Rasayana (रसायनम्)

Rasayana (रसायनम्)

Rasayana is one of the 8 main branches of Ayurveda. This branch deals with use of various pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures to prolong and provide positive health. Rasayana can also be considered as the rejuvenation therapy, wellness therapy and preventive healthcare treatments to confer health and longevity. various modern research studies have reported the anti-oxidant, anti-inflamamtory, Adaptogenic and Immunomodulator activities of herbs used as Rasayana in Ayurveda. Thus, Rasayana treatment is also popularly known as Anti-ageing therapy.

परिचयः ॥ Introduction

Rasayana is defined as the means of procuring the best qualities of different dhatus (tissues). Rasayana therapy also improves longevity, memory, intelligence, health, youth, complexion, voice, motor, and sensory strength

(Vidyanath R, Nishteswar K. A handbook of history of Ayurveda. Varanasi: Chowkambha Sanskrit Series Offi ce;2006:1-386)

Rasayana thantra is a specialized practice in the form of rejuvenative recipes, dietary regimen, special health-promoting conduct/behavior and drugs.

व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology

The word "Rasayana" means the pathway for essence of nutrition (Rasa-) towards all body tissue elements (-ayana) to nourish and replenish them.

रसायनस्य परिभाषा ॥ Rasayana Definition

Caraka states that, the means of obtaining optimum nourishment to the Dhatus are called Rasayana. [Bull.lnd.lnst. Hist.Med. Vol.XXXI-200 1]

shloka: deergham aayu smruti medhaa...

Susruta defines Rasayana as a measure, which prolongs and provides positive health. improves mental faculties and provides resistance and immunity against diseases (su. suo 17. 7).

Sharangadhara Samhita expalins th eterm "Rasayan' as that which prevents ageing as well as diseases.

shloka: Rasayanam cha tadjneyamyad jara wyadhi nashanam

Place of Rasayana in Ayurveda

Rasayana tantra is a specialty of Ayurveda. It is also known as Jarachikitsa. Various methods to prevent premature ageing, achieve longevity (by preventing diseases and preserving the health), increase the strength, endurance and immunity are discussed under this branch of Ayurveda. The word जरा । ‘Jara’ means Ageing or senility. Thus, Jarachikitsa also signifies the specialty treatments in Ayurveda for diseases occurring in old age. Therefore, this branch is commonly referred to as Geriatrics but its scope is not limited to the subject of Geriatrics.

Jara : The alternative term for Rasayanatantram

Avurveda has considered Jara or vdrdhiikya as a natural and inevitable process as well as a Swabhdvaja vyddhi (natural disease). Etymologically, the term Jara comprises of Jr+Ana+ Tap. The term Jara has been derived from the Sanskrit root, "Irisb vayohanow" which can be explained as "Vayah krta slata mamsadya vastha visesa" which means the muscles and other tissues are loosened under the influence of aging. Totally this term indicates of the' loss' in the period of life span. A synonym of Jara "Visrasa" is derived from the word "Sramsu adahpatane" which means a degradation / retardation in the physical, physiological and psychological well-being.

Benefits of Rasayana

Person taking Rasayana therapy attains longevity, enhanced cognitive functions specifically related to memory and intellect, radiating complexion and luster, good quality voice, superior strength of body and sense organs such that /what he says comes true. These qualitites naturally make such person respectable, successful and popular. the person attains physical and mental strength of such a nature that whatever he decides can achieve without any obstruction caused my health of body and mind.

Historic considerations of Rasayana

Rasayaan therapy is prevalent since the time of Vedas since one can find references of Rasayana herbs like Soma, Pippali, Jivanti etc scattered at many places in Vedas. References related to Achara Rasayana and Sadvrtta can also be found at places in Vedas. (Rig veda 5/1/7, Atharva veda 16/2/2).

रसायनस्य भेदाः ॥ Classification of Rasayanas

Rasayanas are classified on the basis of the purpose behind its usage as follows:

1. Naimittika Rasayna
2. Ajasrika Rasayana
3. Kamya Rasayana

Naimittika rasayana

It is the type of rasayana therapy utilized for specific curative purpose. It hastens the recovery from prevailing diseases. Some examples of this rasayana are Dhatri rasayana, Mandookaparni rasayana, Brahmi rasayana, and Triphala rasayana.

Ajasrika rasayana

It is used to improve health and maintaining good healthy lifestyle, diet or exercise. It involves utilization of milk, ghee, honey and maintenance of disciplined life style.

Kamya rasayana

It is used to improve a specific function (kama desire). It also improves prana (life energy),

Medha kamya;

used for enhancing the memory and intellect. e.g. Shankhapushpi.

Ayush Kamya;

used for increasing longevity.

As per method of use-

1. Vatatapika Rasayana or outdoor practice
2. Kutipraveshika Rasayana or intensive indoor regimen(inclusive of panchkarma) using a specially designed trigarbha rasayana kuti or therapy chamber