REVIEW OF CONCEPT OF RASAYANA (REJUVENATION) AND ITS APPLICATION IN CURRENT TIMES

Deshpande Vaishali Shailesh* and Deshpande Shailesh Vinayak

ABSTRACT

Long and healthy life is cherished by man since antiquity. Ayurveda is the science of life through which a prolonged, happy and healthy life can be attained. Rasayana is definitely the only mean to accomplish it. Rasayana is explained in all classical treatises in great details. It is a distinct branch in Ashtanga Ayurveda and indicates its importance in treatment. All classical treatises have explained Rasayanas in great details. Creators of Bruhattrayi and Laghutrayi have dedicated separate chapters for explaining Rasayanas. Different definitions and Niruktis help in clarifying basics of Rasayana. Commentators such as Acharya Chakrapanidatta, Gangadhara, Yogindranath Sen, Dalhana, Arundatta, have also put forward different aspects of Rasayana and have brought forward different facets. The purpose of Ayurveda is maintenance of Swasthya (health) and treatment of the Aatura (diseased person). Practical application of Rasayana at both the levels help in serving the purpose. Classification of Rasayana in different ways help in understanding its use in different indications. As age progresses we suffer from some loss from time to time. Replenishment of these losses needs use of different rejuvenating agents at different age groups. Use of Rasayana also means escalation of Satva Guna of mind and that can only be achieved by simultaneous use of Achara Rasayana. With advancement in modern sciences, the age old concept is also studied using newer techniques and parameters and is proven to be effective rejuvenator and has added a lot of information. Hence, use of Rasayana is for all. It is equally important in treatment of diseases as well as in maintaining health. Use of different medicines as per disease is useful in correcting Dhatu Vaishamya and attaining Dhatu Samya. In view of this plethora of information it can be correct to state that Rasayana is a boon given to the world by Ayurveda.

Keywords: Rasayana, Rejuvination, Immunity, Ayurveda.