Rasayana – A Ayurvedic Nectar For Longevity & Rejuvenation
What is Rasayana? The Rasayana is a Sanskrit word that consists of two attached words Ras + Ayan. The word RASA is referred to the primordial tissue – plasma and the AYANA is referred to as the path or the route.
In other words, Rasayana is defining as to get the excellence of Rasa (the nutrient fluid that occurs immediately after digestion) is known as Rasayana.
In Ayurveda, it is considered as the science of restoring youth to the relief of suffering and stops degradation that causes aging and gives longevity.
Ayurveda believes that the qualities of rasa dhatu influence the health and all other dhatus of the body. Therefore any herbal remedies, diet, or regimes that improve the quality of rasa, promoting longevity by delaying aging, and prevent disease are called Rasayana.
Concept Of Rasayana Therapy/ Chikitsa
Rasayana Therapy/Chikitsa is all about rejuvenation and revitalization therapy, which is one of the eight major divisions of Astang Ayurveda.
It gives detailed and clear explanations about the herbs, plants, and their uses in folklore and traditional medicine. It also specifies their means and preparation for therapeutic use according to Sushruta (the foundational text of Ayurveda).
The Healthy Man Defined In Ayurveda
- Equilibrium of the Doshas (Sama dosha).
- Normal functioning of Agni (Sama Agni).
- Normal condition of 7 Dhatus (Sam Dhatu).
- Normal Excretion of waste products (Sam Malkriya).
Besides these properties, the Atma (soul), the Indriyas (organs), and the Mana (mind) must be Prasanatamendriya Mana (happy and cheerful).
The modern definition of health is also defined as the same that defines perfect health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being without any disease.
Although Rasayana Therapy/ Chikitsa is the least understood branch of Ayurveda science but is fascinating the people around the world today.
The Aim And Types Of Rasayan
The main aim of Rasayana Chikitsa is not to conquer time over life-span but to keep and maintain immunity in your body by keeping the body youthful and vigorous.
The details of Rasayana Chikitsa are well described in the authentic texts of Ayurveda such as Ashtangahridaya, Sushrutha Samhita, and Charaka Samhita, etc.
The Rasayana are classified into two main parts 1. Kamya Rasayana 2. Naimittik Rasayana and each type have its own subtype.
Kamya Rasayana
Kamya Rasayanas indicates a strong desire or wish. As we all know all human beings are desirous and therefore they are filled with one or more of the natural desires.
This Rasayana can help to attain fulfillment of these natural desires is known as Kamya Rasayana. The herbs such as Brahmi, Amalaki for medha, and prana Kamya respectively are some examples that fall under this category of Rasayana. They are further classified into four types they are:
- Prana kamya: Prana designate life the healthy longevity of life is desired in this Prana Kamya.
- Vayasthapan: Vayasthapan indicates the rejuvenation of everything in life. To restore youthful vigor and appearance for enjoying the pleasures of life.
- Medhakamya: It is meant to promote your intellect, intelligence, and thoughts; all this is fulfilled by Medha Kamya.
- Varna Kamya: Is Getting complexion for attraction or beauty is fulfilled by Varna Kamya.
Naimittik Rasayan
Naimittik means serving something for a specific cause such as to restore the health of a patient. This Rasayan is used to treat a patient that is affected by an ailment or a disease. In short, we can say this process; Rasayan nimitta is to treats the patient. Treating diabetes with shillajit is the best example in this Rasayan.
The Rasayana are classified into five main parts are given below.
- Vata Tapik: This Rasayan is used to treat outpatients on a daily or regular routine to cure a disease is known as Vata Tapik.
- Kuti Praveshik: This Rasayan is can be defined as a special treatment of the patient in a room specifically designed for the particular treatment.
- Poshak/ Rasvardhak: This is the process in which the food is assimilated into rasadhatu and Shatavari is the best example of poshak. This takes place after the food is digested and absorbed.
- Agnivardhak: This Rasayan increases the Agni during its course of treatment that affects the jatharagni and dhatvagni levels or affects digestion and body metabolism by influencing it.
- Strotoshodak: In this, the purification of the body’s micro-circulation is increased.
Medicinal Plants Commonly Used For Rasayana
1. Ashwagandha Rasayana
The key ingredient of Ashwagandha Rasayana is Ashwagandha commonly known as Indian ginseng. This herbal remedy is very calming in nature and gives harmonizing effect on the body. When taken according to the recommended dose it can help the body to rejuvenate the reproductive organs.
Besides this, it also helps in revitalizing the action on the nerves and bone marrow. This Rasayana can be consumed as a dietary supplement if recommended by an Ayurvedic doctor.
2. Vacha Rasayana
It is a Rasayana that is prepared by a mixture of spices and herbs in a base of honey, rice syrup with desi ghee (clarified butter). Vacha Rasayana is an herbal supplement that provides mental harmony and peace of mind. It is beneficial in improving the pranic healing energy.
Consuming Vacha Rasayana can be helpful to people suffering from headaches or related problems. It reduces anxiety and dizziness also believed to be helpful in spasms, cramps, tremors, and even in the cases of drug addiction.
3. Shilajit Rasayana
The key ingredient of Shilajit Rasayana is a “wonder mineral” called Shilajit which is obtained from the rocks, found mainly in Aitai, Himalayas, and Caucasus mountains. It has been found that Shilajit contains more than 85 minerals in ionic form.
This herbal supplement can improve digestion and ensures better metabolism. It ensures good health pancreas, spleen and helps to purify the blood. People seeking weight loss remedies can benefit from this Rasayana. It can be consumed to reduce fatigue too.
4. Brahmi Rasayana
The key ingredient of Brahmi Rasayana is a wonder herb called Brahmi this particular Ayurvedic herbal supplement focuses on reducing levels of stress, depression, anxiety, anger, and impatience.
The regular use of this herbal remedy can help one to acquire greater concentration and intelligence. It is believed that this Rasayana can reduce psychological disturbances and are also helpful to the person with drug addiction. It also increases hemoglobin.
5. Guduchi Rasayana
The key ingredient of Guduchi Rasayana is an herb called Guduchi it is also known by other names such as moonseed, Tinospora cordifolia, etc. It is called “Amrit” the nectar Ayurveda due to its tremendous benefits.
This particular Rasayana if consumed regularly according to the recommended dose can help to improve the body’s immune system. This Rasayana can purify the blood as well as improves blood circulation.
This Rasayana works as an anti-biotic that one can stay away from the cold and several common types of allergies. It is believed that the Rasayana can also be helpful to treat acne, to better metabolism and digestion.
“Ayurvedic Rasayana can be used as dietary supplement with proper exercise that can make your healthier. But it is not meant for the replacement of your doctor’s prescribed medications. You can take these supplements for your healthy lifestyle with better diet.”
