Rasayana as a public health tool to develop immunity

The urge to live, the fear of death, the desire to youth and the quest for rejuvenation have always attracted mankind from antiquity to modern times. The average life span of humans are found to be decreasing gradually in recent times. It is a result of decreased immunity, caused by so many public health issues. The focus of public health intervention is to improve health and quality of life through prevention and treatment of disease and other physical and mental health conditions, through surveillance of cases and health indicators, and through the promotion of healthy behavior. Rasayana is one of the 8 branches of Ayurveda. Rasa nourishes our body, boosts immunity and helps to keep the body and mind in best of health. The Rasayana therapy enhances the qualities of Rasa. In Ayurveda, immunity is refferred by the word Vyadhikshamatwa. Immunity is also considered as 'Bala'. Among the 3 types of Bala, Yukthikrita bala represents Acquired Immunity, in which disease can be defended against by Satmya, Vyayama(exercise) and Rasayana(rejuvenative). Rasayana is capable of promoting the whole physiology, producing resistance against disease, both physically and mentally. This paper highlights the current issues of public health and role of rasayana for developing immunity and thereby intervene the public health issues which are increasing day by day.