Ayurveda , the oldest health science has eight branches. Rasayana (rejuvenation) is one of them. Rasa has different meanings like juice, taste, essence, flavor or emotion, but is not limited to any of these in itself. In therapeutic process Rasa is concerned with the conservation, transformation, and revitalization of energy. Rasa nourishes our body, boosts immunity and helps to keep the body and mind in best of health.

The Aim Of Rasayana 

The Rasayana therapy enhances the qualities of rasa, enriches it with nutrients. With such enriched excellent Rasa, one attains longevity, memory, intelligence, freedom from disorder, youthfulness, excellence of luster, complexion & voice, optimum development of physique and sense organs, mastery over phonetics, respectability and brilliance.

Types of Rasayana

1. Types of rasayana preparations 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 - romoter of vitality and longevity
• Medhakamya - Promoter of intelligence.
• Srikamya - Promoter of complexion.

b). Naimittika Rasayana

Naimittika rasayanas help to fight a specific disease.

2. Types of Rasayanas on the basis of place of Therapy

a). Kuti Praveshika Rasayana - Indoor Rasayana Therapy.
b). Vatatapika Rasayana - Outdoor Rasayana Therapy.

3. Types of Rasayanas On the basis of diet and life styles.

a). Aushdha Rasayana - Drug Based Rasayana.
b). Ahara Rasayana - Dietary Rasayana.
c). Achara Rasayana - Lifestyle Rasayana.

Preparation for Rasayana Therapy

It is very essential for a person who wishes to undergo rasayana therapy to undergo samshodhana (detoxification) as a preparatory procedure. The samshodhana process detoxifies both body and mind. A detoxified body and mind is a like a clean cloth which readily absorbs the color in which it has been dipped unlike a soiled cloth which looks soiled even after coloring with best colors.

But when a person is not eligible for samshodhana or is not able to get samshodhana then he can also consume rasayana preparations which still boost the qualities of rasa in his body.

Effect of Rasayana Therapy

Rasayana therapy enriches nutritional quality of Rasa, enhances digestion and metabolism by normalizing agni or body fire, and promoting the competence of channels 

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 disorders 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 infection will be more.

By following Achara Rasayana one can be more Satvik and surge ahead in the spiritual field by his pure daily routines like speaking truth, not getting angry, by having control over his sense organs and calmness.

Natural Foods which Act as Rasayanas

Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)

It is called as Haritaki because it cures all the diseases. It has been alternatively named as Abhaya with appreciation on its action since it bestows permanent long life to those who use it always. It is also known as Vijaya since it is a conqueror of all the diseases. 

Fresh, round and heavy fruits of Haritaki are always best. The fruits should sink in water and also be devoid of any diseases. Such fruits are rich in taste and potency. 

The fruit should be slit into two or three pieces and the seed should be removed. Such fruit pieces are cooked with four parts of water till they soften. Then they should be removed and allowed to cool. One part of ghee and one part of honey is added to this and kept aside for three days. It should be consumed later taking care of digestion power. After this rasayana is digested shstika sahli rice with cow's milk is consumed. By using this Rasayana one will be free from wrinkles, baldness and premature graying of hair. This gives very good memory power, eye sight and a long healthy life.

Ghee (Clarified Butter)

It is the best known Rasayana which is a very good rejuvenator and Longevity promoter. It also improves digestion, has soothing effects on the nervous system, improves the glow of skin, enhances memory power, helps to retain the grasped matters and increases ojus.

Ghee has a very good rate of absorption and it is a very good medium for transporting the nutrients of the food to the tissue.

So make sure that you use a spoon of Ghee to your daily food which is very easily and readily available to one and all. (This is not applicable to people who have high blood cholesterol).

Lemons

These are very rich source of Vitamin C and are known for there unique action like improving the resistance to cold, controlling the bleeding of gums, healing wounds and formation of scar tissue. The lemon acts as purifier and nourishing agent.  Squeeze half lime in a glass of lukewarm water and add two tea spoons of honey to it. This helps to reduce weight when consumed in empty stomach at early hours of day.

Ginger

Ginger improves digestion, removes ama (body toxin which causes diseases). Hence it is accepted world wide as medicine. Always use dry ground ginger which is more concentrated in its effects and flavor. Sprinkle little dry ginger powder on a spoon of lemon juice and add little salt. This should be consumed forty-five minutes before meals to have a very good appetite and digestion.

Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds helps in digestion, digests and expels and balances doshas. 

To expel body toxins start the day with drinking Luke warm water with powdered cumin and ginger. 

Green Gram

Green gram is very light to digest and are best for people who have digestion problems. They are among the best legumes for there supreme digestibility and health giving qualities. Those who prefer light food can opt for this food.

Dates and Figs 

These are known excellent source of energy. They also help to build the body tissues and improve the hemoglobin percentage. Hence eat two to three dates or figs a day.

Almonds

These are nourishing and life-supporting. Eat five to six Almonds a day to build energy and strength. It is proved that Almonds helps in reducing the blood Cholesterol levels. Almonds are also known to help in improving memory.

Lassi

It is a beverage prepared by mixing two part of water and one part of yogurt. It can be made as a sweet beverage by adding little sugar or honey and little ground cardamom. For people who do not like sweet taste it can be made as a delicious salt and sour beverage by adding roasted cumin seeds and little salt. It is an excellent nutritive, digestive beverage and can be used during meals or taken as a desert after meal.

Seasonal Fruits

Always use the juicy fresh fruits which are available in the season. They are of high nutritive value and are body purifiers also.

Along with all these food and medicinal Rasayana one should follow Achara Rasayana (Moral Conduct) to have very good effects of rasayana.

Referencesn
Charaka su sthana. Shu. Su .Sthana. Astanga sangraha uttar stahna     

Dr. Krishna R.S has been an Ayurvedic Practitioner since 19 yrs, after getting a graduation degree in Ayurveda (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) in 1986 from University of Mysore, India. He completed his post graduation diploma about allopathic medicine and surgery from University of Bangalore, Karnataka, India. His articles about Ayurveda and life sciences have been published in many magazines. Dr Krishna. R.S is a star athlete and has represented state and universities when he was in high school, pre university and college. Dr. Krishna R.S lives in Mysore , Karnataka, India. He gives consultations in Mysore and also in Bangalore the silicon valley of India. Email: drkrishnars@ayurveda-increaselibido.com