Difference between revisions of "Rasayana Chikitsa"

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The term ‘Rasayana’means elixir or a medicine supposed to prevent old age and prolong life.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, Rasayana, Page 870</ref> It is one of the eight specialties of Ayurveda that aims to preserve health. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 30/28] It aims at proper nourishment and transportation of nutritive fluid (rasa), blood (rakta) etc. [Dalhana on Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/7]<ref name= Susruta> Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005.</ref>  The primary objectives of knowledge of life (Ayurveda) are preserving health and preventing diseases. Rasayana treatments are important in the preservation of health, prevention of diseases, speedy recovery and rehabilitation from disease conditions. In current practices, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, adaptogenic, anabolic, nutraceuticals, anti-ageing therapies are considered forms of rasayana therapy. Ayurveda advises body purification before administration of rasayana therapy to achieve optimum benefits.
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#REDIRECT [[Rasayana Adhyaya]]
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{{Infobox
 
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|title =  Contributors
 
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|label1 = Section/Chapter
 
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|data1 = [[Chikitsa]] / [[Rasayana]]
 
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|label2 = Authors
 
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|data2 =Deole Y.S.,Aneesh E.G.
 
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|label3 = Reviewed by
 
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|data3 = Basisht G.
 
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|label4 = Affiliations
 
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|data4 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I..T.R.A., Jamnagar
 
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|label5 = Correspondence email:
 
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|data5 = carakasamhita@gmail.com
 
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|label6 = Date of publication
 
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|data6 = May 13, 2021
 
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|label7 = DOI
 
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|data7 =  Awaited
 
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}}
 
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==Importance==
 
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===Benefits of rasayana therapy in the preservation of health and prevention===
 
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Rasayana therapy provides longevity, good memory, intellect, proper health and youthfulness. It also provides excellent luster, complexion and voice. The strength of body and sense organs is increased. Perfection in deliberation, respectability and brilliance are also achieved by rasayana therapy. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/7-8] This therapy relieves excessive sleep, drowsiness, exertion, exhaustion, lassitude and emaciation. It restores [[dosha]] balance, brings stability, alleviates laxity of muscles and kindles internal digestion. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/3] The person can achieve blissful health. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/78-80]
 
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Thus rasayana therapy can promote health and prevent diseases of mind and body. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/3]  It is indicated to prevent recurrence of disease by restoring equilibrium of body constituents. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 7/48-49]
 
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===Importance in management of disease===
 
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Rasayana therapy is helpful in the management of diseases. It promotes the defense mechanism of body. The rasayana medicines with specific actions of affected tissues and organs are indicted in managing respective diseases. This article describes the concept and practices of rasayana therapy in detail.
 
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==Etymology and derivation==
 
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The Sanskrit term Rasayana is a combination of two terms. Rasa means the best or finest part or constituent fluid or essential juice of body.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, Rasa, Page 869</ref> Ayana means going, circulating etc.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, Ayana, Page 84</ref> Thus, Rasayana means the best constituent fluid circulating in the body.
 
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==Definition==
 
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Rasayana is the treatment that delays the ageing process, increases life span, memory, strength and is capable of pacifying diseases. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/15]<ref name=Susruta/> It is aimed to achieve optimum quality of body constituents ([[dhatu]]). [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/8]
 
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==Classification==
 
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'''Based on the method of administration:'''
 
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#Indoor admission regimen (kutipraveshika)
 
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#Outdoor regimen (vataatapika)
 
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1. Indoor admission regimen (kutipraveshika): The rasayana therapy is administered in a specially constructed chamber (kuti). The person is isolated in the chamber. Strict regulations in diet, mental and physical activities are prescribed with a suitably controlled atmosphere.[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/17-23] The therapy is wholly focused on physical, mental and spiritual upliftment of the person avoiding all external factors that can affect health. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/3/8]
 
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2. Outdoor regimen (vataatapika): In this type, the rasayana therapy is administered in the outdoor regimen. The person is exposed to the external atmosphere ([[vata]]) and sunlight (atapa). The person can live everyday social life with rasayana therapy. The restrictions are comparatively less.
 
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In terms of efficacy, the indoor regimen (kutipraveshika) is superior to the outdoor regimen (vataatapika). [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/4/28] 
 
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'''Classification based on effect:'''
 
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1. Kamya rasayana: It is aimed to attain desirable specific benefits such as long life, great intelligence, wealth etc.
 
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2. Naimittika Rasayana: It is a therapy aimed to treat specific diseases.
 
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3. Ajasrikam: This therapy is advised to follow daily, and the person is habituated to the substance. [Dalhana on Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/2]<ref name=Susruta/>
 
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'''Classification based on treatment principle:'''
 
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1. Attaining rasayana effect through purification therapies (samshodhana)
 
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2. Attaining rasayana effect by pacifying the aggravated [[dosha]] or disease (samshamana) [Dalhana on Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/2]<ref name=Susruta/>
 
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==Indications==
 
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Rasayana therapy is aimed at the preservation and promotion of health. Hence, a healthy person can follow rasayana therapy. It should be started from young or middle age to preserve optimum quality of body tissues. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/3]<ref name=Susruta/>  The indoor admission regimen of rasayana therapy (kutipraveshika) is advised to fit, disease free, wise, self-controlled, leisurely and can afford treatment. The outdoor method (vataatapika rasayana therapy) can be done in all persons.[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/27-28]
 
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The disease-specific rasayana, tissue-specific rasayana and organ-specific rasayana are administered to improve health based on underlying disease pathogenesis.
 
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Rasayana treatment is indicated in the management of various diseases to strengthen the defense mechanism and prevent disease recurrence. Bacopa monnieri (brahmi), which promotes intellectual functions (medhya rasayana), is prescribed to treat mental disorders.[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 10/62] In chronic epilepsy, if the conventional treatments are not yielding results, rasayana therapy should be used. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 10/65] Rasayana treatment is advised in the management of cardiac disorders caused by [[kapha]] [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/99], impotency and other reproductive fluid-related disorders  [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/149-50]  [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/193]. It is also used in the treatment of Alopacea areata (indralupta) [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/25]<ref name=Susruta/> and diseases of ear. [Su.Sa.Uttara Sthana 21/3]<ref name=Susruta/>
 
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==Contraindications==
 
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The efficacy of rasayana therapy largely depends on the person’s ability to control his body and mind. Therefore, rejuvenation therapy is contraindicated for those who have addictions like alcohol and smoking; and those who can’t follow the physician’s advice.[Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/4]<ref name=Susruta/>
 
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==Prerequisite for rejuvenation therapy (rasayana)==
 
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Body purification therapy is indicated before rasayana therapy. This treatment is intended to remove toxins and prepare the body for accepting the rasayana formulations for rejuvenation. A specific bowel cleansing formulation made from Terminalia chebula (haritaki), rock salt, Phyllanthus emblica (amalaki), jaggery, Acorus calamus (vacha), Embelia ribes (vidanga), Curcuma longa (haridra), long pepper, and dry ginger are prescribed. After the proper evacuation of bowels, the person shall take gruel prepared with barley for three to seven days. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/25-28] After this procedure, suitable rasayana formulations can be administered. The desired benefits cannot be obtained without proper purification of body and mind. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/38]
 
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==Food with rasayana effect==
 
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Milk [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/218], ghee.[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/32] Daily intake of milk and ghee is the best food for attaining rasayana effect. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40], [A.S.Sutra Sthana 13/2]<ref name= Sangraha> Vridha Vagbhata, Ashtanga Sangraha. Edited by Shivaprasad Sharma. 3rd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba sanskrit series office;2012.</ref>
 
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{| class="wikitable"
 
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|+ Table 1: [[Dhatu]] specific rasayana herbs
 
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! Body tissues ([[dhatu]]s)  !! Rasyana herbs<ref name=joshiks>Joshi KS, Bhonde R. Insights from Ayurveda for translational stem cell research. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2014;5:4-10</ref>
 
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| | Nourishing fluid ([[rasa dhatu]])  ||  Tinospora cordifolia
 
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| | Blood ([[rakta dhatu]])  || Piper longum
 
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| | Muscles ([[mamsa dhatu]])  || Asparagus racemosus
 
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| | Adipose tissue ([[meda dhatu]]) || Terminalia chebula
 
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| | Bones ([[asthi dhatu]]) || Commifora mukul
 
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| | Marrow and nerves ([[majja dhatu]])  || Bacopa monnirei
 
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| | Reproductive elements, Sperm, Ovum ([[shukra dhatu]])  || Withania somnifera
 
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==Herbs promoting intellect and memory functions (medhyarasayana)==
 
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1. Juice of Centella asiatica (mandukaparni)
 
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2.Juice of Tinospora cordifolia (guduchi) with its root and flower
 
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3. Powder of Glycyrrhiza glabra with milk
 
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4. Paste of Convolvulus prostrates (shankhapushpi)
 
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These herbs promote intellectual and memory functions. These rasayana herbs are life promoting, disease alleviating, promoters of strength, [[agni]], complexion, voice. They promote intellectual functions. Shankhapushpi is known explicitly for promoting intellectual functions.[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/3/30-31]]
 
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==Herbs with rasayana effect==
 
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The following herbs have rasayana effect. 
 
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Sida cordifolia (bala), Sida rhombifolia (atibala), Sida cordata (nagabala), Santalum album (chandana), Aquilaria malaccensis (aguru), Anogeisus latifolia (dhava), Desmodium oojeinense (tinisha), Acacia catechu (khadira), Dalbergia sissoo (shimshapa)  [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/11-12], Semecarpus anacardium (bhallataka) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/16], Terminalia chebula (haritaki) [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 44/63]<ref name=Susruta/>, rainwater [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 45/26]<ref name=Susruta/>,Gmelina arborea (kashmarya fruit) [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 46/184]<ref name=Susruta/>,Dioscorea bulbifera (varahikanda) [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 46/309]<ref name=Susruta/>,Solanum americanum (kakamachi) [A.S.Sutra Sthana 7/103]<ref name=Sangraha/>, Allium sativum (lasuna) [A.S.Sutra Sthana 7/149]<ref name=Sangraha/>, Asphaltum punjabianum (shilajatu) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/3/49], Piper longum (pippali) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/3/32-35] etc.
 
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==Regimens and mental factors with rasayana effect==
 
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Being truthful, free from anger, calm, soft-spoken, relaxed, loving and compassionate; practicing meditation, brahmacharya, cleanliness, and proper sleep achieves the benefits similar to rejuvenating therapy. This ideal code of conduct and behavior is known as  ‘achara rasayana’.  [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/30-35] These practices significantly influence psychological and spiritual wellbeing.
 
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==Contemporary views and current researches==
 
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===Contemporary medical terms to indicate rasayana activities and their Ayurvedic view===
 
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'''Antioxidant:''' Antioxidant substance prevent free radical generation and scavenge them. Antioxidants are defined as 'substances whose presence in relatively low concentrations significantly inhibits the rate of oxidation of targets'. These are mainly cellular enzymes like Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase, and Glutathione peroxidase. These are capable of inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging the free radicals. This antioxidant defense system is basically of two types.
 
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(i) Primary defense and (ii) Secondary defense
 
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'''Primary defense:'''
 
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(1) Antioxidant nutrients: Antioxidant defenses rely heavily on vitamins and minerals from the diet. These include beta carotene (precursor of Vit. A), Vitamin E (- tocopherol), Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), selenium, zinc, manganese and copper.
 
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(2) Antioxidant scavenging enzymes: This include Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Heme peroxidases and Glutathione peroxidase.
 
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'''Secondary Defense:'''
 
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This includes small molecules- the ‘Scavengers’, that react with radicals to produce another radical compound. When these scavengers produce a lesser harmful radical species, they are called 'antioxidants'. The-tocopherol, ascorbate and reduced glutathione (GSH) may act in combination to act as cellular antioxidants. The -tocopherol, present in the cell membrane and plasma lipoproteins acts as a chain-breaking antioxidant.
 

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