Longevity and Wisdom - Goals of Maharishi Ayurveda
Have you ever thought about how old you want to become? Most people wish to live to a ripe old age only on the condition that they are healthy and independent until the end of their lives.
The word Ayurveda consists of the roots "ayus" and "veda". "Ayus" means life, vitality and lifespan. "Veda" refers to the laws of nature expressed in ancient texts.
One of the goals of Ayurveda is to extend the life span as far as possible. In contrast to modern medicine, the aim is not merely to maintain the most important vital functions such as breathing and circulation, but to improve the vitality and capacity of the mind and to maintain youthfulness and health of the body. So the idea of a senior in Ayurveda is not a shielded existence in a care facility, but that of a mature, wise person who is in full possession of his or her mental powers, even though physical capacity may be somewhat diminished.
To promote health into old age, Ayurveda has a branch called "Rasayana therapy". This describes means and measures to lead people to the goal of life, namely wisdom, inner peace and enlightenment.
The story of the sage Chyavan
How rasayanas work is described in the classical Ayurvedic texts using the life story of the sage Chyavan. Chyavan was very old and haggard from a life of asceticism. After giving wise advice to his king, the king married him off to his daughter in gratitude. Chyavan could not refuse this gift, but due to his physical constitution he felt unable to physically consummate the marriage and provide offspring for the royal house.
Chyavan, in one of his meditations, turned to the mystic doctors, the Ashwins, with a request to rejuvenate him to the extent that he could fulfil the king's wish. The Ashwins prepared an elaborate mixture of medicinal herbs which Chyavan was henceforth to use as food. This food resulted in an absolutely miraculous rejuvenation of the old ascetic, who after a short time was able to please his young wife and provide for offspring.
Image: Wikipedia
Recipe for Vitality
The "secret recipe" of the "celestial doctors" Ashwin was made known to posterity and handed down as "Chyavanprash", meaning "the food of Chyavan", in the classical Ayurvedic texts as a tonic for long life.
Chyavanprash is one of the Ayurvedic remedies that would be called a superfood nowadays. It consists of over 40 different fruits, herbs and spices.
The Charaka Samhita writes on the subject of rasayana: "Through rasayanas one attains longevity, memory, freedom from disease, youthfulness, radiance, melodious voice, physical strength, clear senses, success and respect."
Maharishi Chyavanprash for the whole family
Chyavanprash is an inexpensive tonic that the whole family can use to maintain health. Families who use Chyavanprash regularly report that children get sick much less frequently. When all other children bring home colds, coughs and sore throats from kindergarten and school, the "Chyavanprash children" stay healthy.
Adults also benefit from regular use of Chyavanprash. Studies* show that despite its sugarcane syrup and honey content, this tasty herbal paste has a balancing effect on blood sugar levels, improves memory and strengthens the immune system.
Behavioural Rasayana
A healthy diet, adequate sleep and regular exercise are among the 'behavioural rasayanas', lifestyle measures that promote health and longevity. Together with the regular intake of Maharishi Chyavanprash as a food rasayana, these behavioural practices provide the foundation for a long, healthy life. This is important for school children, young people, adults in working life and senior citizens.
Harness the healing power of nature - use Maharishi Chyavanprash as the icing on the cake of a healthy lifestyle!
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11211574/
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