Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Detail: Ageing is the physiological depletion of Jing (Essence), which is stored in the Kidneys.

Property: Jing is considered the "battery" of life—a cooling, nourishing substance that fuels growth.

Function: It governs the "Gate of Life" (Ming Men) and determines the strength of the constitutional Qi.

Diseases & Health: Ageing manifests as Kidney Yin/Yang Deficiency or Blood Stasis. Specific diseases include osteoporosis (bone marrow depletion), tinnitus, and cognitive decline (diminishing the "Sea of Marrow").

Ayurveda (Indian Tradition)

Detail: Ageing is the transition into the Vata stage of life (Vriddhavastha), characterized by the elements of Air and Space.

Property: It is inherently dry, cold, light, and catabolic (breaking down tissues).

Function: Vitality depends on Ojas, the subtle essence of all bodily tissues (Dhatus) that provides immunity and stability.

Diseases & Health: The increase in Vata leads to "wear and tear" diseases: osteoarthritis, tremors (Parkinson’s), insomnia, and "Dhatu Kshaya" (tissue wasting).

Middle Eastern (Unani & Traditional Persian Medicine)

Detail: Ageing is the gradual loss of Hararat-e-Gharizi (Innate Heat) and Rotoubat-e-Gharizi (Innate Moisture).

Property: The body’s temperament shifts from "Warm and Moist" (Youth) to "Cold and Dry" (Old Age).

Function: Innate moisture acts as the fuel for the innate heat, which drives all metabolic processes.

Diseases & Health: Health is defined by the balance of the four humours. Ageing diseases include "Malikhoolia" (melancholy/depression) and vascular stiffness due to the accumulation of "Black Bile" or pathological "Phlegm."

African Traditional Medicine

Detail: Health is viewed as a holistic balance between the physical body, the community, and the ancestral spirit.

Property: Ageing is the cooling of the "Life Force" or "Spirit Breath."

Function: Elders are seen as the "Keepers of Heat"—a spiritual heat rather than physical, where wisdom replaces physical stamina.

Diseases & Health: Illness in old age is often interpreted as a "breach in the shield," where the spiritual connection to the land or ancestors has weakened, leading to physical frailty and social isolation.

Indigenous American Traditions

Detail: Ageing is a movement along the Medicine Wheel, representing a return to the "North" or the time of Spirit/Winter.

Property: It is characterized by the slowing of the "Internal Wind."

Function: Life is maintained by staying in "The Good Way," a path of elemental balance.

Diseases & Health: Ageing diseases are viewed as disharmony with natural cycles, resulting in "stiffness" of the spirit and body, often manifesting as chronic pain or respiratory weakness.