Rasayan and Vajikaran

Rasayan

To maintain health and to cure disease is the unique approach of Ayurveda. Prevention is better than cure. The basic fundamental element of any living being is a functional cell. The cells during evolution differentiate themselves and evolve into specific cell lineages. These lineages further progress to develop into Organs. A normal functioning of the cell is influenced by various factors due to which the cell re-differentiates and continues to evolve as we grow in age. The cells also differentiate due to any underlying adverse conditions otherwise known as pathology (Samprapti).

Some cells are better adapted to survive longer life span and grow without any mutation than others. For e g: A “banyan Tree” and Grass seed planted at the same time grows and achieves fulfilment in different timelines. Grass grows at a brisk pace and finishes its life cycle faster as compared to banyan tree which continues to grow and achieve lifespan of hundreds of years.

Similarly, a fruit of Amla (Embellica Officianialis) and tomato (Solanum licopersicum) if confined to the same environment, the latter detoriates faster whereas the former has a longer & healthier shelf life.

Ayurveda uses this secret during formulation of its rejuvenating drugs. Any products that are able to survive and prolong its shelf life will promote the same when ingested through proper media and quantity. Herbs that are known to last long will promote longevity in humans. Ayurveda deploys the use of “Rasayan Aushadhis” to prevent such adaptations and changes.

Ayurved suggests that Human body consists of five Key elements ( Panch mahabhootas). The combined rational effects of these elements are responsible for Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta & Kapha) which are nourished well initially by the influence of potency of individual Jatharagni (digestive energy) after consuming the food.

The central bio-digestive System is responsible for breaking up the nutritional proceeds from the food we consume and aid the formation of Bodily tissues otherwise called as “Dhatu” (Saptadhatu).

Each of the Dhatus has its own metabolic energy called Dhatvagni which utilises the proceeds of the productive nutrition for its fulfilment and development. Thus, Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja and Shukra Dhatus develop sequentially and nourish further Dhatus.

For example, Rasadhatvagni plays an important role in the formation of RaktaDhatu from Rasa Dhatu which further nourishes the Mamsa Dhatu by the influence of Raktadhatvagni.

Whenever potency of any level of Dhatvagni diminishes or elevates the business of production of next Dhatu may be affected.

Any obstruction or vitiation in the microcirculatory channels (Strotasa) of any tissue may lead to deformity of the next sequential tissue. Similarly, any alterations in the Tridoshas (Due to ageing or any pathology) negatively impacts the formation of subsequent Dhatus.

Aging is a process which impacts all the tissues and organs together. However, depending on the regenerative potential each tissue is impacted in different degree. Each Dhatu has some specific role in maintaining the healthy body and those will be degenerated in a gradual manner with the advancement of age.

Tissue emaciation is one of the main reason for aging mainly due to metabolic dysfunction. The impairement of Doshas (mainly vata) and its involvement with the micro circulation in bodily tissues causes blockades what is termed as “Aavarnas”in Ayurveda. Similar pathology is also observed in any of the underlying pathologies.

The essence of treatment of such conditions lies in rectifying bio digestive fire, restoring the equilibrium of the doshas and correcting the multi system involvement by removing the aavaran from the affected strotasa (Strotoshuddhi)

Rasayana Chikitsa plays an integral role in the management of Avarana. Rasayana drugs are commonly used to improve health and longevity by balancing between Tridosha, Saptadhatu and Trimala. These drugs have specific actions of Nutrient supplementation, tissue nourishment and metabolic appreciation. Such drugs are known to improve the overall quality of life.

There are also specific herbs known to effect directly on specified Dhatus.

For eg: Vrishya Drugs focus on Shukra Dhatu (Reproductive health), Medhya rasayan with their anti-stress and antioxidant activities are used in mental health, etc.

Rasayan Chikitsa as immunity booster

Rasayana drugs have shown immunomodulatory activity to boost up or restore functional immunity in response to defence mechanism. Specific drugs have also shown tissue and disease specific immunomodulatory activity.

These Rasayana drugs not only play a role in immunity but also exhibits its anti-stress, inotropic and antioxidant activity which helps to improve the quality-of-life (QOL) Hence, QOL may be increased by better or proper care/nourishment to bodily tissue. Studies have revealed that Ashwagandha and Shilajeet therapy could modulate the immune profile in patient.

Amla is the most widely used Rasayan in Ayurveda. Chyavanprash which is the most preferred and widely used immunity booster combination in Ayurveda. This combination is indicated for all age groups. It is also rich in Vitamin C which is a helpful in fighting a host of condition including COVID.

Swarnaprashan

Swarnaprashan is another classical combination used as Medhya Rasayan to improve intellect along with boosting immunity. The contents in this combination retard brain aging and help in generation of neural tissues besides producing anti-stress, adaptogenic and memory enhancing effect. Besides Gold Dust (Swarnabhasma) and clarified butter (Cow Ghee) used nourished the brain cells.

Ayurveda also deploys Shodhana Chikitsa (Panchkarma) as an interventional form for body purification. However, one need not undergo all karmas to achieve detoxification. A careful examination of causing factors coupled with identification of causes can help in customising a purification process.

A combination of internal cleansing followed by oral intake of Rasayan drugs is most potent to fulfil the desired objectives.

The optimum dosage of drugs with frequency on intake can be best determined if one undergoes a thorough Ayurveda consultation with an Ayurvedic Consultant.

Self-medication could limit the reach and delay the healthy prognosis of the drugs.

Vajikaran Chikitsa

This is the eighth branch of Ayurvedic medicine. This branch is concerned with aphrodisiacs, virility and improving health of progeny. Just as ayurvedic medicines are used as an immunity booster for the body, ayurvedic formulation is also used to increase a man's masculinity i.e., his sexual ability. This is because different types of Paka or Prash are made using the fruits, legumes and roots of the medicinal plants produced by mother nature. Many such medicinal formulations have been described by sages in ancient texts. As per Charak Samhita, by proper use of these formulations, one becomes capable with good physique, potency, strength, and complexion and sexually energised and sexually potent. Taking such medicine on the advice of professional can lead to an increase in masculinity in men by proper dosage. However, close medical advice is required. When prescribing any medicine to the patient, the patient's nature, strength, regular diet, age, weight, any disease such as chronic illness, history of diabetes, blood pressure; such information must be taken from Medical History.

When we observe all the animals in the nature, it is noticed that many tonic and aphrodisiac substances such as Velvet bean (i.e., itchy seeds), Ashwagandha root, Balamul, Vidarikand, Asparagus root, Musli are used for Vajikaran treatment. We must learn from other creatures in nature that the breeding age of animals is limited. Due to the short duration of the pre-breeding period, the animals and birds consume such aphrodisiac drugs in mother nature only when they need them and are healthy and well-bred.

Monkey - itchy seeds

Crocodile – Buffalo nut

Ashwagandha (ashwa – horse) this herb is used to improve sexual performance like that of horse.

Pig – Wind tubers

Rutucharya & Astrology

Ritucharya- With the change in season; during Greeshma Ritu there is Chaya (mild increase) of Vata Dosha which further having Prakopa (profound Increase) in Varsha ritu. So, in this Varsha Ritu the increased Vata Dosha should be controlled by Basti Chikitsa which controls diseases like Arthritis, Constipation, Neuro-muscular disorders etc. The Vata is moving in nature which also moves Pitta & Kapha with it in whole body and in minute channels and creats various chronic diseases with previous pathology. Hence to achieve good Health and preventive aspect of Ayurveda, one should have to take Basti Chikitsa in Varsha Ritu ( mid July- mid Sep), Virechan (Purgation) in Sharad Ritu (mid Sep- Mid Nov) to eliminate increased Pitta and Vaman (Scientific Emesis) to eliminate profound increased Kapha in Vasant Ritu (mid March- mid May). By this we could implement the thought of ‘Prevention is Better than Cure’ by executing ayurvedic thoughts as Ayueveda is Science of knowing our life.

Movement of the Sun in Stellar Constellation- movement of the Sun from one stellar constellation to the other makes for the six Ritus (Seasons) namely; 1. Vasant, 2. Greeshma, 3. Varsha, 4. Sharad, 5. Hemant & 6. Shishir

When it is Vasant ritu the Sun is in Mesh (Aries) and Vrushabh (Taurus) constellation, it is Greeshma Ritu when the Sun is in Mithun (Gemini) and Karka (Cancer) constellation, it is Varsha rutu when Sun is in Simha (Leo) & Kanya (Virgo) constellation. When this Sun is in constellation of Tula (Libra) and Vruschik (Scorpio) it is Sharad Ritu, in Dhanu (Sagittarius) & Makar (Capricorn) it is Hemant ritu; and when is in Kumbh (Aquarius) & Meena (Pisces) it is Vasant Ritu. During this, the Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) undergo Chaya (mild increase), Prakopa (profound increase) and Shaman (decreases to normal).