Revitalize and rejuvenate yourself with Ayurveda

You need to understand that while your busy clocking in your overtime, unbeknownst to you, your body and mind are feeling the pressure. It is critical that you hit that pause button at regular intervals and nurture your body, mind and soul.

Ayurveda is indeed among humanity's oldest and most thorough health care systems. It is really a life-science that informs us how the quality of human life can be improved.

It comprises of a unique therapy branch called Rasayana, or in simple terms rejuvenation that is aimed towards promoting longevity of life. By the term longevity, we want to focus on the science that helps you in growing old gracefully, as well as remaining as healthy as possible.

To achieve this objective, it may be necessary to follow strict diet routines and swallow many supplements and herbs. Stress management methods, along with adequate quantities of exercise as well as yoga, are certainly some of the important components for enhancing longevity.

However, while most individuals feel easier following this route, due to its time-intensive and restrictive nature, only a handful of people are willing to stay with it for a number of years.

The objective of Ayurvedic rejuvenation is to appreciate life to your maximum potential. It also proposes the use of various formulations of ingredients, herbs, and food items that contain Mother Nature's strong energy.

The science behind Rasayanas

Rasayana treatment (rejuvenation) is the part of Ayurvedic science's eight branches, and this specific branch deals with multiple preventive health care elements. This particular operation helps in taking an individual back to the youth's vigor from the grasp of old age. The ultimate goal of this special branch of Ayurvedic science is to preserve immunity and to keep your body younger and energetic. The ancient texts of Ayurveda such as Ashtangahridaya, Charaka Samhita, Sushrutha Samhita, etc. describe Rasayana treatment in detail.

The term 'Rasayana' is a fusion of two distinct words, 'Rasa' and 'Ayana.' In this context, the word Rasa indicates the elixir vitae or the first liquid tissue that nourishes all of your body's tissues, and the circulation of Rasa is termed as Ayana. Therefore, it can be understood that Rasayana is that type of therapy that enhances and nourishes all the tissues in your body. Vital tissue nutrition helps to stop untimely aging.

There are indeed both methods of therapy and herbal medicines used in Ayurveda for the purpose of Rasayana. Rasayana medicines are non-toxic in standard doses. And, guess what, they are amphoteric in nature, which means that these medicines can act both as an acid and a base. As a result of which, the application of these medicinal remedies wouldn't result in the over-toning of your body. Rasayanas will assist in normalizing physiology; however, they do so via gentle eliminative features that concentrate on one or multiple body organs. This distinct feature makes them stand out from tonics.

Amphoteric herbs appear to have a buffer; built-in to assist your body in attaining homeostatic balance. And it also helps in building physiological balance.

Rasayana can be used for three purposes:

• Maintaining health
• Disease prevention and eliminating chances of disease recurrence
• Untimely aging

What are the benefits of Rasayana therapy?

Some of the major benefits associated with Rasayana therapy are:

• Enhancement of memory power
• Long life
• Young looks
• Good health
• Modulated voice
• Glowing skin
• Resistance to disease
• Calmness

Action mode

The probable mechanisms in which Rasayana acts have been interpreted below:

• Antioxidant action
• Anti-aging action
• Immunomodulatory action
• Adaptogenic action
• Hemopiotic effect
• Anabolic action
• Neuroprotective action
• Nutritive function

The anti-aging benefits of Rasayana treatment

Ayurveda says that a natural youthfulness is preserved throughout your lives if life is conducted in compliance with the Prakriti by maintaining your natural body and mind constitution. For your creativity, vitality, happiness, and inner growth, rejuvenation is crucial.

In that regard, when we take a look at Ayurveda's anti-aging and life longevity techniques, we aim at methods that will restore your consciousness memory in terms of every cell present in your body that requires rejuvenation and purification. The consequent experience is silent inside and unbelievably strong on the outside, which acts similar to an atom, the solar system, or a hurricane. Stress causes the development of degenerative fighting hormones, which in turn impacts the overall health of the cells present in your body.

5 Herbs used in the preparation of Ayurvedic immunity builders

By now, we are certain that you fully understand how the rejuvenation therapy of Ayurveda works. And, it is also probable that you understand the sole objectives of Rasayana. Now, it’s time for us to unveil the true essence of Ayurveda as medical science. This particular science deals with several herbs that are said to be infusing life forces among individuals who need it the most. Here, we have listed and elaborated the functions of some of the most vital Ayurvedic herbs. 

Make sure that you read this section carefully. One of the amazing functions of these herbs is that they are extremely conscious and are well aware of the specific body parts where they need to reach out in order to function effectively. They are not only sources of nourishment for the body, but also provide enough phytonutrients, antioxidants, and other vitamins as well as minerals to keep your health in its optimal stage.

Haritaki 

Haritaki is able to work on all the three doshas; pitta, Vata, and Kapha. It consists of five of all the six tastes available in the universe, except salty. If you have seen the medicine Buddha holding a fruit in his hand while going through a meditation period, the fruit is nothing but Haritaki. "Har" implies purification. It removes the wastes from your body and helps to clean the intestines, which in turn, helps in rejuvenating them.

• Useful in cases of weakness of the neuro-muscular system and reduced vision
• Haritaki is most often discovered in formulations that encourage abdominal comfort, a good digestive atmosphere, and good waste removal and support the functions of your liver and kidneys
• It supports your heart health and also provides protection against disorders of the blood

Ashwagandha

Because of its rejuvenating characteristics, ashwagandha is reputed to have the power of ten. And it is also referred to as the "Indian ginseng." It is extremely beneficial for sleep and relaxation support. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps your body deal with environmental and inner mood modifications. Supports the good functioning of the adrenal system and helps decrease fatigue and stress. It improves your energy and well-being in particular. It improves sexual potency among both males and females.

Brahmi

Brahmi varieties include bacopa and Gotu kola. In terms of action, both are very much similar. The terms, 'Brahma-Brahmana-Brahmi' comes from the Sanskrit text come have originated the same term; which is Brahma, the universe creator. Brahmi implies what provides us with intelligence and makes us knowledgeable. It is an extremely precious plant for boosting the functioning of your brain and the whole nervous system. It improves intelligence, memory, and cognition and works as a brain tonic. It also helps in improving concentration and relaxing the nervous system and mind. It also promotes a sound night's sleep, particularly for racing minded pitta individuals.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is also referred to as the "long-life plant'. Therefore, you can imagine the level of benefits that your health can derive from using this particular herb. It is a key component of the Ayurvedic medicinal science. This particular medicinal plant helps in increasing brain power, curing skin problems, and it also encourages better health of your kidneys and liver.

Guggulu

Guggulu is produced from the Commiphora Mukul tree's sap or gum resin. This particular plant is specifically found in India. This plant has been in use for hundreds of years the form of Ayurvedic medicine and is recommended for the treatment of atherosclerosis by Ayurvedic texts dating back to as old as the 600 BC. Guggulu resin is used today for the treatment of arthritis, reducing high cholesterol, resolving artery hardening, acne as well as other skin diseases, and also enhances weight loss.

Dietary habits to ensure vigor and vitality

You would probably agree with the fact that what you eat has a direct impact on what you become. Indeed, there are so many instances where people rely on junk food and high gluten-containing food items, which, in turn, affect the overall performance of the person. Now, the most important fact that you must keep in mind is that certain food items feel so delicious that you might not be able to control your urges of consuming too many of those in a single point. However, what feels good on your lips might end up increasing the size of your hips. This is an old proverb, meant to describe the negative impacts of greed.

Maybe you are willing to dine out and consume that entire large size pizza by yourself. We understand that by now, you might be feeling so good to imagine such a situation. But what we meant to say is that this moment based happiness can lead to future complications. Not only these junk food items are processed through artificial means, but they also tend to block your metabolism, and in turn, they also prove to be harmful to your overall digestive system’s functionality. Instead, an apple or any other fruit should be your first preference, especially if you are dedicated enough to keep your health in the best possible shape.

Ayurveda never recommends the consumption of food items that are not natural. Foods that are made using dalda, oil, etc. are very much harmful to the overall harmony of your body and mind. And in this regard, you must remember one thing, and that is only when your body is in its best possible shape, your mind would automatically feel joyous and refreshed. There are no chances for your mind to stay calm if the overall functioning of your body’s vital organs and hormones are not balanced. 

Therefore, make sure that you take enough measures to avoid the consumption of junk food items whenever possible. And instead, rely on home-cooked meals and fruits and green leafy vegetables. We believe that you wish to choose a better life ahead. And for that to happen, you must not ignore the importance of adopting a reliable diet full of essential nutrients.

The healing properties of sleep

While you may think that when you crawl into your bed, your body shuts down, sleep is in fact, that effective moment when your body becomes busy repairing and restoring various body functions. Sleep is, indeed, your body's prime time to return its hormones to a good level. Therefore, it is not an unexpected phenomenon to get an adequate amount of sleep after undergoing surgery, as a significant component of the process of healing.

Here are four of the major advantages that you can expect from a full night's sleep.

Amazing healing properties

The very moment you keep your eyes closed and fall asleep, the brain would be able to deal with some of the existing major body problems. If certain body regions need healing, your brain may cause hormone release for promoting the development of tissue that, in turn, helps in repairing damaged blood vessels. This helps to cure injuries more quickly but is also effective in restoring muscles that are sore or harmed. Your body can create more white blood cells while you sleep, which, in turn, can kill bacteria and viruses that otherwise might create hindrance in the healing process. In order to be able to battle damaging substances, your immune system depends on sleep. Your immune system cannot properly protect your body from infections if you don't get sufficient sleep.

Gives a break to the body

During the time you are asleep, your heart has fewer requirements. At this point, your blood pressure tends to drop, and your heart can avail a much-needed break. Sleep also helps the body in releasing hormones that have the ability to slow down the breath and also helping the other body muscles to relax. This can decrease inflammation and help with the healing process.

Offers an energy boost to your body

Recovery requires some extensive amounts of work, and you need an unlimited amount of energy to work successfully. While you are asleep, the calorie demand is reduced so that when you wake up, your body can replenish and get ready for action. Ironically, the amount of hormones required to make you feel hungry tends to fluctuate when you are asleep. If you couldn't get sufficient sleep, the ghrelin-hormone, which is effectively a hunger producing hormone, rises up in terms of concentration and your leptin amounts would fall.

So, it is obvious that a bad pattern of sleep can result in excess food intake and eventual obesity. Therefore, the best way to keep in good shape and maintain our body's fluid functions, consider availing a good night's sleep.

Helps you in building a positive attitude 

There are several requirements in your body as well as the brain when you're awake. When you go to sleep, these requirements reduce dramatically. Your mind and body can concentrate on restorative duties and have a break. After a sound night's sleep, when you wake up, your energy levels, hormone levels, and stress levels, all are refreshed. This effectively helps in making your day more positive. Depression can effectively lead to the slowing of the process of recovery and is more prevalent among individuals sleeping less than seven hours every night.

Yoga and exercise routines to remain libre

Now that the world is going crazy about the positive effects that yoga essentially has on your minds and bodies, how can you ignore the implementation of such a divine exercise routine in your daily life? Experts recommend that at least 10 minutes a day; for beginners, one must spend conducting yoga poses. Some of the effective yoga poses include the Pranayam and many others. One of the major effects of yoga or any type of exercise routine is that it helps in a lot of perspiration, which is efficient enough to get rid of all the impurities present in your skin pores. Once these impurities are gotten rid of, you can simply experience some great results. 

Some of the most amazing results include an improvement in the overall blood circulation inside your body. When you accompany a good diet routine with a regular exercise routine, you are just making enough way for good results to invade your life. Not only a regular exercise timetable would help you to keep in shape, but would also ensure that none of the diseases can affect you in the long run. Besides, exercise; especially yoga has proven to be an essential element behind the rejuvenation of your skin and body. By this, we want to focus on the fact that the skin’s elasticity is improved highly and that would ensure that your skin doesn’t age quickly. 

Besides, it's also important to understand that an effective exercise routine will keep your heart pumping, which minimizes the chances of the emergence of any kind of heart-related diseases. There are also other benefits associated with a regular exercise routine, which includes the maintenance of the optimal health of your lungs. Your digestive system tends to work fine, and your metabolism improves significantly. All of these factors play a major role in ensuring that your overall health and skin quality is maintained. This would also mean that you wouldn't require visiting your doctor's chambers any time soon.

Another important factor that comes with regular involvement in exercise is an improvement in the flexibility of your body. When you are flexible enough, there is no task in the world that would seem impossible for you. As a result, you would feel too much energy even when you are done for the day. Your effectiveness and productivity would improve like never before. 

And guess what, your bone's health is also improved after getting involved in a long term exercise routine. This would ensure that in the upcoming times when age grasps you, your bones wouldn't fall prey to age-related issues. Besides, the bone marrow tends to get stronger, which, in turn, would give you enough strength to endure too much pressure without ever feeling tired. Chances of injuries are also minimized significantly once you get a hold of regular exercise routine.

But remember, yoga and all other exercise requires some preliminary considerations. You must not start lifting heavy weights from day one. Instead, start with the basics and gradually move up the ladder. Once you are accustomed to the basic yoga and other exercise techniques, slowly you would feel yourself to be in possession of enough power that would enable you to move forward to the next level of physical rigor. 

Now, you might be wondering about the lack of time. Well, in that case, we must mention that today’s world is an extremely busy one, where no one has too much of time. But if you have even 10 minutes every day, you can effectively get started with your exercise routine. The reason we are stressing on the importance of getting involved in a regular workout regime is because once you get started, it would be tough for anyone to stop you from performing exercises on a regular basis., And guess what, your body, mind, as well as your skin, would thank you for making such an important decision well ahead of time.

Tonics and Preparations to help beat fatigue

Klama is the Ayurvedic word for fatigue. The Kapha Dosha (bio humor connected with Water and Earth) is the main Dosha that becomes unbalanced in case you are exposed to fatigue. Those with the constitution of Kaphic are more likely to produce fatigue more often. A bad diet apart from workplace discontent as well as work-related stress is the ultimate reason for feeling fatigued and exhausted. Exhaustion that is caused due to too much work (in Ayurveda, it is called Shrama) might also generate body pain, headaches, fever, etc. which in turn, might lead to a feeling of fatigue. The best way to get rid of fatigue is to try the following herbs that Ayurveda suggests:

• Ashwagandha
• Saffron
• Shatavari
• Amla
• Shilajeet
• Brahmi

There are also certain tonics available in the online store of Kerala Ayurveda that would help you in getting rid of fatigue conditions. You might want to check them out.

About Dr. Manmohan R

With over 28 years of experience in holistic care and Ayurveda, Dr. Manmohan R is one of the most respected Ayurvedic doctors in Bengaluru, India. Having graduated from the prestigious Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College in Kerala, Dr. Manmohan has been instrumental in developing unique, natural treatments for a wide range of conditions which include metabolic diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, spine & joint issues, mental health conditions like acute stress & depression and infertility. During his career, he has spent significant time developing holistic solutions to auto-immune diseases. Currently one of the leading physicians at Ayurvedagram Heritage Wellness Centre in Bengaluru.