Rejuvenation, also called Rasayana in ayurveda, is derived from two Sanskrit words namely Rasa & Ayana. Rasa refers to the nutrient portion derived after the proper digestion of food and Ayana refers to the proper channeling of such nutrients within the body.
Rejuvenation treatments improve the overall health and well being of an
individual and prolong life. It is a time tested and proven system that
seeks to boost the Rasas (body fluids) in an individual and to endow it
with maximum potency. Rejuvenation therapy helps to maintain optimum
body performance at a micro level and provides nourishment to the
tissues. It repairs damaged tissues and also facilitates the growth of
new cells.
These Rejuvenation treatments restore youthfulness, arrests ageing,
impart glow to the skin, guarantee strength and vitality, provides
sexual vigour and increases production of shukra dhatus, improve memory
power and intellect, promote longevity and provide immunity from a host
of diseases. It helps an individual maintain permanently a perfect
balance of the body, mind and soul.
Rejuvenation therapies are basically of two types: the shorter version (Vaataatapika) and the longer version (Kuteepraaveshika).
Kuteepraaveshika- Indoor Rasayana therapy
This form of treatment has gained world wide acclaim for its ability to
thwart the ageing process. Studies conducted before and after the
treatments have confirmed the veracity of the claim. The individual
stays in a room cut off from the rest of the world for a specified
period exceeding 40 days. The therapy starts with the panchakarma
treatments and special diets and oral medicines are administered as
part of the rasayana treatments. Yoga and meditation also form part of
the rejuvenation treatments. After the expiry of the stipulated period
of treatment, the individual can expect a complete transformation in
his physical, mental and spiritual life.
Vaataatapik Out door Rasayana therapy
In the shorter version the patient is administered special diets and
oral medicines and undergoes yoga and meditation as part of the
rejuvenation program. There is no compulsion on his part to stay in a
specified area. The benefits accruing from the shorter version,
however, would not match those derived from the longer version.
All
treatments in Ayurveda are prescribed only after a careful diagnosis of
the patient’s body constitution, family history, sex, age, stage of the
disease etc.
The first consultation with an
Ayurveda doctor, including the diagnosis will last for more than an
hour. The basic step in the diagnosis will be to find the person’s body
humour (Dosha) – Vata,
Pita or Kapha, because it is the imbalance of these body humours that create every disease.
The dominance of dosha in a person is found by asking several questions
on his behaviour, food habits, sleeping patterns, personal details like
age, height & weight, place of life, profession, health problems
and medical reports etc. Ayurveda diagnosis comprises of clinical and
laboratory tests also. The doctor can decide if an Ayurveda treatment
is helpful on providing these details.
Pulse, tongue, nail, and eye examinations are important diagnosis
methods used to reveal a person’s body humour and its imbalance. This
will help the doctor in treating the disease.
Pulse
diagnosis in Ayurveda is not just counting the beats. It also reveals the health
status of the entire body constitution, including the dosha imbalance
and the health of the various body organs.
In tongue
diagnosis,
the doctor checks the general appearance, colour and coating of the
tongue. In Ayurveda, as different areas of the tongue correspond to
different organs of the body, the Ayurvedic practitioner can determine
which organs of the body are out of balance by having a detailed tongue
examination.
Nail examination is done to check the type, colour and shape of the person’s nail.
Imbalances of doshas are easily detected on close examination.
In the eye
diagnosis,
the colour, size and even the shape of the eyes are important in
determining the dosha dominance of a person. His mental
status,nervousness, anxiety, confidence level etc can also be learned
through eye diagnosis.
A preliminary consultation with Ayurveda doctors online is also possible nowadays for guests worldwide.
After the diagnosis, the doctor sets out to treat the patient in a
very systematic manner. This would include a set of appropriate Panchakarma
treatments and Rasayana
therapies.
The Panchakarma Treatments are meant to flush out the toxins, They are
classified as pre-purification, main purification and post purification
phases and include various types of therapies like oil massages, fermented
liquid massages, medicinal enemas, herbal purification methods.
The Rasayana Therapies are meant to nourish the body, to bring the doshas
back to balance and to regenerate the body.These comprise diet regulations,
daily regimens, intake of oral medicines and ayurveda tonics, yoga and
a stress free life. After the treatment the ayurveda doctors will advise
you how to lead a healthy life. The beneifts and results of the treatment
are shown only after the Rasyana Treatment is over and doctors advise
is strictly followed. The results will manifest itself normally after
3 to 4 weeks as the body takes time to regenerate itself.
Pre-purification therapies are the first ones applied to loosen the
toxins, open up the circulation channels and get the body ready for
discarding these wastes. These methods are highly relaxing for the body
and mind.
A few of the following pre-purification methods usually adopted in the treatment of rejuvenation therapy are:
Abhyangam treatment whole body massage with ksheerabala thailam or with
yastimadhu thailam is done on the patient as a pre purification
treatment. It improves blood circulation, rejuvenates the whole body,
delays aging, induces sound sleep, promotes vitality, reduces stress
and removes toxins. Guuchi, Guggulu , pippali, amaltas etc are some of the medicinal herbs used in Abhyangam.
In Njavarakizhi the whole body or any specific part of it is made to perspire by applying herb filled boluses on the body. sida, winter cherry and asparagus are some of the medicinal herbs used in njavarakizhi. The
treatment may last from one hour to one and a half hours.
Udvarthanam is body massage with herbal powder lasting for nearly thirty minutes. The most commonly used powder is thriphala, a mixture of gooseberry, belerica and myrobalan.
Main purification therapies This is the phase of elimination of toxins
that were loosened at the pre purification treatment stage. These
therapies are highly potential methods and are usually overseen by
doctors. The commonly adopted Panchakarma treatments for Rejuvenation
therapy are: Vamanam, Virechanam and Vasthi.
Vamanam also known as therapeutic vomiting is a method of treatment in ayurveda
that eliminates the vitiated doshas (waste products) through the upper
gastro-intestinal track. It expels and cleanses undigested food. It is
highly recommended for rejuvenation therapy. Herbs generally used in
vamanam include - emetic nut,nut
grass tuber, sweet flag, liquorice etc.
Virechanam is the purgation using oral intake of safe herbal medicines. This
eliminates poisonous wastes through the anal route. Generally, the
herbs used are turpith, embellia fruits, ginger, cardamom,long
pepper,cinnamon etc.
Vasthi is enema therapy; the ace colon cleaning Panchakarma treatment. Special
medicines are introduced through the anal route for the evacuation of
accumulated toxins and metabolic wastes. Commonly used ingredients are dill seeds, honey, rock salt, herbal pastes, oils and decoctions.
These
are body nourishing therapies to rejuvenate the body and mind after the
Panchakarma treatments. They keep the enzymes in the tissue cells in
their normal functioning condition, restore and balance the body
functions and maintain the overall health and well being of an
individual for much longer periods after the Panchakarma course.
Rejuvenation therapy also includes oral medicines and diet regulation.
Herbal medicines form an important part of any ayurvedic treatment.
Oral medicines for rejuvenation will be extracts of pure medicinal
herbs, leaves, spices etc. These are prepared specifically to restore
the lost balance and to provide for rejuvenation therapy. Kashayam and Arishtam - herbal decoctions and fermentations Lehyams – semi solid formulation are commonly prescribed. Chavana prasam is
highly beneficial and is given to patients as part of the rejuvenation
treatment.
Neem, ginger, amaltas,
nutmeg, punarnava, shatavari, liquorices, gooseberry, bala etc are some
of the medicinal herbs used in the preparation of kashayams, lehyams
and arishtams for use in rejuvenation therapy.
The
type and quantity of the medicines to be taken are decided by the
doctor after a detailed consultation and examination. The patient’s
body type, age etc are also important factors to be considered.
Diet regulation will be suggested at the time of rejuvenation therapy.
Ayurveda diet provides adequate nutrition as well as rest for the
needed organs.
One should consume large amounts of water through out the day as this
will help to flush out the waste matter through the urine. The diet
suggested will be purely vegetarian. This will, however, be very
nutritious. The intake of fruits should be increased. However, your
ayurveda doctor will prescribe a most suitable diet for you at the time
of the rejuvenation treatment. You can find out your type of Prakruthi
and decide a diet for yourself.
Yoga and meditation form an important constituent of all rejuvenation
treatments. These are proven and effective ways to develop and maintain
perfect harmony and balance in our body systems. It provides us with
immunity against all diseases. It alters brain wave activities
reflecting in increased relaxation and a better focused mind.
Life style: One should lead a life that is more in tune with nature.
Consumption of alcohol should be discouraged and one should also avoid
smoking. A regular massage is recommended as also steam baths. One
should maintain personal hygiene and take utmost care to maintain good
bowel movements. Fried foods, colas, aerated water etc are best avoided.
Being a holistic science with emphasis on the body mind and soul,
ayurveda also prescribes a rasayana for psychological and spiritual
health. It is called achara rasayana and emphasizes the importance of
discipline in all our activities. One should practice non violence,
speak always the truth and should follow social ethics.
It is also advised to take at least one or two weeks of rest after the
Panchakarma experience. At this time the body is weak after a
purification process and needs time to get back to normalcy. Avoid
strenuous exercise, late nights, too much television, and other
stimulating experiences.
