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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><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)<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>

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 ==

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

== 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 ==