What Is Rasayana? Examples Of Foods, Behaviors & Benefits

Rasayana is one of the most comprehensive practices in an Ayurvedic lifestyle that I began to study when I started practicing yoga in 2011. I was able to quickly grasp the importance of maintaining and preserving my health as I went further down my yogic path. I learned that my food habits, sleep routine, and physical activity all played a vital role in maintaining my well-being.

I became a certified yoga teacher in 2014. I dedicated my time to teaching students how to heal and rejuvenate both their bodies and minds. A teaching I enjoyed covered how to incorporate Ayurveda into their practice. Ayurveda is a wonderful holistic system of medicine. 

In this article, we will explore how the Rasayana practice rejuvenates your body and psyche. 



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Rasayana therapy is found in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Rasa means “life essence,” and Ayana means “path.” Essentially, Rasayana is a Sanskrit word for “that which supports life essence.”

Rasa is the vital fluid we extract from the foods and dietary supplements we consume. These fluids nourish our bodies, carry off toxins, and enhance our immunity. 

There are two ways to incorporate the practices into your lifestyle: through healing foods and behavioral modifications.

The term Rasayana first appeared in Hindu texts around the 8th century CE. It refers to the supernatural power of obtaining magical elixirs. 

From the 10th to 13th century, treatments were designed for kings and queens. Legendary figures, called Rasa-Siddhas, gave specific nourishing medical therapies. 

The health-building medicinal plants were prepared to rejuvenate kings and queens on a cellular level who wanted to achieve an immortal body and retain supernatural powers.  

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Mindful eating habits and nutritious foods play a vital role in Rasayana practices. The treatment combines dietary supplements, herbs, minerals, and medicinal plants that support the physical brain. 

These nutrients enhance mental functions such as learning, retention, and recalling. When your mind is strong, you can make sound decisions and engage in positive behaviors. Here are some examples of Rasayana foods:

  1. Ashwagandha
  2. Ghee
  3. Turmeric
  4. Honey
  5. Amrit

1. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is a shrub that grows in Asia and is a household traditional medicine in India. It is one of the best nervine herbs in Ayurveda as it enhances the body’s resilience to stress. The neuroprotective tonic heightens the function of the brain to improve memory. 

2. Ghee: Ghee is a type of clarified butter from India. Many households use ghee for cooking, medicine, and rituals. Ghee nourishes depleted tissues, enhances memory, and reinforces longevity. 

3. Turmeric: Turmeric is a flowering plant native to South Asia and India. The ancient spice is used for cooking. Add black pepper to activate its anti-inflammatory properties. 

4. Honey: Honey is a substance made by bees. It is sweet, full of antioxidants, reduces inflammation, prevents cell damage, and promotes a feeling of rejuvenation. 

5. Amrit: Amrit is a sweetened water that is used as a sacred drink. It nourishes the brain and enhances mental activity. The sweet nectar also provides strength and nourishes the body. 

5 examples of Rasayana foods: 1. Ashwagandha 2. Ghee 3. Tumeric 4. Honey 5. Amrit

According to Ayurvedic texts, good behavior toward yourself and everything around you is important. Behavioral Rasayana focuses on the influence that the mind has over the body. 

When you experience happiness, your body releases feel-good chemicals and hormones that promote good health. If you choose to engage in positive behaviors, you avoid making mistakes that cause diseases and unhappiness. By practicing these key Rasayana behaviors, you can enhance your vitality and increase your longevity:

  1. Love and compassion
  2. Positive thoughts and speech
  3. Cleanliness
  4. Simplicity
  5. Moderation

1. Love and compassion: Unconditional love and compassion can help prevent the spread of anger and nurture positive social interactions. When anger becomes uncontrollable, it can flood the body with harmful hormones. 

2. Positive thoughts and speech: When you have positive thoughts and speak your truth you create ojas in your body. These are biochemicals that correspond with bliss and health. 

3. Cleanliness: Cleanliness cultivates positive hygiene habits. Personal and public cleanliness instills a sense of responsibility. Mental hygiene, such as mindfulness and meditation helps to manage stress. 

4. Simplicity: Keep your environment, body, and mind free from clutter. Keeping free from clutter ensures your bodily and mental systems are working efficiently. 

5. Moderation and self-control: It is important you know your limits and avoid overindulging in sugar, alcohol, drugs, and sex. Self-control also means managing your emotions and thoughts. Yoga is a great practice to learn more about yourself and to teach your body self-control.

5 rasayana behaviors: 1. Love and compassion 2. Positive thoughts and speech 3. Cleanliness 4. Simplicity 5. Moderation and self-control

Embodying these practices in your life will promote physical and mental health while also preserving youthfulness and promoting anti-aging. These practices are beneficial for all age groups. Here are seven ways Rasayana can benefit you:

  1. Nourishes blood, lymph, flesh, tissue, and semen. 
  2. Will make the sense organs much stronger. 
  3. Improves the metabolic process and produces best quality tissues. 
  4. Increases immunity and builds a natural resistance against infection. 
  5. Promotes circulation and the regeneration of vital fluids in your body. 
  6. Prevents disease, boosts your immune system, reduces stress, and delays aging.
  7. Enriches the quality and duration of your life. 

Rasayana is a part of the Ayurvedic rejuvenation practice. It can restore your health and vitality and preserve your youth. 

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What Is Rasayana? Examples Of Foods, Behaviors & Benefits
What Is Rasayana? Examples Of Foods, Behaviors & Benefits

Claudicet
Claudicet

Claudicet is a Certified Yoga Teacher. In 2017 she was voted the “Best Yoga Teacher” in Atlanta by Best Self Atlanta Magazine. She has been trained and certified with Life Power Yoga, Alanna Kaivalya Method, and CorePower Yoga. Claudicet is grateful for the gift of yoga. The practice helped her discover a profound connection to her true nature. In turn, she has been able to guide and inspire her students on their journeys of healing, love, and connection. She is passionate about encouraging others to prioritize their well-being and create a lifestyle that they love. Claudicet can be reached at claudicetp@theyogatique.com, or you can connect with Claudicet on LinkedIn.

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