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HEALTH SECTION
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Rasayanas
Tantra:
Cleaning Up Time
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Rasayana tantra forms one of the eight specialised branches of ayurveda (the eight branches are often referred to as ashtanga ayurveda). Rasayana tantra basically deals with maintenance and promotion of good health, but is beneficial only if the body is free of ailments. Thus, the requirement of elimination comes first. Once you eliminate the disturbed doshas/imbalances in the body, the body becomes more efficient in assimilation of fresh prana and is ready for rejuvenation.
Among the many sources from which the body derives prana, one important source is the food we eat. The process of digestion, transforms the food into various forms: the prasad (nutrient) is utilised by the body, and the malas (waste), are thrown out. Rasa (the nourishing fluid) is the first manifestation or dhatu produced from the prasad part of the digested food. Rasayanas are those preparations, which produce excellence in rasa dhatu. The main function of rasa is to nourish the body. Thus nourishing the rasa dhatu brings longevity, good memory, strength, radiant complexion and youthful body because rasa dhatu nourishes all other dhatus in the body.
Here are two very easy to prepare and excellent rejuvenators.
Tulsi (holy basil) is one of the most easily available rasayana herb in our country and also happens to be one of the best immunity builders. It's good for all prakriti types, but excess use is not advised for those with pitta constitution. The same goes for honey. Honey, for rejuvenation and preparation of ayurvedic formulae should be preferably at least one year old. Take a tea spoon of tulsi juice mixed with a tea spoon of honey, this provides abundant pranic energy, potent to fight almost all kind of infections and weaknesses.
Mulethi or licorice root powder mixed with warm milk is also said to strengthen jatharagni (fire of digestion), clears complexion, and build immunity. The desired effect of all rasayana therapies starts showing after regular use of at least six months. Mulethi strengthens stomach and sexual organs but it should be avoided by people suffering from heart ailments especially those suffering from high blood pressure.
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—The writer is an ayurved expert from Dhyan Foundation.
For queries contact gautam_aarti@yahoo.co.in |
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December 2007
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