Ayurveda is the science of longevity, long life. Ayurveda actually has an entire branch of medicine solely dedicated to rejuvenative tonics and restorative spa therapies. These treatments are carried out precisely to retain the body’s youthful energy and mental acuity. We are to remain completely healthy at 100 years of age and beyond.
Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu God of Medicine is always pictured holding a pot of Amrita, “the nectar of immortality”. In a real sense, this depiction of the ambrosia in his hands, as a magical elixir, a longevity potion, can be taken symbolically as well as literally.
Like all Vedic studies, the main focus of Ayurveda’s anti-aging regimen is to lead us towards Moksha – freedom from rebirth, liberation, perfection…to become immortal. Of course, along with spiritual evolution, we get to enjoy a disease free body, a sharp mind, flexible joints, beautiful skin and a young appearance. There are many legends of yogis in the Himalayas and throughout the world, who have defied our understanding of aging.
Recently Dr. Deepak Chopra held a seminar here in Sedona, AZ. He is internationally well known for his lectures and books on Mind/Body Medicine. In honor of his visit, I re-read two of his classics on Ayurveda and national best sellers: Perfect Health and Ageless Body, Timeless Mind. Dr.Chopra cites many scientific studies being conducted in modern biology and in the fascinating field of quantum physics. He eloquently shares with us that “aging is a mistake”. There are ways for us to prevent the deterioration and degeneration of our cells through Awareness. Our cells are constantly responding to our level of consciousness, our beliefs, and self-awareness. By actively working with yoga and ayurvedic practices, we can control the way we age.
Rasayanas are a special class of herbal formulas known as tonics, vitalizers. They keep the youthful juices, the anti-aging hormones, flowing throughout our tissues. Rasayana herbs circulate with the vital fluids, deep into minute channels, repairing cell memory, reminding them of their youthful, healthiest state. They are full of antioxidants, which stimulate natural immunity, fight destructive free radicals, and prevent degenerative diseases.
Recipes for the restorative Rasayana formulas are given in the original Ayurvedic scriptures, combining anywhere from 1 to 50 medicinal plants, spices, minerals, corals, pearls, and gems. (Ancient texts even included purified, alchemical mercury and gold, known throughout the ages for their amazing curative powers.) These herbal blends are preserved in ghee, honey, and unprocessed sugar to create a jam or paste, greatly increasing their potency. Oils can carry the nutrients into the deepest Dhatus, tissue layers. Authentic rasayanas should be harvested at specific moon cycles, prepared by hand, using utensils of copper, iron, and clay. They should be blended in specific proportions and cooked for exactly the right amount of time, creating a powerful yet safe rejuvenative tonic.
Rasayanas are so gentle that they can be safely taken throughout life, from childhood to old age, as part of our daily regimen. The preparation has an amphoteric quality, meaning it has a built in buffer, a natural intelligence, always helping the body to achieve homeostasis, balance, and equilibrium. The adaptogenic herbs help our system to cope with internal and environmental stress, that quickly bring on early signs of aging. Along with yoga and meditation, if taken as a part of our daily dinacharaya, rasayanas will preserve our youth, memory, brain power, vision, hearing, physical flexibility, bring luster to the skin, and brilliance to our eyes.
For Ayurvedic Health Consultations, Herbs, and Ayurvedic Spa Treatments, please contact:
Avani Sukhadia
Authentic Ayurveda of Sedona
www.ayurveda-sedona.com
(928)284-1114
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