and reproductive tissue. It has a dual action of detoxifying the body and helping in the assimilation of vital nutrients.
Ash Gourd/Amla complex paste (MA3323)
This preparation is useful when Pitta, the fire element, is out of balance. It contains Ash Gourd that helps to keep stomach acid in balance and support detoxification. It also contains Amla which balances Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, though it is especially calming and nourishing to Pitta. Amla rejuvenates all of the tissues in the body and builds ojas, the essence of immunity and youthfulness. MA3323 Ash Gourd/Amla paste
Taking a Rasayana is like taking a rich and deeply nourishing food which gets to the essence of you, helping to nourish you at the deepest levels of your mind and body.
It is one of the deepest forms of prevention and is recommended daily for those who wish to maintain vigour and vitality for many years to come!
Wishing you the bliss of balance
Linda Sinden, Maharishi AyurVeda Consultant
Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our health articles. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity.
Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz
Mobile: +64 212237525
Skype: Linda.Sinden
DISCLAIMER: The information in this document is presented for the sole purpose of imparting education on Maharishi AyurVeda and neither the information nor the products are intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition or are pregnant or lactating, please consult a health professional and it is recommended that you speak with your physician before making significant changes to your diet or routine.
