Rasāyana Chikitsā in Ayurveda with Classical References

Rasāyana Chikitsā in Ayurveda with Classical References

Introduction

Rasāyana Chikitsā, one of the foremost branches of Ayurveda, is a rejuvenative therapy aimed at promoting long life, enhancing memory, improving intellect, strengthening immunity, and delaying the process of aging. The word “Rasāyana” is derived from Rasa (essence, nutrition) and Āyana (path, infusion), meaning a therapeutic pathway that enriches all the body tissues (dhātus). Classical texts describe Rasāyana not only as pharmacological formulations but also as lifestyle measures, dietary rules, and ethical conduct.

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1. Charaka Saṃhitā – Chikitsāsthāna (1/7–8)

Śloka

दीर्घमायुः स्मृतिं मेधामारोग्यं तरुणं वयः ।
प्रभां वर्णं स्वरौदार्यं देहेन्द्रियबलं परम् ॥
वाक्सिद्धिं प्रजासंपत्तिं प्राप्तुमिच्छेत् रसायनम् ॥

Meaning
Rasāyana therapy grants longevity, memory, intelligence, health, youthful age, luster, complexion, clarity of voice, strength of body and senses, success in speech, and progeny.

Reference – Charaka Saṃhitā, Chikitsāsthāna, Chapter 1

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2. Suśruta Saṃhitā – Chikitsāsthāna (27/3)

Śloka

वयः स्थैर्यं चेन्द्रियाणां प्रज्ञास्तिमितदर्शनम् ।
देहे च स्थैर्यमायुष्यं रसायनानामीरितम् ॥

Meaning
Rasāyana ensures stability of age, preservation of sense functions, enhancement of intellect, clarity of perception, bodily stability, and longevity.

Reference – Suśruta Saṃhitā, Chikitsāsthāna, Chapter 27

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3. Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya – Uttaratantra (39/1)

Śloka

रसायनं च तद्विद्याद्यदायु: स्मृतिमेधसः ।
बलं वर्णं कृतिं कीर्तिं प्रजानां च प्रसादने ॥

Meaning
Rasāyana is that therapy which bestows longevity, memory, intellect, strength, complexion, fame, and prosperity in progeny.

Reference – Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Uttaratantra, Chapter 39

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4. Charaka Saṃhitā – Sūtrasthāna (1/7) (on preventive aspect)

Śloka

आयुषः कामयमानेन धर्मार्थसुखसाधनम् ।
आयुर्वेदोपदेशेषु विधेयः परमादरः ॥

Meaning
For those desiring a healthy life to achieve Dharma, Artha, and Sukha, Ayurveda prescribes Rasāyana therapy as an essential discipline.

Reference – Charaka Saṃhitā, Sūtrasthāna, Chapter 1

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Scientific Relevance

Modern research correlates Rasāyana therapy with immunomodulation, antioxidant activity, neuroprotection, anti-aging effects, adaptogenic action, and disease-specific benefits. Herbs like Āmalakī (Emblica officinalis), Guḍūcī (Tinospora cordifolia), Aśvagandhā (Withania somnifera), Brahmī (Bacopa monnieri), and Śilājatu are proven to enhance immunity, improve cognition, and delay degenerative changes.

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Conclusion

Rasāyana Chikitsā is not merely a branch of Ayurveda but a holistic rejuvenative science integrating medicine, diet, lifestyle, and ethics. Classical references unanimously highlight its role in achieving long life, immunity, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Today, it forms a bridge between traditional Ayurveda and modern preventive & geriatric medicine.

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📌 Classical References

1. Charaka Saṃhitā, Chikitsāsthāna, Chapter 1.

2. Suśruta Saṃhitā, Chikitsāsthāna, Chapter 27.

3. Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Uttaratantra, Chapter 39.

📌 Modern References (examples)

• Baliga MS, et al. "Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Emblica officinalis." Food Funct. 2011.

• Singh N, et al. "Tinospora cordifolia: a review of its medicinal properties and applications." Indian J Pharmacol. 2003.

• Tandon N, Yadav SS. "Contributions of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in the area of Medicinal plants." Indian J Med Res. 2017.