Routine, Rejuvenation, And Virilization.

After the cleansing process occurs, a program of rejuvenation is recommended with specific herbs appropriate to the dosha imbalance. For vata, guggulu is used. If the person is pitta, shatavari or guduchi are used. For kapha, punarnava, gokshura, or shilajit are appropriate. In this approach, treatment is determined by looking at the entire process—what the person's strength is, which dosha is out of balance, and which dhatu (tissue) is affected.

According to Ayurveda, all substances have medicinal properties. Ayurveda's knowledge and usage of herbs and other substances were gained from long experience and observation and date from early times. In addition to most substances, there are hundreds of herbs commonly used in Ayurvedic preparations, in addition to those commonly used for food, such as cinnamon and turmeric. Many different modes of preparation are required and each substance, according to its properties, is appropriate for treatment of different imbalances. For example, the common cold has the properties of kapha—mucus, congestion, thick, and lethargic. The antidote is herbs with opposite qualities, such as hot ginger tea.

Once the body, mind, and spirit are essentially free from disease and back in balance, maintaining the vitality of the body and its systems through rasayana, rejuvenation therapy, and vajikarana, virilization therapy, is essential for health and longevity. Ojas, tejas, and prana are protected by virilization therapy. Ojas, the superfine essence of kapha, is a necessary factor for maintaining immunity.

Tejas, the superfine essence of pitta, maintains cellular metabolism. Prana, the superfine essence of vata, is responsible for maintaining the continuous flow of information, intelligence, and communication of cells and is necessary for maintaining the life force. Specific routines and herbal products are available to assist in maintaining the vital function of these three life-giving forces. Ayurveda contains a science of longevity.