E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Non-Communicable Diseases

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 5 May
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Rasayana: Preventive measures for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Sruthi M1*, Maindoli G2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.5.29

1* Madugula Sruthi, Assistant Professor, Department of Swasthavritta Evam Yoga, Charak Ayurvedic Medical College Hospital and Research Center Hapur, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.

2 Geeta Maindoli, Assistant Professor, Department of Swasthavritta evam Yoga, Aroma Ayurvedic Medical College Shantarshah, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.

The most valuable possession we may have ourselves is good health. Everyone aspires to live a healthy life. One of the obstacles to achieving them is non-communicable diseases. Due to their high mortality rate, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing worry for society, national governments, and the entire world. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 41 million deaths every year globally and 74% of all deaths, are the leading cause of death. The self-management, genetic, environmental, medical conditions and sociodemographic categories can all be used to group the primary risk factors for NCDs. Every medical system places a strong emphasis on curing diseases, but in Ayurveda, the goal of healthcare programs is always to maintain and preserve health rather than curing diseases. Previous studies demonstrated that practicing Atulyagotravivah and Putreshti Yagya before conception, Masanumasika, and Garbhini Paricharya throughout pregnancy and during the developing stage of adolescence, might reduce the risk of NCDs in children. Other research studies show that Rasayana contains antioxidants that reduce free radicals, which are thought to be a risk factor for NCDs. Studies affirm Rasayana practices rejuvenate mind-body systems. Integrating Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Shodhana, and Rasayana, including Aachar Rasayana and Sadvritta, alongside Yoga and Rasayana, partly prevents NCDs. Rasayana enhances immunity, Agni, tissue enrichment, and synthesis.

Keywords: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Rasayana, Antioxidants, Lifestyle factors, Preventive healthcare

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Madugula Sruthi, Assistant Professor, Department of Swasthavritta Evam Yoga, Charak Ayurvedic Medical College Hospital and Research Center Hapur, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Sruthi M, Maindoli G, Rasayana: Preventive measures for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(5):175-178.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3196

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-03-17 2024-03-27 2024-04-08 2024-04-15 2024-04-21
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 23.95

© 2024by Sruthi M, Maindoli Gand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Our health is the most valuable asset we may own. Everyone wants to have a healthy lifestyle. Ayurveda is a medical system that strongly emphasizes prevention over treatment. A sedentary lifestyle, inactivity, stress at work, and to some extent ignorance all contribute to increased health problems. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, are medical conditions that are associated with long durations and slow progress.

Due to their high mortality rate, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing worry for society, national governments, and the entire world. Every year, 41 million people die from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 74% of all fatalities worldwide.[1]

Every medical system places a strong emphasis on curing diseases, however in Ayurveda, maintaining and sustaining health is the major goal of healthcare strategies rather than curing diseases. Ayurveda mentions daily and seasonal routines, dietary guidelines, and social behavior codes to accomplish this goal, along with the implications of Rasayana. Rasayana Chikitsa is a unique branch of Ayurveda that nourishes and revitalizes the body in addition to aiding in detoxification. Rasayana's ultimate goal is to enhance a healthy person's health.[2] According to Ayurveda, Rasayana enhances Ojas by fostering the growth, development, and optimal function of each of the seven Dhatus (excellence of tissues). Both the body and the mind are affected by rejuvenation therapy, which also reduces the effects of early aging and increases the body's resistance to illness.[3]

Aims and Objectives

To assess the influence of lifestyle factors on NCD prevalence and management, while examining the feasibility of incorporating Rasayana into contemporary healthcare for NCD prevention and management.

Materials and Methods

The foundational knowledge base of this study draws upon ancient Āyurvedic texts such as the Susruta Samhita, Caraka Samhita, and other renowned classics, along with their accompanying

commentaries. These texts, collectively known as the Brihattrayee and Laghutrayee, provide the conceptual framework essential for this research. Additionally, a comprehensive review of contemporary publications, scientific textbooks, research papers, and seminar proceedings has been undertaken to enrich the understanding of the subject matter and facilitate a meaningful comparison with modern scientific principles.

Classification of Rasayana

  • Rasayana based on Diet and Lifestyle.
  • Rasayana Chikitsa as a source of Antioxidants.
  • Rasayana therapy based on Place.
  • Rasayana therapy based on Need.

Rasayana’s mechanism of action in Non-Communicable Disorders

  • Unhealthy diets and behaviors are the primary causes of non-communicable diseases. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the only viable alternative. So following Rasayana Chikitsa is regarded as a useful preventive approach for non-communicable diseases.
  • Rasayana therapy works at the level of Rasa, Agni and Srotas, enabling the organism to develop the best qualities of different Dhatus. The stimulation of Agni and an increase in tissue production fortifies the body’s immunological system.
  • It is a comprehensive regimen capable of extending life and improving mental abilities rather than a single pharmaceutical treatment.

Rasayana based on Diet and Lifestyle[4]

1. Ahara Rasayana

Ahara is counted as one among Trayoupasthamba and as Mahabheshaja too. Drug administration alone won't benefit a patient in a diseased state. It is stated in Vaidyaka Jeevana to illustrate the significance of Aahara that “If a person practices Pathya Aahara, they do not need to take medicine; conversely if they do not practice Pathya Aahara, they do not need to take medicine either” because there is no value in taking medicine without Pathya Aahara Sevana. The importance of food to health cannot be overstated. It includes intake of certain diets having Rasayana effect on a regular basis


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such as intake of Nitya Sevaniya Dravyas like milk and ghee, honey, Amalaki, Yava, etc.

2. Aushadha Rasayana

As a part of Aushadha Prayoga, the Acharyas described several single and compound compositions to uphold health and avert disease.

E.g.: Chyavanaprasha Avleha, Amalaki Rasayana, Triphala Rasayana, Bhallataka Rasayana, Pippali Vardhamana Rasayana.

3. Aachara Rasayana[5]

Numerous routines, such as Dincharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Sadvritta (rules & norms of ideal routine), and Aachara Rasayana (code of conduct), are crucial to upholding a person's healthy and happy sociopsychological well-being.

Aachara Rasayana includes

1. Personal behavior - Avoidance of alcohol, sexual indulgence, violence, sleep, and wake-up time should be regular, over exhaustion, and should be peaceful and pleasing in speech.

2. Satvika behavior - Includes Japa, Tapa, the practice of charity, studying scriptures, being free from ego, and Aastika behavior.

3. Social behavior - It includes the worship of gods, cows, Brahmanas, teachers, preceptors, and old people.

Rasayana Chikitsa as a source of Antioxidants[6]

Antioxidants are essential for slowing down the aging process, preventing disease, and lowering the risk of cancer. Rasayana medications having antioxidant capability have advantages such as Vayasthapana (delaying aging), Balakara (body strengthening), and Roga-apaharana (improving immunity). Ayurveda listed many Rasayana medications, including Amla, Ashwagandha, and Guduchi, which have immediate antioxidant activity. Haritaki is also said to be best for Vayasthapana and the intake of Haritaki with different Dravyas according to the Ritu (Ritu Haritaki) is one of the best examples of Rasayana. It is thought that Rasayana medications boost the creation of collagen fibrin, iron absorption, and levels of natural antioxidants, which lowers the danger

of oxidative stress and, consequently, the generation of free radicals.

Rasayana therapy based on place

Kutipraveshika Rasayana[7]

It entails resolute adherence to the diets, medications, and regimens that methodically have Rasayana qualities while residing in a cottage that has been particularly built. It is a cutting-edge method that detoxifies the entire body by getting rid of impurities and reactivating the body's entire metabolic process.

Included in the Kutipraveshika Rasayana are the Brahma Rasayana, Chavanaprasha, Amalaki Rasayana, and Haritakyadi Yoga varieties.

Vatatapika Rasayana[8]

The Kutipraveshika Rasayana is difficult to perform in the current environment due to the hectic pace of society. It is an outdoor Rasayana therapy that is currently very well-liked and can coexist with daily living. Because it has a reasonably simple administration process without any onerous prerequisites, this kind of Rasayana is particularly significant in the current situation. Rasayana therapy is more useful for functional and degenerative problems that are chronic or enduring in character. Sitodaka, Amalaki Churna, Triphala Rasayana, Haritaki Yoga, Honey, and Ghee are all included in Vatatapika Rasayana Yoga in an asymmetrical ratio.

Rasayana therapy based on need

  • Kamya Rasayana[9]

Kamya Rasayana, which promotes normal health, is a type of Rasayana that is utilized to satisfy a strong need or longing.

1. Pranakamya - Triphala Rasayana, Nagabala Rasayana, Lauhadi Rasayana

2. Medhakamya - Mandukaparni, Sankhapuspi, Guduchi, Yastimadhu

3. Srikamya - Amalakirasayana

  • Naimittika Rasayana

Naimittika Rasayana is the one that aids in the prevention of a particular disease.

Examples are Pippali Vardhamana Rasayana in Pleeha Roga, Arjuna


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in Hridroga, Lauha in Pandu, Shilajatu in Prameha, and Tuvaraka in Kushta.

  • Ajasrika Rasayana[10]

It refers to Rasayan Dravyas that are frequently used as food, such as milk, ghee, fruits, etc.

Discussion and Conclusion

In the modern period, severe climatic change, diet and lifestyle choices, increased mental stress, newly emerging pathogens, and metabolic illnesses have all had an impact on human existence. The largest obstacle in this constantly changing world is keeping up with life's pace, which can only be done with sufficient immunity. NCDs are the biggest challenge to health systems in contemporary culture. The control of risk factors is crucial to the prevention and treatment of NCDs. The management of NCDs necessitates a variety of approaches from many angles and at various levels, including the individual and national levels.

According to Ayurveda, aging is a condition brought on by the natural process of deterioration, therefore rejuvenation should aim to stop premature aging and promote healthy aging. Ayurveda uses terms like Ritucharya, Dinacharya, Ratricharya, excellent conduct, moral obligations, soft demeanor, etc. to express rules and regulations that are extremely successful in society and promote both physical and mental health. These basics are known as Sadvritta and Aachara Rasayana. The Rasayana is a method for maintaining homeostasis, decelerating the aging process, and assisting in disease prevention. Rasayana can be viewed as a nutritional dynamic for the renewal of the body and mind when it is in good health. The majority of Rasayanas work to promote Agnibala, which acts as a direct nutrient, and through Sroto-Prasadan (the purification of bodily channels), which results in an enhanced nutritional state that further improves the quality of Dhatus or body tissues.

References

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail /noncommunicable-diseases

2. Yadav T, Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita Revised By Charaka And Dridhabala With Ayurveda Dipika Commentary By Chakrapanidatta Chikitsa Sthan. Ch.1/13 Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint Edition 2015. Pp.377

3. Srikanta Murthy KR. Ashtangasamgraha, Uttarasthana, 2nd edition, choukambha orientalia, Varanasi, 2000;3(460):49/4.

4. Yadav T, Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita Revised By Charaka And Dridhabala With Ayurveda Dipika Commentary By Chakrapanidatta, Chikitsa Sthan. Ch.1.4/30-35, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint Edition 2015.Pp.388

5. Yadav T, Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita Revised By Charaka And Dridhabala With Ayurveda Dipika Commentary By Chakrapanidatta, Chikitsa Sthan.Ch.1.4/30-35, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint Edition 2015. Pp.388

6. Tan Bl, Norhaizan Me, Liew Wp, Sulaiman Rahman H. Antioxidant And Oxidative Stress: A Mutual Interplay In Age-Related Diseases. Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:1162. Published 2018 Oct 16. Doi:10.3389/Fphar.2018.01162

7. Yadav T, Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita Revised By Charaka And Dridhabala With Ayurveda Dipika Commentary By Chakrapanidatta, Chikitsa Sthan, Chapter 1.1/17-24 Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint Edition 2015. Pp. 377

8. Yadav T, Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita Revised By Charaka And Dridhabala With Ayurveda Dipika Commentary By Chakrapanidatta, Chikitsa Sthan. Chapter 1.1/16 Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint Edition 2015. Pp. 377

9. Sushruta; Sushruta Samhita With Nibandhasangraha Commentary By Sri Dalhanaacharya And Nyayachandrikapanjika Commentary On Nidanasthana By Sri Gayadasaacharya Edited By Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint Edition 2019, Chikitsa Sthan.Ch.10/1 Page No 174

10. Yadav T, Sushruta. Sushrutasamhita With Nibandhasangraha Commentary By Sri Dalhana Acharya And Nyayachandrika Panjika Chikitsa Sthan. Ch.10/1 Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint Edition 2019.Pp. 174


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