Dr. A.R.V. Murthy
Vol. 9, Jan-Jun 2020
Abstract:
Rasayana the science of nutrition is counted among the eight disciplines or branches Ayurveda has categorized for the purpose of proper understanding of the science as a whole. Commonly but wrongly designated as ‘Gerontology’, Rasayana in reality, covers such wider disciplines such as nutrition, therapeutics, and aging in it’s ambit. Literally translated to mean acquisition of excellence of tissue elements, Rasayana has come a long way – from the days of Caraka samhita (700 B.C.) when it was conceived as a measure for prevention of diseases / promotion of health, to the present day, when it is viewed again for the same purpose. however during this long journey from 700 BC to 2000 A.D. various scientists have viewed Rasayana at various angles and have given varied definitions and interpretations. The scope was widened to include prevention of disease, promotion of positive health, cure of chronic ailments, tackling of the diseases of the aged, prolonging youth, delaying aging, promotion of intellectual faculties and maintenance of physical and mental balance.