The medicine of the 21st century
Rasayana therapy
Instead of a disease-specific approach, Ayurveda aims in increasing non-specific immunity and specific immunity by potentiating the mechanism of production of immunoglobulins, i.e. antibodies. Immuno-globulins are specialised globulin proteins, and the liver plays a crucial role in producing immune-globulins. Therefore, liver function can be improved by decreasing free radicals, which improves antibodies production, improve tissue defence mechanisms, etc., thus providing complete immunity against major infectious and metabolic diseases. This is known as Rasayana Therapy. Essential drugs that pose Rasayana properties are Haritaki, Amla, Brahmi, etc. this drug has shown scavenging of free radicals immuno-modulation in different experimental trials. This implies that if these drugs are used improves tissue health liver health and thus help in the maintenance of health.
Daily use of these herbs or limited time ensures good health, especially during autumn and spring. Similarly, Ayurveda prescribes some purification procedures like therapeutic emesis (Vamana) in springs and Virechana before autumn in persons with a high risk of getting the disease. Thus the use of Rasayana or therapeutic purification procedures helps in better health.
Over and above the use, other regulations do’s and don’ts, known as Achara Rasayana. This helps the person in a living stress-free life. It is described if a person doesn’t follow these regulations. No Rasayana will have the desired effect, and following these routines only is sufficient for rejuvenating effects. These regulations are for interpersonal relationships, behaviour, certain rituals for stress-relieving, calming exercises, etc., and diseasefree and total well-being.
The past half-decade was known as the antibiotics era. Infectious disease and the coming future most considerable health burdens are metabolic diseases and lifestyle diseases, and Ayurveda has promising management. The use of a holistic approach is the need of the hour, which is neglected in specialisation, making Ayurveda a better management choice. The use of Rasayana, Aachara Rasayana ensures a better life to achieve complete well-being and not just disease-free. WHO (health is the state of total well-being and not free from disease, but comprehensive health means physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being). All of the above can be obtained if Ayurveda is followed.
Thus it may be stated that Ayurveda is health management for the twenty-first century.