Introduction

Age is a complex concept that goes beyond the number of years someone has lived. It can be viewed through various dimensions, including chronological age, biological age, psychological age, social age and functional age.^[1] Ayurvedic age classification encompasses all these types of age and reflects a holistic view on human development across different stages of life. In particular, Female age classification in Ayurveda is significant because it reveals the condition of the reproductive hormones and their influence on the reproductive phase, and overall well-being. These stages have a clinical perspective, especially in managing various health concerns specific to women. This classification helps in addressing various conditions such as menstrual irregularities, reproductive challenges, menopausal symptoms, and age-related degenerative disorders.

Ayurveda serves as a guide for personalized preventive healthcare by acknowledging the dynamic nature of female anatomy and physiology. A more comprehensive approach to health in Ayurveda is based on the balance of the three Doshas—Vata, Pitta,

In Charaka Samhita the age classification is applied to both males and females. However, in females, due to the more complex physiology and significant hormonal changes, Some Acharyas has provide a distinct age classification for women. This specialized classification acknowledges the unique physiological transitions that females undergo, such as menarche, pregnancy, menopause, and post-menopausal changes.

Table 3: Acharya Harita Classification of Female Age.^[4]

The female age classification of Acharya Harita not only highlights physiological and anatomical changes but also the psychological transformations that occur as a woman matures.

• Bala (childhood) - A phase of Aparipakva Dhatu, (immature Dhatus) where bodily tissues and organ systems are still in the early stages of development, indicating ongoing anatomical development.
• Mugdha (early teenage) - Marks the onset of hormonal changes and psychological immaturity, indicating the early transitions of adolescence marking the beginning of physiological growth. Teenagers face several obstacles as they navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood. Peer pressure, mental health issues, low self-esteem, academic stress, and family disputes are some of the physical, emotional, social, and psychological causes of these challenges.^[5,6,7]

detailing early developmental changes and the gradual transition to maturity, focusing on both physical and physiological growth.

1. Interpretation of word Gauri^[10]

• In Parasara Smṛti, Gauri represents early childhood, which is derived from the word “Gaur,” meaning white—a colour linked to Kapha dominance, which governs this phase of growth.
• In Hindu mythology, Gauri represents the primordial form of Devi, symbolizing the origins of creation. Similarly, this stage signifies the beginning of a girl's developmental journey.

2. Interpretation of word Rohini^[11]

• “Rohini” originates from “Aarohana” or “Rohana,” meaning “ascending” or “climbing,” symbolizing the onset of anatomical and physiological growth.
• The word also represents colour red; it reflects the appearance of a bright, flushed complexion (rosy cheeks) due to increased vascularity from rising estrogen levels.
• In Hindu astrology, Rohini refers to Rohini Nakshatra, the star that the Moon favors and travels through each month of the lunar cycle. This mythical reference mirrors the onset of a girl's monthly hormonal cycle, signalling the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis's activation and marking a significant milestone in her physiological development.

3. Interpretation of word Kanya

• The word "Kanya" typically refers to a girl, and Sanskrit dictionary frequently translates it as "virgin." It is probably a sign of an unmarried phase or period just before menstruation.^[12]

Tanner's categorization and Parasara Smṛti share a similar sequential pattern in pubertal progression, even if the timing of developmental events may differ between modern and Ayurvedic perspectives due to environmental, physiological, and ethnic influences. Both acknowledge the normal stages of puberty, which include growth during childhood, followed by hormonal activation, secondary sexual development, and ultimately, reproductive maturity. Although the onset may be influenced by lifestyle, environmental, and hereditary variables, the overall sequence of physiological changes in both systems remain unchanged.

Result

The study emphasizes an organized process from childhood to aging, highlighting the alignment between contemporary developmental theories and Ayurvedic female age classification. While contemporary theories focus on specific developmental stages, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach by combining physical, psychological, and reproductive aspects. Ayurvedic classifications provide gender-specific insights, particularly regarding reproductive health, and hold clinical relevance in preventive and personalized healthcare. Despite differences in timing due to genetic and environmental factors, incorporating Ayurvedic and modern viewpoints can improve healthcare practices by integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific understanding.

Discussion

The classification of female age in Ayurveda provides a holistic understanding of physiological, psychological, and social transformations across different life stages. Acharya Charaka, Harita, and Parasara Smṛti provide detailed classifications that align with modern developmental frameworks, such as Erikson’s psychosocial stages, Freud’s psychosexual stages, and Tanner’s classification of puberty.

A key correlation exists between Parasara Smṛti’s classification and Tanner’s stages, as both recognize a sequential pattern of pubertal progression—beginning with early childhood growth, followed by hormonal activation, secondary sexual development, and reproductive maturity. Similarly, Acharya Harita's classification recognizes the progression from childhood to adulthood,