Role of Rasayanas in ENT

D Devika; V Hamsaveni

Role of Rasayanas in ENT

Devika D.^1*, Hamsaveni V.²

DOI:

^1* D Devika, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of PG studies in Shalakya Tantra, Sri Kalabyraveshwaraswamy Ayurvedic Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

² V Hamsaveni , Professor, Department of PG studies in Shalakya Tantra, Sri Kalabyraveshwaraswamy Ayurvedic Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

The role of Rasayana in the present era is inevitable. As the mankind is suffering from many kinds of diseases, in order to protect himself from them Rasayanas are indicated. Rasayana is a therapy which improves the normal functioning of human body and also enhances the standard of life. In Shalakyatantra, Rasayana therapy gives clarity to the sense organs. In day-to-day life implementing Rasayanas will make the sense organs stronger and prevents from diseases.

Keywords: Rasayana, Shalakya Tantra, sense organs

Corresponding Author	How to Cite this Article	To Browse
D Devika, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of PG studies in Shalakya Tantra, Sri Kalabyraveshwaraswamy Ayurvedic Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Email:	D Devika, V Hamsaveni , Role of Rasayanas in ENT. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(9):100-104. Available From https://www.jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2002

Introduction

Rasayana is considered as one among the Ashtangas of Ayurveda. It can be described as a way to achieve homeostasis and thus retarding the process of aging phenomenon and prevention of diseases. Aging in Ayurveda is considered as disease occurring due to the natural process of degeneration and thus, preventing premature aging and making aging in a healthy way is also considered under the aspect of Rasayana. Since Ayurveda directed towards the goal as “Swastasya Swasthya Rakshanam Aturasya Vikara Prashamanam,” it helps in maintaining the health of a healthy individual and also alleviation of diseases. Charaka Samhita describes Rasayana in the first few chapters of Chikitsa Sthana in Sushruta Samhita it is pushed back to chapters 27-30 of Chikitsa Sthana. In Astanga Hridaya, Rasayana does not find a special place in Chikitsa Sthana and is described only briefly that in the 39^th chapter of Uttar Tantra. This reflects on the declining importance of Rasayana therapy in the Samhita period itself. The golden period of Rasayana Tantra of Charka and Sushruta era gradually faced a decline with the passage of time as the occurrence of ailments took strength. Particularly the indoor Rasayanas lost their popularity so much so that gradually Rasayana lost its place as independent specialty and came to be regarded as part of Chikitsa especially Kayachikitsa. As mentioned in the effects of Rasayana therapy, it gives strength to Indriyas. The congenital abnormalities like Badhirya, Mooka, Andhatva etc., are prevented by giving Rasayanas in antenatal period to the mother. Since Shalakya Tantra is the science of Gnanendriyas, Rasayana (Medya, Brumhana, Tarpana) is needed to restore their normal functioning and to prevent their pathologies. In the present scenario, we have to give more importance in maintaining the normal functioning of our ears, nose and throat regions because they get exposed to microorganisms easily which eventually lead to certain diseases. Rasayana Aushadhis for ENT organs is inevitable and should be followed religiously. This can help in maintaining the normal flora of the mucosal lining of these organs.

Effects of Rasayana: A person undergoing rejuvenation therapy attains longevity, memory, intellect, freedom from diseases, youth, excellence of luster, complexion, and voice,

excellent potentiality of the body and the sense-organs, Vak-Siddhi, respect and brilliance. The means by which one gets the excellence of Rasa (the nourishing fluid which is produced immediately after digestion etc., is known as Rasayana or a rejuvenation therapy. Apart from the excellence of raw, the individual is endowed with psychic excellence like sharp memory etc., by virtue of rejuvenation therapy.^[1]

Rasayana in Shalakya: Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment. In at least 1 billion - or almost half - of these cases, vision impairment could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed. The majority of people with vision impairment and blindness are over the age of 50 years; however, vision loss can affect people of all ages. (WHO)^[2] According to World Health Organization 42 million people have hearing loss. Similarly, the case of tonsilitis among children is increasing day by day. Headache has also become a common ailment in the world which is occurring irrespective of age groups. In order to avoid the diseases which occur in the Jatrurwa region Rasayana therapy can be followed. This improves the quality of perception of our sense organs. Our Acharyas have mentioned Rasayanas for strengthening our Indriyas, provided it is considered as important organs in our body.

Rasayana in ENT: Present lifestyle and environmental pollution are causing hazardous effect on health of the Indriyas. The common Nidanas are Rajo, Dhuma, Sheetavayu, Aatapa Sevana etc. which has become inevitable due to pollution and population. Hence incidences of allergic and immune compromised manifestations have become common these days. The mechanical lifestyle, faulty food habits, restless schedule, stress and strain have made the person to be away from Sadvrutta and Yoga thus leading to nutritional and auto immune disorders. These can lead to degenerative changes of body tissues which leads to cessation of normal physiological activities. Rasayana therapy is useful in building immunity against the causative factors and proper functioning of the Indriyas.

Karna: The functions of ear are perception of sound and maintaining body equilibrium. For these actions the anatomical framework and the normal physiology should be preserved.

The common causes are exposure to loud sound, improper diet, exposure to mist or water. Prolonged exposure to Nidanas and due to progression of age, people are usually affected with deafness, tinnitus etc.

So, to prevent or delay the progression of the diseases Rasayana should be followed. The main Dosha involved in Karna Rogas is Vata. An elderly person is usually subjected Vataja Vyadhis which involves high chances of Karna Rogas like sensory neural deafness, tinnitus etc. For any Karna Rogas after administration of Shamana Aushadhis Acharyas have explained Rasayanas to complete the course of treatment.

Nasa: “Nasa Hi Shirasodhwaram”- it is considered as a gateway to Shiras. It is also a pathway to our respiratory system. It the probable way through which infectious agents enters our body through inhalation. Inhalation of mist, dust particles, cold wind, improper diet, improper sleep cycle, drinking polluted water etc. can lead to Pratishyaya. If not treated it can lead to lower respiratory infections. Few people develop instant reaction on exposure to dust, pollens which can lead to allergic rhinitis. Children are often affected with common cold & flu since their immune system is in a developing stage. Proper administration of Rasayana can prevent the allergic reactions or control of disease of the nasal passage.

Mukha: The health of a person can be assessed by his oral cavity. The oral cavity consisting of teeth, gums, tongue, palate is lined by mucosa which helps in protecting the structures. Mukha is the area for Jnanendriya and Karmendriya. The normalcy of the anatomical structures and physiological actions is essential for proper articulation of words and perception of taste. The Rasayana therapy can be followed for proper functioning of Rasanendriya, to maintain the health of gums, strength of teeth & for a clearer voice.

Shira: Shiras is considered as Uttamanga. It is the seat of Prana Vayu and also comprises of Indriyas. Clinical applicability is better explained by Acharya Vagbhata, Shiras is corelated to the Moola (root) of the plant and limbs are considered as the trunk. If any problem to the Moola can cause destruction of the plant. If a person follows improper diet, if no sleep pattern, exposure to wind, excessive drinking of water etc. can be causes for Shiroroga.

Stress is considered as a common factor which can lead to Shiroroga right from headache to hairfall. So, to manage these few Rasayana therapies which helps in combating the diseases which are prevalent in our society.

General Rasayanas told in our classics

Brahma Rasayana	(Ca.Chi.1-1/41-57,58-61) (A.H.U.39/15-23)
Chyavanaprasha	(Ca.Chi.1-1/62-74) (A.H.U.39/33-42)
Amalakka Rasayana	(Ca.Chi.1-1/75) (A.H.U.39/28-32)
Haritakyadi Yoga	(Ca.Chi.1-1/ 76,77-78)
Amalakagritha	(Ca.Chi.1-2/4-6)
Amalaka Avaleha	(Ca.Chi.1-2/7,10)
Amalaka Churna	(Ca.Chi.1-2/8)
Vidangavaleha	(Ca.Chi.1-2/ 9)
Nagabala Rasayana	(Ca.Chi.1-2/ 11)
Kevalamalaka Rasayana	(Ca.Chi.1-3/ 9-14)
Lauhadi Rasayana	(Ca.Chi.1-3/15-23)
Abhayamalaka Rasayana	(A.H.U.39/24-27)
Triphala Rasayana	(A.H.U.39/42,42)
Pippali Rasayana	(Ca.Chi.1-3/32-35)

Disease specific Rasayanas

Pippali Rasayana (Ca. Chi. 1-3/32-35) - Galamaya, Vairasya, Peenasa
Pippali Rasayana (A. H.U. 39/101-102) - Galagraha
Vardhamana Pippali Rasayana (A. S. U. 24/ 27) - Dushtapratishyaya
Satapaka Bala Taila (Su.Chi. 15) - Karna Roga
Balataila - Nasanaha (Su.U.23/9)
Varunadi Grita (S.U. 26/ 9) - Shiroroga

General Rasayanas

Intake of water early in the morning- prevents Galaroga, Shirashula, Karnashula (Cakradatta)
Gritha Pana (Su.U.21/3) - Karna Roga, Nasashosha (S.U.23/11), Pratishyaya (S.U.24/18)
Intake of Gritha or Taila after intake of milk - Shiraroga ( Su.U.26/ 3)
Rasala - Pratishyaya (A.H.U.40)

Single Drug Therapy^[3]

Guduchi
Tejohva - Kanta
Yashtimadhu - Kanta & upper respiratory tract
Jyotishmati - head

Guggulu - pain
Shalaparni - head & upper respiratory tract
Bakuchi - Keshya, Karna
Haritaki
Amalaki
Bringaraja - Keshya, upper respiratory tract, head
Jatamansi - head
Soma - Pratishyaya
Tejapatra - Ruchi
Patramla - Ruchi
Saireyaka - Kesharanjana
Tila - Keshya
Sleshmataka - Keshya
Bakula - Danta
Rasna - Shira
Mundi - Shiroroga
Silhaka - Kanta
Varahikanda
Bijaka - Keshya
Shanapushpi - Kantya
Nili - Keshya
Draksha
Karpasa - Karna
Rajika - Keshya
Rasona - upper respiratory tract
Agaru - upper respiratory tract
Pippali - upper respiratory tract
Punarnava - Swasa
Nirgundi - Keshya
Vasa - Swara
Patala - Kanta
Brahmi
Ashwagandha
Kantakari - upper respiratory
Shankhapushpi - Swara & head
Mandukaparni - head & upper respiratory tract

Lavanga - Ruchi
Bibitaki - Keshya
Khadira - Danta
Sharapunga - upper respiratory tract
Aparajita - head

Discussion

Rasayana is a specialized type of treatment influencing the fundamental aspects of the body i.e., Dhatu, Agni, and Srotas. It is possible that different Rasayana drugs may act with predominance effect at different levels.

These comprehensive effects are brought about with the help of the varied Pharmacodynamics properties of these drugs. Rasayana effect is not a specific pharmacological action but is a complex phenomenon operating through a comprehensive mechanism involving the fundamental factors like Rasa-Samhana, Dhatus, Agni and Srotas. It may ultimately be leading to the achievement of comprehensive effect as stated by Aacharya Charak “Labhopayo Hi Shastanam Rasadinam Rasayanam”. It produces the Rasayana effects mentioned in term of Vayasthapana and Ayushkara, Medhakara, Urjaskara so that Rasayana Dravya’s acting at the level of Rasa by improving specific nutritional values of Poshak Rasa.

Probably Rasayana Dravyas are having Madhura, Guru, Snigdha and Sheeta properties act as Rasayana at the level of Rasa by promoting the nutritional value of Rasa which in turn help in obtaining the best quality of Dhatus The Rasayana Dravyas possessing the Ushna, Laghu, Ruksha and Katu, Tikta, Kashaya Rasa may be acting at the level of Agni, Vitalizing the organic metabolism leading to an improved structural and function pattern of Dhatus, may cause Srotoshodhana and production of the Rasayana effects.

Anabolic effects: Initial investigations of Rasayana drugs were designed to elicit their role on metabolism and tissue building. Dravyas like Aamalaki, Pippali, Guduchi, has shown a positive hint in this direction regular administration of such drugs was found to promote tissue building.

Thus degeneration of tissues is prevented or delayed which results in improved functioning of sense organs.

Anti-Stress Effect: The process of living is subjected to many paradoxical situations. One such a paradox is Stress. It is practically difficult to define the normal and abnormal values for stress and it will be highly variable. What matters the most is one’s own threshold of tolerance. If you have a good tolerance, it is easy to fight against any kind of stress. Therefore, we look at the means of improving our own tolerance and a Rasayana drug could come to your rescue to some extent. Pharmacological investigations on drugs like Aswagandha point to this unique biological effect of Rasayana drugs. Accordingly a drug with Rasayana quality can benefit the user in two distinct ways Firstly it can neutralize the negative effects of stress on physiological and restore homeostasis. This effect is generally termed as anti-stress effect. Secondly a long-term administration of such drugs may enhance one’s own tolerance levels and help to cope up with stress better. This particular effect is termed as Adaptogenic effect. Stress being a major factor in any kind of Shiroroga, Rasayana therapy can cause effect to a certain extent.

Immuno-modulatary Effect: Immunity is another biological phenomenon with varied implications. At its first place immune system works to fight back any kind of external invasions on the body e.g. invasions by microbes. Immune system is a multi-locational, multi-component defense system guarding the body as a whole. Rasayana Dravyas are being continuously explored for their effect on immune system. Available evidences show that, these drugs can be used to modulate the immune function. They may work to enhance immune function and build you firm deep within

Anti-oxidant effect: There has been a tremendous understanding today on the rampaging effects of oxygen free radicals if generated in excess free radicals, by producing certain kinds of enzymes to some extent. When these natural mechanisms become inadequate, the concentration of free radicals goes up in the tissues and lead to various diseases. Today oxygen free radicals are implicated in to wide range of diseases starting from minor allergies to cancers. Rasayana drugs are now discovered to help the physiological in overcoming such oxidative injury. Present understanding goes that a Rasayana drug enhances the natural enzymatic defense mechanism of the body.

Anti-aging Effect: Administration of Rasayana drugs appears to be associated with prevention of aging also. There have been only few investigations in this direction and they are too inadequate to prove or disapprove ancient thought. Available evidences faintly indicate that Rasayana drugs could influence the secretion of a hormone Dihydroxy phenyl Alanine (DHEA), the deficiency of which is implicated in the process of aging. Neurotransmitter substances such as Norepinephrine, Acetyl chlorine or Dopamine (DHEA) are released in stress conditions. Repeated stress on every cell causes aging process.^[4]

Conclusion

In the present scenario, Rasayana has become important to promote the general health of every individual. Even people who are susceptible to diseases or who are suffering from a disease, Rasayana should be administered according to the condition of the person.

Reference

1. Agnivesh, Charaka, Dridhabala, Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Rasayan-Vajikaran Adhyaya. Chaukhamba Bharati Academy, Varanasi. 2nd ed. 2007. 1/1 vidyotini Hindi commentary by Kashiram Shastri and Gorakhnath Chaturvedi; pp. 35–6

2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment

3. Sharma P.V. Dravyaguna Vijnana volume 2 nd, Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, Varanasi Reprint 2007.

4. Pallavi N. Mane et al: Rasayana Therapy: Mode of Action of Rasayan Dravya’s. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal {online} 2017 {cited March, 2017}

Manuscript Received	Review Round 1	Review Round 2	Review Round 3	Accepted
2022-08-22	2022-08-23	2022-08-30	2022-09-06	2022-09-13
Conflict of Interest	Funding	Ethical Approval	Plagiarism X-checker	Note
Nil	Nil	Yes	19%

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Rasayana

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