Everyone wants to live longer and healthier, and Ayurveda has gifted us with a solution: the unique art and knowledge of Rasayana - Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy.
Ayurveda has eight main subjects:
Internal medicine - Kayachikitsa Tantra
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Surgery - Shalya Tantra
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Ears, eyes, nose and throat - Shalakya Tantra
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Obstetrics and pediatrics - Kaumarabhritya Tantra
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Toxicology - Agada Tantra
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Purification of the reproductive and genetic organs - Vajikarna Tantra
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Health and Longevity - Rasayana Tantra
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Spiritual Healing - Bhuta Vidya
Rasayana holds equal importance to the other seven subjects.
According to Ayurveda, there are seven tissues in the body:
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Rasa Dhatu - Plasma and fluid
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Rakta Dhatu - Blood
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Mamsa Dhatu - Muscles
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Medhas Dhatu - Fat
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Asthi Dhatu - Bone
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Majja Dhatu - Marrow and nervous tissue
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Shukra Dhatu - Reproductive tissue
Ayurveda describes a very unique process in the body which says that these seven tissues must always be mentioned in the above chronological order because their formation in the body follows the same order. For example, Rasa Dhatu is the first to be formed after digestion of food. Once Rasa is produced, it will help in the formation of Rakta. Through Rakta, Mamsa is formed. And thereafter, Medhas, Asthi, Majja and Shukra are formed, in that particular order. If one tissue results in malformation, all the following tissues will be malformed. Hence it is very important that Rasa, the first tissue to be formed in the body, is healthy. Then all the other tissues will be healthy.
The word 'Rasayana' can be divided into two words: 'Rasa' ('fluid' or 'juice') and 'Ayana' ('pathway'). Hence the word 'Rasayana' means 'path of the juice', which aims to nourish, restore and balance the body functions.
- Rasayana Tantra is rejuvenation therapy and focuses on prevention of diseases and promotion of positive health. Rasayana therapy helps to enhance one's internal energy and also helps to cure diseases and conditions.
- Rasayana is the term given to special herbs, fruits or any other form of medication that are known to promote positive health and longevity.
There are various classifications for Rasayana therapy. Some of them are as follows:
Based on its effects:
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Kamaya Rasayana - Promotion of positive health
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Pranakamya Rasayana - Promotion of vitality and longevity of life
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Medhakamya Rasayana - Promotion of intelligence
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Srikamya Rasayana - Promotion of complexion
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Naimittika Rasayana - Promotion of vitality and immunity in specific diseases
Based on external environment:
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Vatatapika Rasayana - Outdoor therapy
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Kutipravesika Rasayana - Indoor therapy
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Ausadha Rasayana - Based on drugs and herbs
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Ahara Rasayana - Based on diet and nutrition
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Achara Rasayana - Based on conduct and behaviour
Benefits of Rasayana:
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Stops premature aging of cells and degenerative changes in the body.
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Nourishes and enhances the functions of all the seven Dhatus (tissues).
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Improves memory, intelligence, physical and mental strength.
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Strengthens immunity and helps to prevent any diseases and conditions.
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Strengthens and improves the functions of the sense organs which form an important part of physical well-being.
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Rasayana treatments, when taken correctly, can be continued indefinitely without producing any side-effects or negative reactions.
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It helps to keep the skin young and glowing.
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Rasayana treatments also help in conditions like stress and tension through its actions on the brain and cardiovascular system.
Rasayana herbs are best taken after having undergone Panchakarma (the Ayurvedic detoxification course) or a general detoxification at home. In fact, Rasayana herbs form an important part of the Paschat Karma of the Panchakarma course.
Some Popular Rasayanas
Chyawanprash, as a formulation, is foremost among all Rasayana formulations in Ayurveda. Treasured in
Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) is a Rasayana for the Kapha-dominating personality, heart and Medhas tissue in the body. It helps to break down fat in the body; therefore, it is very beneficial in obesity. It helps enhance the digestive fire, removing ama ('toxins') from the body.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a Rasayana for the Vata-dominating body types, plasma and muscle tissues. It is a blood purifier and anti-inflammatory herb. It is also considered to be an excellent herb for revitalising the male reproductive system.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is the main Ayurvedic rejuvenative herb for women. It has been traditionally used to nourish and cleanse the blood as well as support the female reproductive functions, nourishing the uterus and alleviating menstrual irregularities. Shatavari is considered to be an excellent herb for helping to maintain a healthy urinary tract and strengthening the immune system.
Gotu kola or Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) is the best-known Rasayana for brain and mind. It enhances all aspects of mental performance, including intellect, concentration, awareness, perception and learning capacity. It is useful for those prone to forgetfulness, confusion or indecisiveness, whilst also calming the nervous system and reducing stress.
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is excellent for nourishing and strengthening the heart muscle, thereby stimulating blood circulation and increasing oxygen flow to the heart. Arjuna is the herb of choice in Ayurveda for maintaining good cardiovascular health. Arjuna's lipid-regulating benefits have been traditionally linked to its ability to modulate the blood's absorption of lipids and accelerate processing of cholesterol by the liver.
Rasayanas can be taken on a regular basis for maintaining a balanced and positive mental and physical health. They may be used either alone or along with other modalities of treatment. Always consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before taking any Ayurvedic herb or Rasayana preparation.
Dr Deepa Apté is a fully qualified Indian medical doctor (Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of
For more information on Rasayana therapies and Ayurvedic products and services, please contact us at:
Ayurveda Pura Ltd
Tel: 0208 2950300
Mar Apr 07