Ayurvedic Conference on Rasayana: Research Papers (25-26 March, 2002)

You are aware that with the improvement of awareness on health & hygiene, availability of better food, clean water and living conditions, the life expectancy is increasing the world over. Therefore, the number of elderly people is growing very fast in our country also. Among the people of over 65 years of age, it is reported that, more than half are now alive. This figure is causing substantially many economical implications and impacts on medical care. With the result age related health problems like osteoporosis, dementia, Parkinson's disease, depression etc. are increasing. It is reported that in view of the fast life, people try to work more than their capacities in an effort to achieve the goals fast. Due to this race the people in European countries in their youth itself are suffering from a syndrome called 'Burn out', both physiologically and psychologically, and this culture is fast spreading in our county too. People of western world are looking towards India for solace for such aliments.

Ancient Ayurvedic scholars vividly described the concepts and procedure of Rejuvenation for every body, aiming at providing happy and disease-free long life. The aim of Rasayana is to replenish Rasa - vital fluids of the body and thereby provide long life (Deerghayu), heightened memory and intelligence (smriti & medha), maintenance of youthfulness (vayasthapan) etc. Rasayana is applicable to both, young and aged. Rasayana is a strong area of Ayurveda, which needs to be highlighted and disseminated in the masses. .

Every therapy, behaviour and conduct that is connected to promote healthy living and longevity is named as rasaYana.

The effects of Rasayana can better be appreciated °when the body is in the stage of deterioration which may occur in diseases states or old age.

Different theories have been postulated regarding the causes of aging. The stress and strain, some have considered as the reasons for premature old age due to modern life styles and fast life. These conditions of premature old age can possibly be tackled by Rasayana therapy of Ayurveda. In the case of normal aging also the physiological deterioration of tissues and mental faculties as well as other age related health problems can be retarded with use of specific Rasayanas.

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