Introduction
Rasayana or Jara Chikitsa(Geriatrics) is one amongest the eight major clinical disciplines of Ashtanga Ayurveda practised extensively and effectively since ages; though chiefly concerned with preventing premature ageing by improving the health status and also as a curative purpose. There are no direct references related to Rasayana are available such as turing old subjects to young, delaying the ageing process, prolonging the lifespan and increasing the strength of the individuals etc.
The Aim Of Rasayana
The Rasayana therapy enhances the qualities of rasa, enriches it with with nutrients. With such enriched excellent Rasa, one attains longevity, memory, intelligence, freedom from disorder, youthfulness and excellence of luster, complexion & voice, optimum development of physique and sense organs, mastery over phonetics, respectability and brillance.
Types of Rasayana
1. Types of rasayana prepreations which can be consumed according to the needs.
A. Kamya Rasayanas
Kamya rasayanas are promoters of normal health. These boost body energy levels, immunity and general health.
- Pranakamya- Promotor of vitality and longevity.
- Medhakamya- Promotor of intelligence.
- Srikamya- Promoter of complexion.
B. Naimittika Rasayanas
Naimittika Rasayanas help to fight a specific disease.
2. Types of rasayanas on the basis of place of therapy
- Kuti Praveshika Rasayana- Indoor rasayana therapy.
- Vatatapika Rasayana- Outdoor rasayana therapy.
3. Types of rasayanas on the basis of diet and lifstyle.
- Aushdha Rasyana- Drug based Rasayana
- Ahara Rasayana- Dietary Rasayana
- Achara Rasayana- Lifestyle Rasayana
Benefits of Rasayana:
The main purpose of Rasayana therapy is to retard the aging process and to delay the degenerative process in the body.
- It enhances the intelligence, memory, body, strength, luster of the skin, and modulation of voice.
- It nourishes the blood, lymph, muscles, tissues, semen, and thus prevents Chronic degenerative like Arthritis.
- Improves metabolic process and quality of body tissues and eradicates diseases of old age.
- Helps to attain optimal physical strength and sharpness of sense organs.
- Rasayana has marked action on reproductive organs and also nourishes shukra dhatu (semen).
- Rasayana nourishes the whole body and improves Immune system and hence the natural resistance to infections will be more.
- Excellent for higher mental functions & disorders like stress.
Single Rasayana Drugs in Ayurveda:
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
- Guduchi (Tinaspora cordifolia)
- Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
Compounds Formulations:
- Triphala Rasayana
- Brahma Rasayana
- Amalaki Rasayana
- Chyavanprasha
