Ayurveda, the oldest system of natural medicine, does not only deal with the treatment of health problems, but as the meaning of its name suggests - Ayur (life) and veda (science), it is a holistic approach to life.
In addition to sophisticated diagnostics based on the determination of individual prakrti (original ratio of three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha, which determines our psychosomatic nature), which is followed by a proper Ayurvedic treatment, another and equally important intention of the Ayurvedic medicine is to maintain individual balance (i.e disease prevention) and enhance rejuvenation and strengthening of the body so that it can achieve longevity and a happy and fulfilled healthy life.
Rasayana - Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Therapy of Longevity
One of the first recordings of this method comes from the 11th century by a Persian scholar, scientist and physician Al Biruni, who traveled to India and was once considered the "founder of Indology". In his scholar script, he mentions: .. they call it rasayana, which means an art based on certain acts, drugs and medicines, most of which are derived from plants. Its principles restore the health of those who have fallen ill and have lost hope, and restore youth to a weakening old age… "
Rasa - the Essence of Life
The word rasa has many meanings in Ayurveda, one of which is the fluid or essence of life, and it flows in our body like plasma or plasma tissue (rasa dhata). It is the first product of our digestion (the transformation from food to plasma takes five days), and therefore it carries nutrition for the whole body. Plasma contains white and red blood cells, blood serum and lymph, which forms the lymphatic system supporting the body's resistance. According to ancient knowledge, the amount of rasa in the body is 9 anjali (the amount that fits in the joined palms) and corresponds to about 6.5 liters. The quality of rasa is important for the nutrition of all other tissues of the body (blood, muscles, fat, bones and joints, nervous tissue and reproductive organs). A healthy and strong rasa brings sharp perceptions, clear thinking and enhances love, faith and trust.
Tip: The Ayurvedic nutritional elixir Rasaprash is used to strengthen and purify plasma tissue.
Another meaning for the word rasa is mercury. In our western world, mercury is considered an element that is toxic to humans and can cause death. In ancient India, however, they were able to purify this heaviest metal to obtain fine mercury, which ceases to be a poison and becomes one of the most effective means of achieving longevity. However, this purification is a very complicated process.
Natural Rejuvenating Agents
The best means for proper nutrition and regeneration of rasa include milk (we recommend only in organic quality), natural cane syrup, honey, clarified butter (ghee), healthy oils, massages, baths, rest and sleep.
Rasayana therapy enriches rasa with nutrients to strengthen overall physical and mental health, slow down the aging process, promote good skin and facial appearance, stimulate memory, concentration and cognitive function, and relieve body from tension and stress.
The best and most available Rasayana elixir is considered to be Chyawanprash, an Ayurvedic herbal jam that was first prepared by the sage Chyawan when he restored his youth and full health with the help of Ayurvedic herbs preserved in clarified butter or ghee and honey. In its original recipe, Chyawanprash contains up to 50 kinds of herbs, many of which have been discovered to be adaptogenic by modern research. It is mainly amla or amalaki (Emblica officinalis), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bhibitaki (Terminalia bellirica), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), brahmi (Centella asiatica), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), shatawari (Asparagus racemosus) and more.
Mental Well-being Rejuvenates the Body
A good mental state and psychic balance in the form of conscious behavior, positive thinking, emotions and experiences, gentle expression, sharing inspiration, benevolence, generosity, respect for others, respect for oneself, rejoice in what we enjoy and the ability to dwell in your own silence also contribute significantly to the overall rejuvenation of the body.
"A cheerful mind has always been a perfect guide to a healthy body." — Sri Chinmoy
During rasayana, it is necessary to limit excessive physical and mental activity and avoid stimulants, mental agitation, intense communication and watching television. On the contrary, it is good to look for a calm and quiet environment, stay in nature, play easy sports, to exercise or practice yoga and meditation. Rasayana is especially suitable for constitutional types of vata to stimulate the strength of the digestive fire and metabolism, gain a healthy body weight and increase psychic resilience.