RASAYANA UP TO DATE UNDERSTANDING

DR. GAURAV DESAI

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SOME FACTS

• Average life expectancy in India has risen from 34 years in 1947 to 63.2 years in mid 2003. (from the office of registrar general of India)

• In Japan life expectancy is 82 years. (UNICEF)

DOES IT MEAN EVERYTHING IS HUNKY DORY??

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POINTS TO PONDER

• W.H.O technical report series 2002, reports: Incidence of Rheumatoid arthritis (/100000

population)

Incidence of Osteoarthritis (/100000 population)

AGE GROUP NO. OF PATIENTS

30 – 44 1639

45 - 59 1775

AGE GROUP NO. OF PATIENTS

30 – 44 2247

45 - 59 6587

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CONT…

• Survey conducted by ISEC (Institute for Social and Economic Change), Bangalore in 2007:

Reported alarming increase in number of women reaching an early menopause.

Lowest threshold in the world at 29 – 34 years.

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CONT…

• News report by the PTI (Press Trust Of India) in 2007:

Early ageing setting in in BPO employees.

• NCRB (National Crime reports bureau) report 2006.

India contributes more than 10% of suicides in the world.

67% raise in suicide rate in India since 1980.

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PROBLEM???

• Hastened ageing amongst the population.• Leading to faster degeneration of tissues of

the body.• Increased incidences of diseases affecting

younger individuals.• Diseases at both, mental and physical levels.• Early burnout.

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REASONS???

• Dramatic changes in diet and lifestyle.• Increased levels of stress, mental and physical.• Climate change.• Technological advances have also contributed

greatly. (e.g. frequent air travel)• Change in family structure, relationships.• In general, tendency to move away from

nature.

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POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS???

• Use of diets and supplements.– Less emphasis on diet; or contradictory– Use of antioxidant supplements like Vitamin C,

Vitamin E etc.• Use of cosmetics.– e.g. Botox,Aigireline

• Use of hormones.– e.g. Growth Hormone, Oxytocin, estrogen.

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CONT…

• Quick fix not an answer• Feeling of well being, beauty from

within, naturally.• Not creating facades by potions, pills, lotions.• Ancient wisdom advocated enhancers for

beauty and well being.• Now, sole dependency on external

supplements.

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INTERESTING TO NOTE

• Millions of dollars spent worldwide on invasive and non invasive cosmetics.

• US market for cosmetics is estimated worth $11700 Million. (American Society Of Plastic Surgeons)

• Indian aesthetic/ cosmetic surgery industry registered growth rate of 34% in terms of revenue generation between 2005 and 2007.

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CONT…

• Position of Ayurveda:– Estimated that global Ayurveda industry is about

$14.2 Billion.

– Indian market size is estimated to be 8000 crores.

– Most of it contributed by products of cosmetic and lifestyle applications.

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CONT…

• HENCE:Exponential growth in cosmetic industry.Renewed interest in geriatrics.Studies, researches in Gerontology.Huge interest in Rejuvenation therapies.

{Results 1 - 10 of about 466,000 for rejuvenation therapy. (0.05 seconds)}

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MISCONCEPTIONS!!!• Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Therapy in Kovalam, Kerala• 8 Days • About Package• Aim : For the colplete relaxation of the body,mind and soul. Treatments

included : Relaxation Massage, General Massage, Head Massage, Feet Massage, Synchronic Massage, Thaila Dhara, Thakradhara, Medicated Steam Bath, podikizhi, etc. Duration : 2 to 2.30 hrs/day.

• Total CostG B P 595

• Package Includes• Airport Transfer pick up/drop out at Trivandrum Airport. • Package Includes accommodation in A/C Rooms. • Full board Ayurveda Vegetarian or Non Vegetarian food. • All taxes. • Half day sightseeing of Trivandrum.

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ANSWERS PROVIDED BY AYURVEDA

• Geriatrics has always been included in eight branches of Ayurveda.

• Holistic approach professed by Ayurveda is ideal.

• Complete package to fight consequences of change in diet and lifestyle available.

• Includes Diet, Drugs, Regimen

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PHYLOSOPHICAL BACKGROUND

• Long healthy life has been a priority in human life since antiquity.

• Hymns and prayers in Vedas devoted to healthy living and longevity.

• Concept of immortal nature of Jeeva, rebirth.• Further flourished during the period of

recording of Ayurvedic literature.

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RASAYANA??

• One of eight clinical specialties of Ayurveda.• Aimed at rejuvenation including geriatric care.• Specialized procedure.• Includes:

–Rejuvenative recipes.–Dietary regimen.–Special health promoting conduct and

behavior.

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CONT…

• sÉÉpÉÉåmÉÉrÉÉå ÌWû zÉxiÉÉlÉÉÇ UxÉÉSÏlÉÉÇ UxÉÉrÉlÉqÉç II Ca. Chi. 1/1/8

• xuÉxjÉxrÉÉåeÉïxMüUÇ rɨÉÑ iÉSè uÉ×wrÉÇ iÉSìxÉÉrÉlÉqÉç II Ca. Chi.

1/1/5

• Accelerated and appropriated nutrition leading to improved biological competence of the body.

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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES

Samhita period

• Charaka Samhita– Rasayana described eloquently and elaborately.– Described in 1st chapter of Chikitsa sthana.– Four Padas or parts described.– Emphasis on maintaining positive health and

longevity.

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RASAYANA IN CHARAKARASAYANA PADA NO. OF YOGA CONTENTS OF PADA

ABHAYA AMALAKI 6 BHESHAJA, TYPES OF RASYANA, CHYAVANAPRASH

PRANA KAMIYA 37 VYADHI HARANA, BHALLATAKA

KARAPRACHITIYA 16 LOHA, SHILAJATU

AYURVEDA SAMUTTHANIYA 4 DRONI PRAVESHIKA, AINDRA RASAYANA, ACHARA RASAYANA

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CONT…

• Sushruta Samhita– Rasayana described in chapters 27 – 30 of chikitsa

sthana.– Moderate description of Rasayana as compared to

Charaka Samhita.– Four parts in the chapter, two deal with Divya

Rasayanas. (Not available and hence of academic value only)

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RASAYANA IN SUSHRUTACHIKITSA CHAPTER NAME OF CHAPTER CONTENTS

27 SARVOPAGHATA SHAMANEEYA ARHA FOR RASAYANA, VARIOUS YOGAS

28 MEDHAYUSHKAMIYA FOR BUDDHI AND MEDHA

29 SVABHAVA VYADHI PRATISHEDHANIYA

DIVYA RASAYANA

30 NIVRITTA SANTAPIYA RASAYANA

REDUCES SANTAPA

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CONT…

• Ashtanghridaya– Compiled from Charaka and Sushruta.– Rasayana describes in Uttara Tantra, chapter 39.

i.e. the last but one chapter of the treatise.– Deleted Divya Rasayanas, added newer drugs.– The work was in tune with the requirements of

time.

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CONT…

• Later, with advent of Rasashastra, various minerals, metals, poisons used as Rasayanas.

• References of use of Rasayana drugs in increasing, decreasing dosages with specific Anupana.

• Texts in later periods like Bhavaprakasha, Sharangdhara have limited mention of Rasayana.

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CONT…

• To summarize:– Rasayana most popular in the period of Charaka.– Occurrence of diseases increased, therapeutics

elaborated by subsequent authors.– Rasayana, particularly Kutipraveshika became less

popular.– Rasayana drugs started being used along with

therapeutics.– Phase of stagnation of Rasayana post Charaka.

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MODE OF ACTION???

RASAYANA

ACQUISITION, CIRCULATION, MOVEMENT

OF NUTRITION

TO BODY TISSUES AND TISSUE PERFORATION

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CONT…

• Direct enrichment of rasa (Nutrient plasma)e.g. Shatavari, Dugdha

• Improving Agni (Digestion and metabolism)e.g. Bhallataka

• Promoting competence of srotas (microcirculatory channels, improve bioavailability)e.g. Guggulu

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CONT…RASAYANA

RASA AGNI SROTAS

IMPROVED NOURISHMENT

IMPROVED QUALITY OF TISSUES

LONGEVITY IMMUNITY MENTAL COMPETENCE

REJUVENATION

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THEORETICAL PREMISE FOR REJUVENATION

• Quenching of free radicals, using membrane stabilizing agents.

• Using Lathyrogens-which are capable of inhibiting cross-linkage of collagen in the connective tissue.

• In certain autoimmune conditions, using immunosuppressant.

• Interestingly the drugs, which are the main ingredients of certain Ayurveda preparations, contain most of the above properties.

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CLASSIFICATION OF RASAYANASCOPE OF USE

KAMYAPRANAKAMYA

MEDHAKAMYA

SHRIKAMYA

NAIMITTIKA

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CONT…

METHOD OF USE

KUTIPRAVESHIKA VATATAPIKA

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CONT…

CONTENTS OF RASAYANA

AUSHADHA AJASRIKA ACHARA

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PREREQUISITES

• Shodhana therapy administered compulsorily before Rasayana.

• Mental purification also given importance.

• Similie: from Sushruta Samhita:– Like a cloth needs cleaning before dyeing, similarly

Rasayana doesn't show expected results without shodhana .

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METHOD OF USE

1. Vatatapika rasayana: Less vigorous. Person remains in society. Exposed to sun, air. Continues normal routine. More convenient and cheap.

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CONT…

1. KUTIPRAVESHIKA RASAYANA Specialized indoor regime. Rigorous process. Person placed in a specially designed KUTI. Undergo purificatory procedures. Superior benefits.

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MEDHYA RASYANA

• Improved intellect is an attribute of Rasayana.• Certain drugs specifically promote pradnya. • Sushruta describes Divya aushadhis.• Charaka describes 4 medhya Rasayanas.• References also found in Vagbhata and other

texts.• Drugs have shown to possess anxiolytic and

memory enhancing properties.

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NAIMITTIKA RASYANA

• Subsequent development of Rasayana.• Concept emerged in Sushruta, clearly stated

by Dalhana.• Disease specific Rasayanas.• Promotes specific vitality in specific diseases.• E.g. Shilajatu in Prameha.• E.g. Tuvaraka in Kushtha.• E.g. Shalparni in Hridroga.

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RASAYANA DRUGS

• Herbal and mineral drugs having Rasayana effects have been listed by seers.

• Used either singly of as compound formulations.

• Certain dravyas are used in increasing dosage generally with specific dietary regime.

• Possess anabolising and virilising properties.

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ACHARA RASYANA

• Unique concept.• Emphasis not only on drug.• Behavior and conduct greatly influences health.• Improved social behavior, indirect effects on

health.• Reduces stress and anxiety and emotional

disturbances.• Promotes pronounced anabolic state of mind and

body.

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AJASRIKA RASAYANA

• Continuous consumption of nutritious diet.• Body and consequently longevity depends on

Ahara.• Aimed to maintain optimum nutrition by way

of direct nourishment.• Use of Ghrita, Dugdha is advocated in daily

diet.

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SELECTION OF RASAYANA

• Selection based on:– Vaya mÉÔuÉï uÉrÉÍxÉ qÉkrÉå uÉÉ II Su.

Chi.– Prakriti– Satmya– Agni– Dhatus– Srotas– Desha– Kala zÉUÌSuÉxliÉå zÉÑYsÉmɤÉå

mÉëzÉxiÉåÅWûÌlÉ......|| As.Sa.Ut

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ARHATA FOR RASAYANA

• A man who has fortified himself with resolution and purpose.

• Full of faith and single-mindedness.• Having cast off all evils.• Nurturing goodwill for all creatures.

• Charaka Samhita.

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Classification of Rasayana by: Sharangdhara

DECADE OF LIFE DESIRED EFFECT DESIRABLE RASAYANAS

1-10 BAALYA VACHA, SUVARNA

11-20 VRIDDHI KASHMARI, BALA

21-30 CHAVI AMALAKI, LOHA

31-40 MEDHA SHANKHAPUSHPI

41-50 TVAK JYOTISHMATI

51-60 DRISTI JYOTISHMATI

61-70 SHUKRA ATMAGUPTA, ASHWAGANDHA

71-80 VIKRAMA RASAYANA MAY NOT BE EFFECTIVE

81-90 BUDDHI

91-100 KARMENDRIYA

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CONCEPT OF NITYA RASAYANA

• Proposed by Ashtang Hridaya.• Truthfulness.• Calm.• Control over indriyas.• Follows sadvrutta.• Indicates ideal behaviour.• May help a great deal in countering day to day

stress and anxiety.

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CONCLUSION

• Conventional understanding, that Rasayana is geriatric care is untrue.

• Rasayana is primarily of promotive value.• Rejuvenate body and mind.• It is the Science of Nutrition.• Proper nutrition is primary attribute of

Rasayana.• Longevity is one of its secondary attributes.

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REFERENCES

• Charaka Samhita.• Sushruta Samhita.• Ashtanga hridaya.• Kayachikitsa, Acharya Vidyadhara Shukla• Ayurvediya rasayana sara.• History of Medicine in India.• Internet.

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