Changes

Rasayana means rejuvenation and anti-ageing therapies in [[Ayurveda]].It also includes all measures for geriatric healthcare and immunity enhancement.  

Rasayana means rejuvenation and anti-ageing therapies in [[[[Ayurveda]]]].It also includes all measures for geriatric healthcare and immunity enhancement.  

=== Abstract ===

=== Abstract ===

<div style="text-align:justify;">[[Rasayana]], the first chapter of the [[Chikitsa Sthana]] deals with one of the most important specialties of ''Ashtanga'' (eight branches)Ayurveda, namely, ''Rasayana Tantra''. [[Rasayana]] essentially denotes medicinal nutrition, rejuvenation, longevity, immune-enhancing and geriatric health care. The ''rasayanas'' are not necessarily drugs. They may be in the form of a ''rasayana'' food, or a positive healthy life style with a ''rasayana'' effect or a ''rasayana'' drug or all the three together. The ''rasayana'' remedies promote good qualities of the cells and tissues of the body through improved nutrient effect, boosting the digestion, metabolism and/or augmenting the microcirculation and tissue perfusion. This chapter is divided in four ''padas'' (parts) dealing with different aspects of ''rasayana'' therapy.  

<div style="text-align:justify;">[[Rasayana]], the first chapter of the [[Chikitsa Sthana]] deals with one of the most important specialties of ''Ashtanga'' (eight branches)[[Ayurveda]], namely, ''Rasayana Tantra''. [[Rasayana]] essentially denotes medicinal nutrition, rejuvenation, longevity, immune-enhancing and geriatric health care. The ''rasayanas'' are not necessarily drugs. They may be in the form of a ''rasayana'' food, or a positive healthy life style with a ''rasayana'' effect or a ''rasayana'' drug or all the three together. The ''rasayana'' remedies promote good qualities of the cells and tissues of the body through improved nutrient effect, boosting the digestion, metabolism and/or augmenting the microcirculation and tissue perfusion. This chapter is divided in four ''padas'' (parts) dealing with different aspects of ''rasayana'' therapy.  

The four ''padas'' are named as:

The four ''padas'' are named as:

#''Pranakamiya Rasayana Pada''

#''Pranakamiya Rasayana Pada''

#''Karaprachitiya Rasayana Pada''

#''Karaprachitiya Rasayana Pada''

#''Ayurveda Samutthaniya Rasayana Pada''.

#''[[Ayurveda]] Samutthaniya Rasayana Pada''.

'''Keywords''':''Rasayana, Ojas , Ojabala, Vyadhikshamatva,'' Rejuvenation, Geriatrics, longevity, Immunity, Functional foods, nutraceuticals, Immune-enhancers, ''Amalaki, Abhaya, Triphala, Bhallataka, Shilajatu, Chyavanaprasha, Brahma Rasayana, Medhya Rasayana, Achara Rasayana, Kayakalpa''.

'''Keywords''':''Rasayana, Ojas , Ojabala, Vyadhikshamatva,'' Rejuvenation, Geriatrics, longevity, Immunity, Functional foods, nutraceuticals, Immune-enhancers, ''Amalaki, Abhaya, Triphala, Bhallataka, Shilajatu, Chyavanaprasha, Brahma Rasayana, Medhya Rasayana, Achara Rasayana, Kayakalpa''.

=== Introduction ===

=== Introduction ===

The Ayurvedic classics, including [[Charak Samhita]], describe eight specialties of Ayurveda which were in vogue and practiced during the vedic period denoting that Ayurveda was already a highly evolved system of medicine with professional specialization. This is why Ayurveda is also called ''Ashtanga Ayurveda'' and its eight ''angas'' (or arms) are as mentioned below:

The Ayurvedic classics, including [[Charak Samhita]], describe eight specialties of [[Ayurveda]] which were in vogue and practiced during the vedic period denoting that [[Ayurveda]] was already a highly evolved system of medicine with professional specialization. This is why [[Ayurveda]] is also called ''Ashtanga [[Ayurveda]]'' and its eight ''angas'' (or arms) are as mentioned below:

#''Kayachikitsa''  -  Internal medicine

#''Kayachikitsa''  -  Internal medicine

#''Shalya tantra''  -  Surgery

#''Shalya tantra''  -  Surgery

#''Bhuta Vidya''  - Psychiatry and Demonology

#''Bhuta Vidya''  - Psychiatry and Demonology

The present chapter deals with ''Rasayana tantra'' of ''Ashtanga Ayurveda'' which has assumed a very high consideration in contemporary times in view of the potential role it could play today with increasing incidence of nutritional disorders, lifestyle related health issues and above all the rapid population aging world over, warranting newer strategies for geriatric health care and healthy aging where modern medicine has not much to offer.

The present chapter deals with ''Rasayana tantra'' of ''Ashtanga [[Ayurveda]]'' which has assumed a very high consideration in contemporary times in view of the potential role it could play today with increasing incidence of nutritional disorders, lifestyle related health issues and above all the rapid population aging world over, warranting newer strategies for geriatric health care and healthy aging where modern medicine has not much to offer.

''Rasayana'' is the means of obtaining the best qualities of body cells and tissues and is able to defeat aging and disease. All ''rasayanas'' are ''ojovardhaka'' i.e. promoter of ''ojas'' or immune strength in the body, imparting ''vyadhikshamatva'' i.e. immunity in the body. The mode of action of ''rasayana'' remedies has been deliberated for long. Many scholars consider ''rasayana'' effect as the ''prabhava'' (specific therapeutic effect) of these remedies without really giving rational interpretation. However, Professor RH Singh et al (1972) have suggested that the ''rasayana'' remedies and measures act at three levels and produce subtle molecular nutrient and immune-enhancing effect with a range of secondary impacts such as improved nutritional status, immune-enhancing, longevity, healthy aging, promotion of health and prevention of disease. The three levels of action are:

''Rasayana'' is the means of obtaining the best qualities of body cells and tissues and is able to defeat aging and disease. All ''rasayanas'' are ''ojovardhaka'' i.e. promoter of ''ojas'' or immune strength in the body, imparting ''vyadhikshamatva'' i.e. immunity in the body. The mode of action of ''rasayana'' remedies has been deliberated for long. Many scholars consider ''rasayana'' effect as the ''prabhava'' (specific therapeutic effect) of these remedies without really giving rational interpretation. However, Professor RH Singh et al (1972) have suggested that the ''rasayana'' remedies and measures act at three levels and produce subtle molecular nutrient and immune-enhancing effect with a range of secondary impacts such as improved nutritional status, immune-enhancing, longevity, healthy aging, promotion of health and prevention of disease. The three levels of action are:

The third part, ''Karaprachitiya Rasayana Pada'' describes the role of ''brahmacharyadi karma'' (following code of conduct) in ''rasayana karma, kevalamalaka rasayana, lauhadi rasayana, aindri rasayana, medhya rasayana, pippali rasayana, shilajatu rasayan'' etc.

The third part, ''Karaprachitiya Rasayana Pada'' describes the role of ''brahmacharyadi karma'' (following code of conduct) in ''rasayana karma, kevalamalaka rasayana, lauhadi rasayana, aindri rasayana, medhya rasayana, pippali rasayana, shilajatu rasayan'' etc.

The fourth part, ''Ayurveda Samutthaniya Rasayana Pada'' deliberates on Ayurveda tradition, ''Indrokta rasayana, Dronipraveshika rasayana, Kutipraveshika rasayana, Achara rasayana'' besides the basic issues like ''Dharmartha Ayurveda prayoga'' (use of Ayurveda for performing eternal duties) and ''Bhishak  prashansa'' (praise of physician).

The fourth part, ''[[Ayurveda]] Samutthaniya Rasayana Pada'' deliberates on [[Ayurveda]] tradition, ''Indrokta rasayana, Dronipraveshika rasayana, Kutipraveshika rasayana, Achara rasayana'' besides the basic issues like ''Dharmartha [[Ayurveda]] prayoga'' (use of [[Ayurveda]] for performing eternal duties) and ''Bhishak  prashansa'' (praise of physician).

</div>

</div>

Thus ends the third quarter on hand plucked (''amalaki'' fruits) in the chapter on ''rasayana'' in [[Chikitsa Sthana]] in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charak. [3]

Thus ends the third quarter on hand plucked (''amalaki'' fruits) in the chapter on ''rasayana'' in [[Chikitsa Sthana]] in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charak. [3]

==== Part IV: ''Ayurvedasamutthaniyam Rasayana Pada'' ====

==== Part IV: ''[[Ayurveda]]samutthaniyam Rasayana Pada'' ====

   

   

अथात आयुर्वेदसमुत्थानीयं रसायनपादं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||  

अथात आयुर्वेदसमुत्थानीयं रसायनपादं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||  

iti ha smāha bhagavānātrēyaḥ||2||

iti ha smāha bhagavānātrēyaḥ||2||

athAta AyurvedasamutthAnIyaM rasAyanapAdaM vyAkhyAsyAmaH||1||  

athAta [[Ayurveda]]samutthAnIyaM rasAyanapAdaM vyAkhyAsyAmaH||1||  

iti ha smAha bhagavAnAtreyaH||2||  

iti ha smAha bhagavAnAtreyaH||2||  

tAnindraH sahasradRugamaragururabravIt- svAgataM brahmavidAM j~jAnatapodhanAnAM brahmarShINAm|  

tAnindraH sahasradRugamaragururabravIt- svAgataM brahmavidAM j~jAnatapodhanAnAM brahmarShINAm|  

asti nanu vo glAniraprabhAvatvaM vaisvaryaM vaivarNyaM ca grAmyavAsakRutamasukhamasukhAnubandhaM ca; grAmyo hi vAso mUlamashastAnAM, tat kRutaHpuNyakRudbhiranugrahaH prajAnAM, svasharIramavekShituM kAlaH [1] kAlashcAyamAyurvedopadeshasya brahmarShINAm; AtmanaH prajAnAMcAnugrahArthamAyurvedamashvinau mahyaM prAyacchatAM, prajApatirashvibhyAM, prajApataye brahmA,prajAnAmalpamAyurjarAvyAdhibahulamasukhamasukhAnubandhamalpatvAdalpatapodamaniyamadAnAdhyayanasa~jcayaM matvApuNyatamamAyuHprakarShakaraM jarAvyAdhiprashamanamUrjaskaramamRutaM shivaM sharaNyamudAraM bhavanto mattaH shrotumarhatAthopadhArayituMprakAshayituM ca prajAnugrahArthamArShaM brahma ca prati maitrIM kAruNyamAtmanashcAnuttamaM puNyamudAraM brAhmamakShayaM karmeti||4||  

asti nanu vo glAniraprabhAvatvaM vaisvaryaM vaivarNyaM ca grAmyavAsakRutamasukhamasukhAnubandhaM ca; grAmyo hi vAso mUlamashastAnAM, tat kRutaHpuNyakRudbhiranugrahaH prajAnAM, svasharIramavekShituM kAlaH [1] kAlashcAyamAyurvedopadeshasya brahmarShINAm; AtmanaH prajAnAMcAnugrahArtham[[Ayurveda]]mashvinau mahyaM prAyacchatAM, prajApatirashvibhyAM, prajApataye brahmA,prajAnAmalpamAyurjarAvyAdhibahulamasukhamasukhAnubandhamalpatvAdalpatapodamaniyamadAnAdhyayanasa~jcayaM matvApuNyatamamAyuHprakarShakaraM jarAvyAdhiprashamanamUrjaskaramamRutaM shivaM sharaNyamudAraM bhavanto mattaH shrotumarhatAthopadhArayituMprakAshayituM ca prajAnugrahArthamArShaM brahma ca prati maitrIM kAruNyamAtmanashcAnuttamaM puNyamudAraM brAhmamakShayaM karmeti||4||  

Indra, the visionary preceptor of gods, addressed them saying – welcome to the intellectual sages, the knower of Brahman, endowed with wealth of knowledge and penance. You are having malaise, luster-lessness, derangement of voice and complexion and ill health along with its associated corollaries caused by domestic living. Domestic living is the root of all the inauspicious effects. You have committed great favor to the people, now it is the time for intellectual sages to look to their own self and to enrich the science of life for the well being of your own self as well as of the people in general.  

Indra, the visionary preceptor of gods, addressed them saying – welcome to the intellectual sages, the knower of Brahman, endowed with wealth of knowledge and penance. You are having malaise, luster-lessness, derangement of voice and complexion and ill health along with its associated corollaries caused by domestic living. Domestic living is the root of all the inauspicious effects. You have committed great favor to the people, now it is the time for intellectual sages to look to their own self and to enrich the science of life for the well being of your own self as well as of the people in general.  

Ayurveda is made available to me by Ashwin who received it from Prajapati, who again received this knowledge from Brahma. Now looking to the short life span of the human beings, that too affected with senility and diseases associated with unhappiness and continuous suffering disturbing their performance of penance, restraint, regular practices, clarity and study you should learn from me, understand propagate the divine knowledge which is the holiest, prolonging life span, alleviating senility and diseases, generating energy, the nectar like, propitious savoir and noble for the welfare of the humanity with friendliness and compassion to them and to create for yourselves the best, holy, noble and immortal intellectual activity. [4]

[[Ayurveda]] is made available to me by Ashwin who received it from Prajapati, who again received this knowledge from Brahma. Now looking to the short life span of the human beings, that too affected with senility and diseases associated with unhappiness and continuous suffering disturbing their performance of penance, restraint, regular practices, clarity and study you should learn from me, understand propagate the divine knowledge which is the holiest, prolonging life span, alleviating senility and diseases, generating energy, the nectar like, propitious savoir and noble for the welfare of the humanity with friendliness and compassion to them and to create for yourselves the best, holy, noble and immortal intellectual activity. [4]

तच्छ्रुत्वा विबुधपतिवचनमृषयः सर्व एवामरवरमृग्भिस्तुष्टुवुः, प्रहृष्टाश्च तद्वचनमभिननन्दुश्चेति||५||

तच्छ्रुत्वा विबुधपतिवचनमृषयः सर्व एवामरवरमृग्भिस्तुष्टुवुः, प्रहृष्टाश्च तद्वचनमभिननन्दुश्चेति||५||

(itIndroktaM rasAyanam)|  

(itIndroktaM rasAyanam)|  

Indra, having infused the nectar of Ayurveda to these ''rishis'' said – now all this has to be brought into action. Now is the auspicious time for ''rasayana'' and the celestial drugs grown in Himalaya are also matured such as ''aindri, brahmi, payasya, ksheerapushpi, shravani,'' ''mahashravani'', ''shatavari, vidari, jeevanti, punarnava, nagabala, sthira, vacha, chatra, atichchatra, meda, mahameda'' and other vitalizing drugs if taken with milk for six months will certainly induce maximum life span, youthful age, disease free, excellence of voice and complexion, corpulence, intellect, memory,  quality strength and other desired effects. [6]

Indra, having infused the nectar of [[Ayurveda]] to these ''rishis'' said – now all this has to be brought into action. Now is the auspicious time for ''rasayana'' and the celestial drugs grown in Himalaya are also matured such as ''aindri, brahmi, payasya, ksheerapushpi, shravani,'' ''mahashravani'', ''shatavari, vidari, jeevanti, punarnava, nagabala, sthira, vacha, chatra, atichchatra, meda, mahameda'' and other vitalizing drugs if taken with milk for six months will certainly induce maximum life span, youthful age, disease free, excellence of voice and complexion, corpulence, intellect, memory,  quality strength and other desired effects. [6]

ब्रह्मसुवर्चला नामौषधिर्या हिरण्यक्षीरा पुष्करसदृशपत्रा, आदित्यपर्णी नामौषधिर्या ‘सूर्यकान्ता’ इति विज्ञायते सुवर्णक्षीरा सूर्यमण्डलाकारपुष्पाच, नारीनामौषधिः‘अश्वबला’ इति विज्ञायते या बल्वजसदृशपत्रा काष्ठगोधा नामौषधिर्गोधाकारा, सर्पानामौषधिः सर्पाकारा, सोमो नामौषधिराजः पञ्चदशपर्वा स सोम इव हीयते वर्धते च, पद्मा नामौषधिः पद्माकारा पद्मरक्ता पद्मगन्धाच, अजा नामौषधिः ‘अजशृङ्गी’ इति विज्ञायते, नीला नामौषधिस्तु नीलक्षीरा नीलपुष्पा लताप्रतानबहुलेति; आसामोषधीनां यां यामेवोपलभेत तस्यास्तस्याः स्वरसस्य सौहित्यं गत्वा स्नेहभावितायामार्द्रपलाशद्रोण्यां सपिधानायां दिग्वासाः शयीत, तत्र प्रलीयते, षण्मासेन पुनः सम्भवति, तस्याजं पयः प्रत्यवस्थापनं; षण्मासेन देवतानुकारी भवति वयोवर्णस्वराकृतिबलप्रभाभिः, स्वयं चास्य सर्ववाचोगतानि प्रादुर्भवन्ति, दिव्यं चास्य चक्षुः श्रोत्रं  

ब्रह्मसुवर्चला नामौषधिर्या हिरण्यक्षीरा पुष्करसदृशपत्रा, आदित्यपर्णी नामौषधिर्या ‘सूर्यकान्ता’ इति विज्ञायते सुवर्णक्षीरा सूर्यमण्डलाकारपुष्पाच, नारीनामौषधिः‘अश्वबला’ इति विज्ञायते या बल्वजसदृशपत्रा काष्ठगोधा नामौषधिर्गोधाकारा, सर्पानामौषधिः सर्पाकारा, सोमो नामौषधिराजः पञ्चदशपर्वा स सोम इव हीयते वर्धते च, पद्मा नामौषधिः पद्माकारा पद्मरक्ता पद्मगन्धाच, अजा नामौषधिः ‘अजशृङ्गी’ इति विज्ञायते, नीला नामौषधिस्तु नीलक्षीरा नीलपुष्पा लताप्रतानबहुलेति; आसामोषधीनां यां यामेवोपलभेत तस्यास्तस्याः स्वरसस्य सौहित्यं गत्वा स्नेहभावितायामार्द्रपलाशद्रोण्यां सपिधानायां दिग्वासाः शयीत, तत्र प्रलीयते, षण्मासेन पुनः सम्भवति, तस्याजं पयः प्रत्यवस्थापनं; षण्मासेन देवतानुकारी भवति वयोवर्णस्वराकृतिबलप्रभाभिः, स्वयं चास्य सर्ववाचोगतानि प्रादुर्भवन्ति, दिव्यं चास्य चक्षुः श्रोत्रं  

The treated patient, whether having promised or not, if does not offer any thing to the physician he is not freed. The physician too should consider all his patients as his own sons; protect them sincerely from all the ailments, wishing the excellent piety.

The treated patient, whether having promised or not, if does not offer any thing to the physician he is not freed. The physician too should consider all his patients as his own sons; protect them sincerely from all the ailments, wishing the excellent piety.

Ayurveda has been empowered by the great ''rishis'' devoted to piety and wishing immortality for welfare and not for earning or enjoyment. One who takes up the treatment only for human welfare and not for earning or self enjoyment supersedes all and those who sell the regimen of therapy for livelihood and devoted to the heap of dust leaving aside the store of gold.  One who provides life to those being dragged to the abode of death by severe diseases while cutting the death nets cannot be simulated with any other donor of virtue and wealth because there is no charity better than providing life. The physician who is compassionate on living being as the highest virtue, proceeds in treatment of patients, achieves all objects and enjoy maximum happiness. [55-62]

[[Ayurveda]] has been empowered by the great ''rishis'' devoted to piety and wishing immortality for welfare and not for earning or enjoyment. One who takes up the treatment only for human welfare and not for earning or self enjoyment supersedes all and those who sell the regimen of therapy for livelihood and devoted to the heap of dust leaving aside the store of gold.  One who provides life to those being dragged to the abode of death by severe diseases while cutting the death nets cannot be simulated with any other donor of virtue and wealth because there is no charity better than providing life. The physician who is compassionate on living being as the highest virtue, proceeds in treatment of patients, achieves all objects and enjoy maximum happiness. [55-62]

===== Summary =====

===== Summary =====

tatra shlokau-  

tatra shlokau-  

AyurvedasamutthAnaM divyauShadhividhiM shubham|  

[[Ayurveda]]samutthAnaM divyauShadhividhiM shubham|  

amRutAlpAntaraguNaM siddhaM ratnarasAyanam||63||  

amRutAlpAntaraguNaM siddhaM ratnarasAyanam||63||  

siddhebhyo brahmacAribhyo yaduvAcAmareshvaraH|  

siddhebhyo brahmacAribhyo yaduvAcAmareshvaraH|  

AyurvedasamutthAne tat sarvaM samprakAshitam||64||

[[Ayurveda]]samutthAne tat sarvaM samprakAshitam||64||

Now the summing up verses –  

Now the summing up verses –  

ityagnivēśakr̥tē tantrē carakapratisaṁskr̥tē cikitsitasthānē rasāyanādhyāyē āyurvēdasamutthānīyō nāma rasāyanapādaścaturthaḥ||4||  

ityagnivēśakr̥tē tantrē carakapratisaṁskr̥tē cikitsitasthānē rasāyanādhyāyē āyurvēdasamutthānīyō nāma rasāyanapādaścaturthaḥ||4||  

ityagniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRute cikitsitasthAne rasAyanAdhyAye AyurvedasamutthAnIyo nAma rasAyanapAdashcaturthaH||4||  

ityagniveshakRute tantre carakapratisaMskRute cikitsitasthAne rasAyanAdhyAye [[Ayurveda]]samutthAnIyo nAma rasAyanapAdashcaturthaH||4||  

samAptashcAyaM rasAyanAdhyAyaH||1||  

samAptashcAyaM rasAyanAdhyAyaH||1||  

Thus ends the fourth quarter on the rise of Ayurveda in the chapter of [[Rasayana]] in [[Chikitsa Sthana]] in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charak.[4]

Thus ends the fourth quarter on the rise of [[Ayurveda]] in the chapter of [[Rasayana]] in [[Chikitsa Sthana]] in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charak.[4]

=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' / Fundamental Principles===

=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' / Fundamental Principles===

##''badhana'' (acutely acting),

##''badhana'' (acutely acting),

##''sanubadhana'' (chronically acting).( verse 1.5)

##''sanubadhana'' (chronically acting).( verse 1.5)

#The objectives of Ayurveda healthcare management includes ''chikitsa'' (measures that alleviate disorders), ''vyadhihara'' (destroyer of diseases), ''pathya'' (beneficial for the bodily channels), ''sadhana'' (instrument for therapeutic action), ''aushadha'' (that which is prepared of herbs), ''prayashchitta'' (expiation), ''prashamana'' (pacification), ''prakritisthapana'' (that which helps and sustains recovery to normalcy), and ''hita'' (wholesome). (verse 3-4)

#The objectives of [[Ayurveda]] healthcare management includes ''chikitsa'' (measures that alleviate disorders), ''vyadhihara'' (destroyer of diseases), ''pathya'' (beneficial for the bodily channels), ''sadhana'' (instrument for therapeutic action), ''aushadha'' (that which is prepared of herbs), ''prayashchitta'' (expiation), ''prashamana'' (pacification), ''prakritisthapana'' (that which helps and sustains recovery to normalcy), and ''hita'' (wholesome). (verse 3-4)

#The therapeutics for preservation of health include ''vrishya'' (aphrodisiac) and ''rasayana'' (promotives) that helps promoting strength and immunity.  

#The therapeutics for preservation of health include ''vrishya'' (aphrodisiac) and ''rasayana'' (promotives) that helps promoting strength and immunity.  

#Objective of ''rasayana'' therapy is to attain longevity, memory, intelligence, freedom from illness, youthfulness, excellence of luster, complexion and voice, optimum strength of physique and sense organs, perfection in deliberation, respectability and brilliance. ''Rasayana'' is the means of attaining excellent qualities of ''rasa'' etc. ''dhatus'' i.e. bodily cells and tissues. (verse 7-8)

#Objective of ''rasayana'' therapy is to attain longevity, memory, intelligence, freedom from illness, youthfulness, excellence of luster, complexion and voice, optimum strength of physique and sense organs, perfection in deliberation, respectability and brilliance. ''Rasayana'' is the means of attaining excellent qualities of ''rasa'' etc. ''dhatus'' i.e. bodily cells and tissues. (verse 7-8)

==== Different levels of treatment ====

==== Different levels of treatment ====

According to Ayurveda, the life is conglomeration of four factors namely ''shareera'' (the body made up of five ''mahabhootas''), ''indriya'' (the sensory faculty), ''sattva'' or ''mana'' (mind) and ''atma'' (the soul).  On this basis, disease is also studied at different levels. Therefore, the treatment also is performed at different levels. After initial treatment for relief, Ayurveda describes ''prayoga'' (long term treatment for complete cure) and ''apunarbhava chikitsa'' (treatment which prevents recurrence of the disease) to maintain and promote health, ''rasayana'' is given.

According to [[Ayurveda]], the life is conglomeration of four factors namely ''shareera'' (the body made up of five ''mahabhootas''), ''indriya'' (the sensory faculty), ''sattva'' or ''mana'' (mind) and ''atma'' (the soul).  On this basis, disease is also studied at different levels. Therefore, the treatment also is performed at different levels. After initial treatment for relief, [[Ayurveda]] describes ''prayoga'' (long term treatment for complete cure) and ''apunarbhava chikitsa'' (treatment which prevents recurrence of the disease) to maintain and promote health, ''rasayana'' is given.

==== Various aspects of ''Chikitsa'' (treatment) ====

==== Various aspects of ''Chikitsa'' (treatment) ====

===== ''Triphala Rasayana'' =====

===== ''Triphala Rasayana'' =====

''Triphala'' a combination of ''haritaki, amalaki'' and ''bibhitaka'' is one of the most important medicines in Ayurveda. Its an important ''rasayana'' also. ''Triphala'' mainly pacifies ''kapha'' and ''pitta''.  By removing obstruction to its movements, it helps to maintain proper actions of ''vata''. It improves the functions of ''dhatvagni'' to digests ''ama'' and eliminates abnormally accumulated ''mala'' and ''doshas'', therefore makes the ''srotas'' clear and patent to enable nutrients to reach ''dhatus''. It also controls ''meda'' which helps to maintain balance in all the ''dhatus'', because abnormally increased ''meda'' blocks nutrition of other ''dhatus'' and produces imbalance.

''Triphala'' a combination of ''haritaki, amalaki'' and ''bibhitaka'' is one of the most important medicines in [[Ayurveda]]. Its an important ''rasayana'' also. ''Triphala'' mainly pacifies ''kapha'' and ''pitta''.  By removing obstruction to its movements, it helps to maintain proper actions of ''vata''. It improves the functions of ''dhatvagni'' to digests ''ama'' and eliminates abnormally accumulated ''mala'' and ''doshas'', therefore makes the ''srotas'' clear and patent to enable nutrients to reach ''dhatus''. It also controls ''meda'' which helps to maintain balance in all the ''dhatus'', because abnormally increased ''meda'' blocks nutrition of other ''dhatus'' and produces imbalance.

===== ''Shilajatu'' =====

===== ''Shilajatu'' =====

==== ''Vaidya'' ====

==== ''Vaidya'' ====

For experts of Ayurveda, the term ''vaidya'' is used, which means one having proper knowledge. A ''vaidya'' may be of any cast, race etc. by birth, it doesn’t matter. Because it is said, that when he completes his education in Ayurveda, he is as if reborn. He is like guardian of life. Therefore, deserves respect from the society.  

For experts of [[Ayurveda]], the term ''vaidya'' is used, which means one having proper knowledge. A ''vaidya'' may be of any cast, race etc. by birth, it doesn’t matter. Because it is said, that when he completes his education in [[Ayurveda]], he is as if reborn. He is like guardian of life. Therefore, deserves respect from the society.  

A ''vaidya'' has to care for the patients as if they were his children or family members. A ''vaidya'', by practicing with compassion towards the ailing, earns much more than wealth. Therefore, a ''vaidya'' should not consider treatment as a business. This advice of [[Charak Samhita]] holds true even today. Those who serve patients with this attitude, get such benefits from the society, which no other profession can get, and unmatched as compared to wealth.

A ''vaidya'' has to care for the patients as if they were his children or family members. A ''vaidya'', by practicing with compassion towards the ailing, earns much more than wealth. Therefore, a ''vaidya'' should not consider treatment as a business. This advice of [[Charak Samhita]] holds true even today. Those who serve patients with this attitude, get such benefits from the society, which no other profession can get, and unmatched as compared to wealth.

=== Potential areas for future research ===

=== Potential areas for future research ===

#''Rasayana Tantra'' is one of the Eight important branches of ''Astanga Ayurveda''. It deals with an important category of medicinal and non-medicinal rejuvenative remedies advocated for promotive and preventive health care including retarding aging and promoting longevity. These remedies are claimed to improve the quality of cells and tissues (even the genes) of the body through following mechanisms:

#''Rasayana Tantra'' is one of the Eight important branches of ''Astanga [[Ayurveda]]''. It deals with an important category of medicinal and non-medicinal rejuvenative remedies advocated for promotive and preventive health care including retarding aging and promoting longevity. These remedies are claimed to improve the quality of cells and tissues (even the genes) of the body through following mechanisms:

##Direct nutrient effects, acting at the level of ''rasa''

##Direct nutrient effects, acting at the level of ''rasa''

##Digestive and metabolic booster effect, acting at the level of ''agni''

##Digestive and metabolic booster effect, acting at the level of ''agni''

#Clinical assessment of the effect of ''rasayana'' drugs and formulations described by Charak using appropriate biological and therapeutic parameters on clinical trial mode with emphasis on the nutritional effect, anti-aging effect and adaptogenic and immunomodulating effect of this important category of Ayurvedic drugs.

#Clinical assessment of the effect of ''rasayana'' drugs and formulations described by Charak using appropriate biological and therapeutic parameters on clinical trial mode with emphasis on the nutritional effect, anti-aging effect and adaptogenic and immunomodulating effect of this important category of Ayurvedic drugs.

#Architectural study of the concept of ''trigarbha rasayana, kuti'' described in [[Charak Samhita]] and to examine the science behind this model for future use if found logical and scientific and for further development.

#Architectural study of the concept of ''trigarbha rasayana, kuti'' described in [[Charak Samhita]] and to examine the science behind this model for future use if found logical and scientific and for further development.

#Attempt to develop a new discipline of Ayurveda geriatrics and immunology through the ''rasayana'' leads available in the ''rasayana'' chapter of [[Charak Samhita]].

#Attempt to develop a new discipline of [[Ayurveda]] geriatrics and immunology through the ''rasayana'' leads available in the ''rasayana'' chapter of [[Charak Samhita]].

=== Glossary ===

=== Glossary ===

#Caraka Samhita redaction by Caraka based on Agnivesa Tantra of  700BC .Cikitsa sthana chapter 1,Pada 1-4. Edited by Sharma, PV, Choukhaba Orientalia, Varanasi , India 2002

#Caraka Samhita redaction by Caraka based on Agnivesa Tantra of  700BC .Cikitsa sthana chapter 1,Pada 1-4. Edited by Sharma, PV, Choukhaba Orientalia, Varanasi , India 2002

#Caraka Samhita redaction  by Caraka  based on Agnivesa tantra  of 700BC,  Sutra sthana chapters -1 Edited by Sharma  PV, Choukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi,India 2002

#Caraka Samhita redaction  by Caraka  based on Agnivesa tantra  of 700BC,  Sutra sthana chapters -1 Edited by Sharma  PV, Choukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi,India 2002

#Diana I Lurie, Ayurveda and Pharmacogenomics, Guest Editorial Annals of Ayurvedic Medicine ¼:126-128. 2012

#Diana I Lurie, [[Ayurveda]] and Pharmacogenomics, Guest Editorial Annals of Ayurvedic Medicine ¼:126-128. 2012

#Dwivedi,KK and Singh,RH. A study on the psychiatric symptomsin in geriatric patients and response of Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy. Ph.D. thesis, Kayacikitsa, BHU1997.

#Dwivedi,KK and Singh,RH. A study on the psychiatric symptomsin in geriatric patients and response of Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy. Ph.D. thesis, Kayacikitsa, BHU1997.

#Ghodke, Y., Joshi, K and Patwardhan, B. Traditional medicine to modern pharmacogenomics Ayurveda Prakriti types and CYP2C19 Gene polymorphism associated with the metabolic variability. Evidence based Complementary Alternative Medicine, P 249528, 2011

#Ghodke, Y., Joshi, K and Patwardhan, B. Traditional medicine to modern pharmacogenomics [[Ayurveda]] Prakriti types and CYP2C19 Gene polymorphism associated with the metabolic variability. Evidence based Complementary Alternative Medicine, P 249528, 2011

#Juyal, RC et al. Potential of Ayurgenomics approach in complex trait research: leads from a pilot study on Rheumatoid arthritis. PLoSONE.2012,7/9;Pc45752

#Juyal, RC et al. Potential of Ayurgenomics approach in complex trait research: leads from a pilot study on Rheumatoid arthritis. PLoSONE.2012,7/9;Pc45752

#Jayprakash et al. Neuroprotective role of Withania somnifera root extract in mouse model of Parkinsonism. Neurochem. Res.Feb.27,2013

#Jayprakash et al. Neuroprotective role of Withania somnifera root extract in mouse model of Parkinsonism. Neurochem. Res.Feb.27,2013

#Kobayama,T.et al Neuritic regeneration and synoptic reconstruction induced by Withanolide-A . British J.Pharmacol.144/7:961-971,2005

#Kobayama,T.et al Neuritic regeneration and synoptic reconstruction induced by Withanolide-A . British J.Pharmacol.144/7:961-971,2005

#Madhava Kara 900 AD Mdhava Nidana, edited by Upadhyaya, YN Choukhamba publication, Varanasi/Delhi, India

#Madhava Kara 900 AD Mdhava Nidana, edited by Upadhyaya, YN Choukhamba publication, Varanasi/Delhi, India

#Mahalle, NP et al Association of constitutional types of Ayurveda with cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory markers and Insulin resistance. J. Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.2012,3/3.p,157-7

#Mahalle, NP et al Association of constitutional types of [[Ayurveda]] with cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory markers and Insulin resistance. J. [[Ayurveda]] and Integrative Medicine.2012,3/3.p,157-7

#Rastogi, S, Chiappelli, F. and Singh, RH. Evidence based practice of complementary alternative medicine.  Special monograph pp  1-250  Springer publication, Germany  2012

#Rastogi, S, Chiappelli, F. and Singh, RH. Evidence based practice of complementary alternative medicine.  Special monograph pp  1-250  Springer publication, Germany  2012

#Rizzo-Sierra, CV. Ayurvedic genomics, constitutional psychology and endocrinology: The missing connection. J. Alternat.Complement.Med.2011, 17(5) :pp 465-8.

#Rizzo-Sierra, CV. Ayurvedic genomics, constitutional psychology and endocrinology: The missing connection. J. Alternat.Complement.Med.2011, 17(5) :pp 465-8.

#Singh, RH, Narsimhamurthy, K.and Singh, Girish. Neuronutrient impact of Ayurvedic Rasayan therapy in brain aging, Biogerontology 2008, 9:360-374,

#Singh, RH, Narsimhamurthy, K.and Singh, Girish. Neuronutrient impact of Ayurvedic Rasayan therapy in brain aging, Biogerontology 2008, 9:360-374,

#Singh, RH. Basic Tenets of Ayurvedic Dietetics and Nutrition. In special monograph Ayurvedic Food science. Pub. Springer USA, 2014.

#Singh, RH. Basic Tenets of Ayurvedic Dietetics and Nutrition. In special monograph Ayurvedic Food science. Pub. Springer USA, 2014.

#Singh, RH. Ayurvediya Samsodhana Chikitsa ,the newer dimensions. Journal of Wiswa Ayurveda Parisad,2015

#Singh, RH. Ayurvediya Samsodhana Chikitsa ,the newer dimensions. Journal of Wiswa [[Ayurveda]] Parisad,2015

#Singh, RH. The holistic principles of Ayurvedic medicine. Choukhamba surbharati prakashan, Varanasi/ Delhi 1995

#Singh, RH. The holistic principles of Ayurvedic medicine. Choukhamba surbharati prakashan, Varanasi/ Delhi 1995

#Susruta Samhita redaction  by Nagarjun based on Susrut’s Susruta  Tantra OF Ssrita of 600 BC.  sutra sthana chapters 4,15,21 edited by Singhal et al Choukhamba Surbharati 2nd edition Varanasi/Delhi, India, 2002

#Susruta Samhita redaction  by Nagarjun based on Susrut’s Susruta  Tantra OF Ssrita of 600 BC.  sutra sthana chapters 4,15,21 edited by Singhal et al Choukhamba Surbharati 2nd edition Varanasi/Delhi, India, 2002

#Susruta Samhita redaction by Nagarjuna Based on Susruta Tantra of  600BC , Cikitsa sthana chapters 27-30 edited by Singhal et al. Pub. Choukhamba  surbharati  2nd edition Varanasi/Delhi ,India 2002

#Susruta Samhita redaction by Nagarjuna Based on Susruta Tantra of  600BC , Cikitsa sthana chapters 27-30 edited by Singhal et al. Pub. Choukhamba  surbharati  2nd edition Varanasi/Delhi ,India 2002

#Udupa, KN and Singh, RH. Science and philosophy of Indian medicine. Baidyanath Ayurveda bhawan  Nagpur, India  1980

#Udupa, KN and Singh, RH. Science and philosophy of Indian medicine. Baidyanath [[Ayurveda]] bhawan  Nagpur, India  1980

#Vagbhatta 300 AD Astanga Sangraha  Choukhamba publications Varanasi/Delhi, India  

#Vagbhatta 300 AD Astanga Sangraha  Choukhamba publications Varanasi/Delhi, India  

#Vagbhatta 300AD, Astanga Hridaya Uttara tantra, chapter 39 Rasayana chikitsa Choukhamba publications Varanasi, India

#Vagbhatta 300AD, Astanga Hridaya Uttara tantra, chapter 39 Rasayana chikitsa Choukhamba publications Varanasi, India