Rasayana, or rejuvenation, is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy that restores the body’s vitality to its fullest capacity. From Sanskrit it translates to Path (āyana) of essence (rasa). Rasa, or juice , is the vital fluid that we extract from the food we eat. It brings nourishment, it carries off toxins and it enhances our immunity; It looks a lot like what modern physiology calls lymph and plasma. So Rasayana is the way to restore and maintain the fluids, the juiciness in our bodies. It restores our health and vitality, and in that way, our youth.
In practice Rasayana is essentially any herb, food or activity that makes you feel energetic and improves: skin condition, sleep quality, memory, concentration, strength, and the capacities of the sense organs – eyes, nose, tongue, ears and sexual organs. Accordingly, Rasayana therapy can be the ongoing practice of following an Ayurvedic lifestyle and/or going on retreat to receive special treatments with oils, herbs and foods. Either way, it is about dedicating time for healing and rejuvenating the body-mind.
Some elements of a rejuvenating lifestyle include:
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Oils to heal and protect tissues. Warm oil applied on the skin dissolves fat soluble toxins, nourishes the tissues and builds immunity. The membranes of all our cells are made of lipids, or fats, so using fats externally (as well as internally) rejuvenates us on a cellular level. Because of its lubricating, warm and heavy nature, oil also balances Vata, the energy of air that pervades everything.
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Herbal therapy to balance the doshas. Deeply penetrating and potent, Ayurvedic herbs support immunity, detoxification and the rejuvenate our organ systems.
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Diet to minimize toxic build-up (ama). Eating foods that keep the digestive fire (agni) strong prevents the accumulation of ama, which according to Ayurveda is the root of all dis-ease.
A few categories of Rasayana include:
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Age-promoting Rasayanas: Some herbs and diets are believed to be of great help in providing stability to life, vitality, and stamina by helping with body and mind fatigue and by augmenting the power of all the five senses. These rasayanas provide glow to the skin, sweetness to the voice, and virtually tend to enhance the life span of an individual. One such formulation is Chyavanprash Rasayana.
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Eyesight promoting Rasayanas: There are some Ayurveda herbal formulations categorized specifically for the benefit of the proper functioning of the eyes. These not only aid in providing clear vision, but with Amalaki Ramayana for example, they also help when there’s diminished vision.
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Disease combating Rasayanas: These rasayanas given to the patients suffering from some particular disease so as to help eradicate the disease from its roots. For example, Pippali Rasayana is for respiratory diseases.
Thousands of years ago these therapies were designed for the kings and queens who wanted to live forever and retain their power. They were given special foods and plant preparations, hot oil and herbal treatments and nourishing and health-building foods to rejuvenate them on a deep cellular level.
Nowadays we can all be kings and queens, by following these few practices, going on a retreat, going a cleanse and by applying Ayurvedic lifestyle principles. Essentially, devoting more time to relax and restore. (Not a bad prescription if you ask me!)
Everyday Rasayana
Yogic breathwork. When we experience stressful thoughts, our sympathetic nervous system triggers the body’s ancient fight-or-flight response, giving us a burst of energy to respond to the perceived danger. Our breathing becomes shallow and rapid filling only the chest and not the lower lungs. Deep breathing can reverse these symptoms, instantly creating a sense of calm in the body by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. In addition to reversing the physical stress response in the body, deep breathing can help calm emotional turbulence, decrease feelings of stress and overwhelm and encourage muscle relaxation.
Inhalation
- Activates SNS, slightly speeding up heart beat
- Deep inhalations tend to be invigorating, energizing and expansive
- Breath retention (holding the breath in) emphasizes energizing qualities
Exhalation
- Turns on the PNS, slowing the heart rate
- Long exhalations tend to calm, ground, and stabilize
- Breath suspension (holding the breath out) emphasizes calming qualities
Aromatherapy. There is a direct link between our sense of smell and a part of the brain called the limbic system—the structure that sparks our emotions and memories. Pleasant scents can lift our mood, spark memories and improve our cognition, while unpleasant ones can cloud our minds or make us feel sick. Thus, aromas play in a role in balancing mind-body, affecting our health and wellbeing.
Keeping a few different aromas on hand are a great way to slow down and cultivate presence.
Grounding & warming aromas:
- Lavender
- Frankincense
- Sandalwood
- Vanilla
Soothing & cooling aromas:
- Sandalwood
- Mint
- Jasmine
- Geranium
Digestive spices. Cumin, coriander and fennel, known in Ayurveda as CCF, are three powerhouse spices for healthy digestion. They help establish and maintain agni, supporting the entire digestive process from assimilation and elimination. Bonus: if you don’t cook, you can use most of the spices by adding them to already cooked foods or as a tea blend.
- Coriander. Cooling to the body, this spice is great when there is excess heat, acidity, reflux etc. It’s known to soothe an irritated digestive system, stimulate appetite and alleviate flatulence/bloating without further aggravation.
- Cumin. The Sanskrit name for cumin, jira, literally means ‘promoting digestion.’ It is the second most popular spice in the world after black pepper because it increases the absorption of nutrients, cleanses ama, enhances appetite, supports liver and kidney and stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes vital to digestion.
- Fennel. These seeds are rich in minerals including magnesium which makes it particularly effective for many digestive disorders. It kindles digestive fire and improving appetite w/out overheating, relieves cramping in the stomach and relaxes digestive system muscles.
For all these health benefits, try this digestion-balancing mix: grind equal parts cumin seeds, fennel seeds and coriander seeds and then add to meals or drink as a herbal tea any time of the day (1/2 tsp in a cup of boiled water).
