Ayurvedic & TCM-Based Diet Guidance for Elderly

A Holistic Nutrition Approach for Healthy & Graceful Ageing

Ageing is a natural biological process, but weakness, disease, and dependency are not inevitable. Both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasize that proper diet is the most powerful medicine for elders.

At Sunrays Acupoint – Women’s Wellness & Natural Healing Center, we integrate Ayurvedic dosha balance with TCM organ and Qi nourishment to support longevity, digestion, immunity, bone health, emotional stability, and vitality in elders.

Understanding Ageing: Ayurveda & TCM Perspective

Ayurveda View

According to Ayurveda, old age is dominated by Vata Dosha. Excess Vata causes dryness, weakness, anxiety, constipation, joint pain, insomnia, poor digestion, and tissue degeneration.

Goal: Pacify Vata, nourish tissues (Dhatus), strengthen Agni (digestive fire).

TCM View

In TCM, ageing is linked with gradual depletion of Kidney Jing (Essence), weakening of Spleen Qi (digestion), and imbalance of Yin–Yang.

Goal: Nourish Kidney Yin & Yang, strengthen Spleen Qi, preserve Jing.

Core Dietary Principles for Elders (Ayurveda + TCM)

• Warm, cooked, freshly prepared food
• Soft texture and easy digestion
• Small but frequent meals
• Regular meal timing
• Avoid cold, raw, dry foods
• Seasonal and local diet

Grains – Foundation of Elderly Diet

Ayurvedic View

Sweet and warm grains pacify Vata and nourish tissues.

TCM View

Grains strengthen Spleen Qi and support digestion.

Recommended Grains

• Rice (well cooked)
• Broken wheat (daliya)
• Oats (warm porridge)
• Barley (light use)
• Soft wheat roti

Avoid: Dry bread, bakery items, excessive maize

Proteins – Prevent Muscle & Tissue Loss

Ayurveda

Proteins should be light and nourishing without burdening digestion.

TCM

Protein nourishes Kidney Essence and supports muscle strength.

Best Protein Sources

• Moong dal (ideal)
• Masoor dal
• Soft paneer
• Boiled egg
• Chicken soup (TCM tonic)
• Fish (Kidney Yin nourishing)

Vegetables – Vital for Qi & Blood

Recommended Vegetables

• Bottle gourd (Lauki)
• Pumpkin
• Carrot
• Spinach (well cooked)
• Ridge gourd
• Sweet potato

Vegetables must always be cooked, warm, and lightly spiced.

Fats – Lubrication & Nervous System Support

Ayurveda

Healthy fats reduce dryness and calm Vata.

TCM

Fats nourish Yin and support joints and brain.

Recommended Fats

• Desi ghee (1–2 tsp daily)
• Sesame oil
• Olive oil
• Almond oil (internal small amount, external massage)

Dairy – Bone & Essence Nourishment

• Warm cow milk
• Milk with turmeric or nutmeg
• Soft paneer
• Buttermilk (daytime only)

Avoid: Cold milk, curd at night

Fruits – Gentle Blood & Yin Nourishment

• Papaya
• Stewed apple
• Banana (small)
• Pomegranate
• Pear

Avoid: Cold, sour, refrigerated fruits

Spices & Herbs – Digestive Medicines

Ayurvedic Digestive Spices

• Jeera
• Ajwain
• Saunf
• Hing
• Haldi

TCM Digestive Herbs (Food Grade)

• Ginger (fresh)
• Cinnamon
• Fennel
• Dates (small amount)

Hydration – Protecting Kidney Qi

• Warm water sips
• Herbal teas (ginger, fennel)
• Soups and broths

Avoid: Excess cold water, ice drinks

Ideal Daily Diet Routine for Elders

Morning: Warm water, soaked almonds
Breakfast: Daliya / rice porridge
Lunch: Rice or roti, dal, cooked vegetables
Evening: Herbal tea
Dinner: Light soup or khichdi
Bedtime: Warm milk (optional)

Sunrays Acupoint Integrated Elderly Care

Diet therapy at Sunrays Acupoint is supported with:

• Auricular Micro Acupuncture
• Acupressure for digestion & sleep
• Moxibustion for Kidney Yang
• Cupping for circulation

This integrated approach restores balance at physical, emotional, and energetic levels.

Conclusion

Ayurveda and TCM both teach that ageing should be nourished, not suppressed. With the right food, rhythm, and therapy, elders can enjoy clarity, strength, and dignity.

At Sunrays Acupoint – Women’s Wellness & Natural Healing Center, we guide elders toward healing through food, not dependency on medicines.