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/behaviour 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]

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).

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:

Naimittika Rasayna
Ajasrika Rasayana
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.