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== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

The word "Rasayana"  is composed of 2 terms.

The word "Rasayana"  is composed of 2 terms.

* Rasa (रस।) - Rasa is one of the 7 [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]]. It refers to a body tissue/fluid which is believed to be the essence of nutrition

* Rasa (रस।) - [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|Rasa]] is one of the 7 [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]]. It refers to a body tissue/fluid which is believed to be the essence of nutrition

* Ayana(अयन।) - The pathway towards all body tissue elements (to nourish and replenish them) that provide Rasa dhatu access to other dhatus.  

* Ayana(अयन।) - The pathway towards all body tissue elements (to nourish and replenish them) that provide Rasa dhatu access to other dhatus.  

Thus, Rasayana means the therapy that is targeted at nutrition of all the body tissues.

Thus, Rasayana means the therapy that is targeted at nutrition of all the body tissues.

== रसायनस्य परिभाषा ॥ Rasayana Definition ==

== रसायनस्य परिभाषा ॥ Rasayana Definition ==

Acharya Sushruta has defined Rasayana on the basis of end results obtained with this treatment. He defines Rasayana as a measure, which prolongs and provides positive health. improves mental faculties and provides resistance and immunity against diseases.<blockquote>रसायनतन्त्रं नाम वयःस्थापनमायुर्मेधाबलकरं रोगापहरणसमर्थं च । (Sush. Samh. 1.7)<ref>Sushruta Samhita ([http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 7])</ref></blockquote>Sharangadhara Samhita explains the term 'Rasayana' as that which prevents ageing as well as diseases.  

Acharya Sushruta has defined Rasayana on the basis of end results obtained with this treatment. He defines Rasayana as a measure, which prolongs and provides positive health. improves mental faculties and provides resistance and immunity against diseases.<blockquote>रसायनतन्त्रं नाम वयःस्थापनमायुर्मेधाबलकरं रोगापहरणसमर्थं च । (Sush. Samh. 1.7)<ref>Sushruta Samhita ([http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 7])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>rasāyanatantraṁ nāma vayaḥsthāpanamāyurmedhābalakaraṁ rogāpaharaṇasamarthaṁ ca ।</blockquote>Sharangadhara Samhita explains the term 'Rasayana' as that which prevents ageing as well as diseases. <blockquote>रसायनं च तज्ञेयं यज्जराव्याधिनाशनम् । (Shar. Samh. Purva Khanda 4)<ref>Sharangadhacharya. Sharangadhara Samhita, Edited: Pandit Parashurama Sastri Vidyasagar with Adamalla Dipika and Kashirama’s Gudartha Dipika, 7th edition, Chaukambha Orientalia, Varanasi. 2008:37</ref></blockquote><blockquote>rasāyanaṁ ca tajñeyaṁ yajjarāvyādhināśanam ।</blockquote>

== अष्टाङ्गायुर्वेदे रसायनस्य स्थानम् ॥ Place of Rasayana in Ayurveda ==

== Place of Rasayana in Ayurveda ==

Rasayana tantra is a specialty of Ayurveda. It is also known as Jarachikitsa (जराचिकित्सा।). Various methods to prevent jara (जरा। 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 ‘Jara’ (जरा।) 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 only to the diseases of old age. In fact, Rasayanas are recommended in young and middle age!  

Rasayana tantra is a specialty of Ayurveda. It is also known as Jarachikitsa (जराचिकित्सा।). Various methods to prevent jara (जरा। 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 ‘Jara’ (जरा।) 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 only to the diseases of old age. In fact, Rasayanas are recommended in young and middle age!  

== Jarachikitsa : The alternative term for Rasayanatantram ==

== जराचिकित्सा ॥ Jarachikitsa : The alternative term for Rasayanatantram ==

Ayurveda has considered Jara or vardhakya (वार्धक्यम्।) as a natural and inevitable process. Ayurveda acharyas have also considered it as a Swabhavaja vyddhi (स्वभावज व्याधिः। natural disease).   

Ayurveda has considered Jara or vardhakya (वार्धक्यम्।) as a natural and inevitable process. Ayurveda acharyas have also considered it as a Swabhavaja vyddhi (स्वभावज व्याधिः। natural disease).   

The term Jara has been explained as the state of [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|sharira]] (शरीरम्। physical body) wherein muscles and other tissues are loosened under the influence of aging. Few other words  used synnonymously with Jara also indicate a state of degradation / retardation in the physical, physiological and psychological well-being.  

The term Jara has been explained as the state of [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|sharira]] (शरीरम्। physical body) wherein muscles and other tissues are loosened under the influence of aging. Few other words  used synnonymously with Jara also indicate a state of degradation / retardation in the physical, physiological and psychological well-being.  

== Benefits of Rasayana ==

== रसायनस्य महात्म्यम्॥ Benefits of Rasayana ==

It was well known to Ayurveda physicians that the delicate cellular machinery of the body suffers from trauma, resulting in wear and tear on different body structures and the deterioration of the functional capacity. For this, procedures of revitalization and rejuvenation (Rasayana therapy) were adopted to increase the power of resistance to disease, these procedures retarded advancement of aging also. [needs editing]  <blockquote>दीर्घमायुः स्मृतिं मेधामारोग्यं तरुणंवयः| प्रभावर्णस्वरौदार्यं देहेन्द्रियबलं परम्||</blockquote><blockquote>वाक्सिद्धिं प्रणतिंकान्तिं लभते ना रसायनात्| लाभोपायो हि शस्तानां रसादीनां रसायनम्|| (Char. Samh. 1.7)<ref>Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Rasayana#Benefits_of_Rasayana Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 7-8])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dīrghamāyuḥ smr̥tiṁ mēdhāmārōgyaṁ taruṇaṁ vayaḥ| prabhāvarṇasvaraudāryaṁ dēhēndriyabalaṁ param||</blockquote><blockquote>vāksiddhiṁ praṇatiṁ kāntiṁ labhatēnā rasāyanāt| lābhōpāyō hi śastānāṁ rasādīnāṁ rasāyanam||</blockquote>Meaning: By promotive treatment, one attains longevity, memory, intelligence, freedom from illness, youthfulness, excellence of lustre, complexion and voice, optimum strength of physique and sense organs, perfection in deliberation, respectability and brilliance. ''Rasayana'' is the means of attaining excellent qualities of ''rasa'' etc. ''dhatus'' i.e. body cells and tissues.

It was well known to Ayurveda physicians that, the delicate cellular machinery of the body suffers from constant stress, trauma and environmental insults, resulting in wear and tear of different body structures and deterioration of the functional capacity. For this, procedures of Rasayana were adopted to increase the strength of body and power of resistance to disease, these procedures retarded advancement of aging also.  

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.

Acharya Charaka has stated the multidimensional benefits of taking Rasayanas. He described this as,<blockquote>दीर्घमायुः स्मृतिं मेधामारोग्यं तरुणंवयः| प्रभावर्णस्वरौदार्यं देहेन्द्रियबलं परम्||</blockquote><blockquote>वाक्सिद्धिं प्रणतिंकान्तिं लभते ना रसायनात्| लाभोपायो हि शस्तानां रसादीनां रसायनम्|| (Char. Samh. 1.7)<ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Rasayana#Benefits_of_Rasayana Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 7-8])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dīrghamāyuḥ smr̥tiṁ mēdhāmārōgyaṁ taruṇaṁ vayaḥ| prabhāvarṇasvaraudāryaṁ dēhēndriyabalaṁ param||</blockquote><blockquote>vāksiddhiṁ praṇatiṁ kāntiṁ labhatēnā rasāyanāt| lābhōpāyō hi śastānāṁ rasādīnāṁ rasāyanam||</blockquote>Meaning: By Rasayana treatment, one attains longevity, memory, intelligence, freedom from illness, youthfulness, radiating complexion and excellence of lustre, complexion and voice, optimum strength of physique and sense organs, perfection in deliberation, respectability and brilliance. Rasayana is the means of attaining excellent qualities of rasa etc. dhatus i.e. body cells and tissues.<ref name=":0" /> These qualities 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.  

== Who can take Rasayana? ==

== Who can take Rasayana? ==

== रसायनस्य भेदाः ॥ Classification of Rasayanas ==

== रसायनस्य भेदाः ॥ Classification of Rasayanas ==

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

Classification on the basis of the purpose behind its usage as follows:

# Naimittika Rasayna

# Naimittika Rasayna

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

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

==== Medha kamya; ====

==== Medha kamya ====

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

The type of Rasayana therapy used for enhancing the memory and intellect is called as Medha kamya rasayana. e.g. Use of Shankhapushpi as a rasayana in an individual willing to enhance the congnitive and intellectual abilities.  

==== Ayush Kamya; ====

==== Ayush Kamya ====

used for increasing longevity.

The type of rasayana therapy primarily used for increasing longevity. Ayurveda treatises have mentioned some such herbs that can infuse such energies in one's body which help to strengthen the union of body, mind, senses and consciousness and ultimately increase longevity. Various such herbs act on different levels and perform specific activity. A vaidya can help to select the right herb from the range suitable for a particular individual and suggest the proper regimen of Ayush kamya rasayaan therapy.  

As per method of use-

=== Type of rasayanas as per method of use ===

# Vatatapika Rasayana or outdoor practice

# Kutipraveshika Rasayana or intensive indoor regimen(inclusive of panchkarma) using a specially designed trigarbha rasayana kuti or therapy chamber

# Vatatapika Rasayana : Outdoor practice

 

==== Vatatapika Rasayana or outdoor practice ====

 

==== Kutipraveshika Rasayana or intensive indoor regimen ====

This type of rasayana therapy involves a specific regimen, optimum environmental conditions and use of rasayana herbs coupled with panchakarma. Such intensive therapy thus requires monitoring by a skilled vaidya at every stage and minimum disturbance caused by environmental fluctuations. Therefore, Ayurveda tratises have detailed description on a specially designed trigarbha rasayana kuti or therapy chamber for this type of rasayana treatment.

Ayurveda, the oldest medical system in the world, provides lots of lead to find active and therapeutically useful compounds from plants. ‘Rasayana’ formulations in Indian traditional medicine may have antioxidant activity arising from individual plants, and may act synergistically to prevent aging and related degenerative diseases.[Needs editing]

Ayurveda, the oldest medical system in the world, provides lots of lead to find active and therapeutically useful compounds from plants. ‘Rasayana’ formulations in Indian traditional medicine may have antioxidant activity arising from individual plants, and may act synergistically to prevent aging and related degenerative diseases.[Needs editing]

== References ==

== References ==