Vajikarana: Treatment of sexual dysfunctions based on Indian concepts

Abstract

Vajikarana or Vrishya chikitsa is a one of eight major specialty of the Ashtanga Ayurveda. This subject is concerned with aphrodisiacs, virility and improving health of progeny. As per Charak Samhita, by proper use of these formulations, one becomes endowed with good physique, potency, strength, and complexion and sexually exhilarated and sexually potent. This in turn is helpful in many common sexual dysfunctions, including Infertility, Premature Ejaculation and Erectile dysfunction. The therapy is preceded by living in strict compliance with the directions mentioned in Ayurvedic classics, various methods of body cleansing and other non-medicinal strategies like sexual health promoting conduct, behavior and diet. Certain individualized herbal and herbo-mineral combinations are administered as per the nature of a person according to the Ayurveda. Many limitations need to be considered before considering the use of theses therapy like lack of scientific studies, possibilities of adulteration in the herbal and herbo-mineral combinations available in market and possibilities of unexpected side-effects etc., The article calls upon initiating research in this area so that claims of ancient Ayurvedic texts could be substantiated and vajikaran therapy may be utilized by modern medicine.

Full text

Indian J Psychiatry 55: Indian Mental Concepts I – Supplement, January 2013
S273
philosophical tenets incomprehensible to researchers and
clinicians of modern medicine. This perception has led to
disinterest in Ayurveda which eventually and unfortunately
has led the world to be deprived of many plausible advantages
of traditional healthcare supportive to a total quality life.[2‑4]
Caraka Samhita[5] states ‘The healthy life has three main
pillars‑a balanced diet, proper sleep and a healthy sex
and marital life.’ The Ayurveda is also frequently referred
as ‘Ashtanga Ayurveda’ as it has eight parts. These include
following parts:
• Kaya chikitsa: Internal and external treatments for the
body.
• Bala chikitsa: Diseases related to infants
• Graha chikitsa: Healing of psychological problems
• Urdvanga chikitsa: Treatments related to the Ear, Nose
and Throat region
INTRODUCTION
Ayurveda (Ayu‑life; veda‑science), the science of life, prevention
and longevity, is the oldest organized Indian medical system.
Its fundamentals can be found in Hindu scriptures called
the Vedas ‑ the ancient Indian books of wisdom written
over 5,000 years ago and it also incorporates wisdom from
Upanishada, Samkhy and Yoga. It is a comprehensive medical
system of body, mind and spirit.[1] Ayurveda is said to use
the inherent principles of nature to help maintain health
in a person by keeping the individual’s body, mind, and
spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature. Thus, Ayurveda is
considered as more than a mere healing medical system. It is
a science and art of appropriate living, which helps to achieve
longevity. It can also guide every individual in the prevention
of disease and long‑term maintenance of health. Before the
recent upsurge of traditional medicine in a global perspective,
Ayurveda was persistently criticized for its ambiguity and
Vajikarana: Treatment of sexual dysfunctions based on Indian concepts
P. K. Dalal, Adarsh Tripathi, S. K. Gupta1
Department of Psychiatry, CSM Medical University (K. G. Medical University), Lucknow, 1Department of Ayurveda and
Unani Chikitsa Paddhati Board, Uttar Pradesh, India
Address for correspondence: Dr. P. K. Dalal,
Prof. and Head, Department of Psychiatry, CSM Medical
University (K. G. Medical University), Lucknow-U.P.
E-mail: drpkdalal@rediffmail.com
Access this article online
Website:
www.indianjpsychiatry.org
Quick Response Code
DOI:
10.4103/0019-5545.105550
Vajikarana or Vrishya chikitsa is a one of eight major specialty of the Ashtanga Ayurveda. This subject is concerned with
aphrodisiacs, virility and improving health of progeny. As per Charak Samhita, by proper use of these formulations, one
becomes endowed with good physique, potency, strength, and complexion and sexually exhilarated and sexually potent.
This in turn is helpful in many common sexual dysfunctions, including Infertility, Premature Ejaculation and Erectile
dysfunction. The therapy is preceded by living in strict compliance with the directions mentioned in Ayurvedic classics,
various methods of body cleansing and other non‑medicinal strategies like sexual health promoting conduct, behavior
and diet. Certain individualized herbal and herbo‑mineral combinations are administered as per the nature of a person
according to the Ayurveda. Many limitations need to be considered before considering the use of theses therapy like lack
of scientic studies, possibilities of adulteration in the herbal and herbo‑mineral combinations available in market and
possibilities of unexpected side‑effects etc., The article calls upon initiating research in this area so that claims of ancient
Ayurvedic texts could be substantiated and vajikaran therapy may be utilized by modern medicine.
Key words: Aphrodisiac, sexual functioning improvement, vajikaran
ABSTRACT
How to cite this article: Dalal PK, Tripathi A, Gupta SK.
Vajikarana: Treatment of sexual dysfunctions based on Indian
concepts. Indian J Psychiatry 2013;55:273-4.
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• Salya chikitsa: Surgeries and operations
• Visha chikitsa: Toxicology
• Rasayana prakarana: Methods to rejuvenate the sapta
dhatus (Seven Humors)
• Vajikarana or Vrishya chikitsa: Science of aphrodisiacs,
virility and improving health of progeny
Understanding few more basic concepts relevant to
vajikaran of Ayurveda will be important before initiating
further discussion on Vajikarana.
Tridosha theory:[6] The doctrine of ‘Tridosha’ is fundamental
for Ayurveda. According to this theory, every human
being is a unique phenomenon of cosmic consciousness.
The three Dosha (humors) determines every individual’s
psychosomatic temperament and constitution. Tridosha
represents the physiological functioning of a living body,
which eventually is the property of its component material.
Ayurvedic idea of disease and health is conceived around this
concept by identifying a balance of Tridosha. Vata (ether plus
air), Pitta (fire plus water) and Kapha (water plus earth) are
called the Tridosha, meaning the three Dosha. The internal
environment is governed by Vata‑Pitta‑Kapha (V‑P‑K),
which is constantly reacting to the external environment.
The wrong diet, habits, lifestyle, incompatible food
combinations (e.g., milk and fish, melons and grain, yogurt
and meat or cooked honey etc.), seasonal changes, repressed
emotions and stress factors can all act either together or
separately to change the balance of V‑P‑K. According to
the nature of the cause, Vata, Pitta or Kapha undergoes
aggravation or derangement that produces Ama (toxins).
The master forms of biological humors Vata, Pitta and Kapha
are respectively Prana, Tejas and Ojas. They form the vital
essence of the three humors that sustain positive health.
These three forces are key to vitality, clarity and endurance
and prerequisite for healthy, fearless and confident state.
To stop the further production and removal of Ama, Ayurvedic
literature suggests placing the patient on a proper diet
together with an appropriate lifestyle, habits and exercise,
and administering cleansing program like Panchakarma.
Ayurveda identifies seven vital tissues that provide
nourishment, growth, and structure to the entire body.
These tissues, called dhatus, have similarities to the major
tissues identified by the modern science. These dhatus
remain inside the human body in a proper equilibrium so
that the body can function properly. It is said that any kind
of disturbance or imbalance in their equilibrium causes
ailments and diseases. The seven dhatus are Plasma (Rasa),
Blood (Rakta), Muscle (Mamsa), Fat (Meda), Bone (Asthi),
Bone marrow and nerve (Majja) and Reproductive
fluid (Shukra).
Often, the sexual style of humans is compared to and is
defined in terms of the animal sexual relationship style in
the ancient Indian texts. The common examples used are:
• Chataka (Sparrow) ‑ Multiple short span conjugations
with production of small amount of semen.
• Gaja (Elephant) ‑ Once in a while long time conjugation
with abundant semen discharge.
• Vrusha (Bull) ‑ Regular stable seasonal conjugation with
more quantity Semen.
• Ashwa (Horse) ‑ Regular forceful dynamic conjugation
with average quantitative semen.
VAJIKARAN
In Sanskrit, Vaji means horse, the symbol of sexual potency
and performance thus Vajikaran means producing a horse’s
vigor, particularly the animal’s great capacity for sexual
activity in the individual. Literally the Vajikaran is not exactly
aphrodisiac but the current connotational meaning is same.[7]
As per Charak Samhita
By proper use of these formulations, one becomes endowed
with good physique, potency, strength, complexion and
sexually exhilarated and potent like an 8‑year‑old horse.[8]
“The man who seeks pleasure should resort to Vajikaran,
i.e., vilification therapy regularly. The Vajikaran bestows
contentment, nourishment, continuity of progeny and great
happiness. The medicines or therapy by which the man
becomes capable of sexual intercourse with the woman with
great strength like a horse, which endears him to women
and which nourishes the body of the person is known as
Vajikaran. It is best promoter of strength and vigor.”[9]
However, the main aim of Vajikaran is always successful
copulation for healthy reproduction, with sexual pleasure
being just an additional benefit; therefore it is considered
a part of ‘eugeny.’ However, this therapy is also described
under various sexual and reproductive disease i.e., Klaibya or
Erectile dysfunctions, Bandhyatva or Infertitily, Shukraghata
Vata or azospermia and premature ejaculation.[5,10]
Vajikaran chikitsa requires living in strict compliance to
the directions mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. It involves
various methods of shodhan (body cleansing) through
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vaman (emesis), virechan (purgation) and swedan (sweating).
After the Shodhan therapy, based on the prakriti of the
individual’s imbalance (doshic body constitution‑Tridosha
theory), certain herbal and herbo‑mineral combinations are
administered. Other components in the therapy involves
improving health and pleasure in general like, massaging
with medicated herbal oils and herbal baths, wearing of
fragrant garlands, anointing the body with fragrant herbal
pastes, listening to music, etc.
Who should not consume Vajikarana preparations?
As per Ayurveda, it is recommended that the person below
17 years of age and more than 70 years of age should not
consume Vajikarana preparations. These preparations have
to be consumed by “jitendriya purusha” or man who has
control on his senses and desires. If Vajikarana preparations
are consumed by “ajitendriya purusha” or man who has lost
control over his senses and desire, he may prove harmful
to society.
PROPOSED MECHANISM OF ACTIONS
Vajikaran therapy is said to revitalize all the seven
dhatus (body elements), therefore, restores equilibrium
and health. Keeping in mind the concept of vajikaran as
described in the texts of Ayurveda, it definitely offers a
solution to minimize the shukra (sperm and ovum) defects
and to ensure a healthy progeny. The experimental studies
related to vajikaran therapy are scarce and generally lack
scientific vigor.
Rasayan drugs acts inside the human body by modulating
the neuro‑endocrino‑immune system. Vaajikaran rasayan
is the special category of rasayan, which improve the
reproductive system and enhance sexual function.[11] They
act on higher center of the brain, i.e., the hypothalamus
and limbic system. Vajikaran also claims to have anti‑stress,
adaptogenic actions, which helps to alleviate anxiety
associated with sexual desire and performance. Chauhan
et al. (2010)[11] in a study showed that administration
of vajikaran rasayana viz. C. orchioides, A. longifolia and
M. pruriens ethanolic extracts modulate the level of the
pituitary hormones FSH and LH. This in parts can explain
the positive effect of the herbs on sexual functioning.
VAJIKARAN FORMULATIONS
There are 100’s of different formulations which are used for
vajikaran. Some of the formulations are mentioned below
which are used commonly.
VRIHANI GUTIKA
This formulation is one of the highest potency. This
formulation is prepared as under. 120 g each of Shara
roots (roots of Saccharum munja), Ikshu roots (roots
of Saccharum officinarium), Kandekshu (Asteracantha
longifolia), Ikshuvalika (Hygrophila spinosa), Shatavari
(Asperagus racemosus), Payasya (Holostemma rheedianum),
Vidari (Diascorea bulbifera), Kantakarika (Solanum indicum),
Jeewanti (Leptadonia reticulata), Jivak (substitute Pueraria
tuberosa), Meda (substitute Asparagus racemosus), Vira (Aloe
Vera), Rishbhak (substitute Pueraria tuberosa), Bala (Sida
cordifolia), Riddhi (substitute Diascorea bulbifera), Gokshur
(Tribulus terrestris), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Kapikachchhu
(Mucuna pruriens) and Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) are
mixed with 2.56 kg of new Black gram. To this 10.24 L of
water is added and cooked till the volume is reduced to
only one fourth. The pastes of Madhuk (Madhuca indika),
Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Phalgu (Ficus hispida), Pippali
(Piper longum), Kapikachchhu (Mucuna prurie), Shatavari
(Asperagus racemosus) are added to it 2.56 kg juice each of
Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa), Amalki (Emblica officinale), Ikshu
(Saccharum officinarium) and Ghee (clarified butter) plus 10.24
L Milk is also added and cooked till all water is evaporated
and only Ghee remains and filtered. 160 g powder each
of Sugar and Vanshlochan (Bambusa erandinacia), Pippali
(Piper longum) and 40 g Marich (Piper nigram), 20 g each of
Twak (Cinnamomum zeyliicum), Ela (Ellataria cardamomum),
and Nagkesar are added. 320 g Honey is added and mix
is blended thoroughly. Boluses, each weighing 40 g are
prepared to be used. The dose is individualized and mainly
depends on the digestive capacity of the individual.[12]
VRISHYA GUTIKA
This formulation is highly potent aphrodisiac. 2.56 kg
Ghee (clarified butter) is added to 2.56 kg of juice of Vidari
(Pueraria tuberosa) and cooked. 256 kg Ghee is added and
cooked again. 6.4 kg each of Sugar, Vanshlochan (Bambusa
erandinacia), and Honey, Ikshurak (Saccharum officinarium),
Pippali (Piper longum) and Kapikachchhu seeds (Mucuna
pruriens) are added. The boluses are prepared. The weight of
bolus is dependent on the digestive capacity of the person.
[13]
VAJIKARANAM GHRITAM
This formulation specially enhances the strength of the
male organ. 2.56 kg each of newly harvested black gram
and Kapikachchhu (Mucuna pruriens) and 160 g each of
Jeevak (substitute Pueraria tuberosa), Rishbhak (substitute
Pueraria tuberosa), Vira (Aloe vera), Meda (roots of Asparagus
racemosus), Riddhi (substitute Diascorea bulbifera),
Shatavari (Asperagus racemosus), Madhuk (Madhuka indica) and
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are added in water and
boiled to prepare decoction. 640 g Ghee, 6.4 L Milk, 640 ml
juices each of Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa) and Ikshu (Saccharum
officinarium) are added and the mix is cooked on mild‑fire.
This Ghee preparation should be mixed with 160 g each
of Sugar, Honey, Vanshlochan (Bambusa erandinacia) and
Pippali (Piper longum). The dose is 40 g before meals.[14]
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S276
UPATYAKARI SHASHTIKADI GUTIKA
This vajikaran formulation is said to be particularly useful for
the enhancement of the fertility. The white shashtik rice is
grinded with milk in mortar, sufficient to wet the rice. More
milk is added and it is grinded. Then it is squeezed through
fine cloth. The cow milk is added to it and the mix is cooked.
The decoctions of seeds of Kapikachchhu (Mucuna pruriens) and
Black gram are prepared separately and added to above mix.
The decoctions of Bala (Sida cordifolia), Mugdharni (Phaseolus
trilobus), Mashparni (Teramnus labialis), Jeewanti (Leptadonia
reticulata), Jeevak (substitute Pueraria tuberosa), Riddhi
(substitute Diascorea bulbifera), Rishbhak (substitute Pueraria
tuberosa), Kakoli (substitute Withania somnifera), Gokshur
(Tribulus terrestris), Madhuk (Madhuka indica), Shatawari
(Asperagus racemosus), Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa), Draksh (Vitis
vinifera) and Kharjur (Phoenix dactylifera) are added to above
mix and cooked. After cooling the powders of Wheat, Shali
rice, Shashtik rice, Black gram and Vanshlochan (Bambusa
erandinacia) are added in sufficient quantity so as to get
solid mass. Honey and Sugar are added in sufficient quantity
to make boluses of appropriate size, depending on the
digestive capacity of the person.[15]
MEDADI YOG
This preparation is said to help regain sexual prowess to older
men. The 10 g each of Meda (roots of Asparagus racemosus),
Payasya (Holostemma rheedianum), Jeevanti (Leptadonia
reticulata), Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa), Kantakari (Solanum
xanthocarpum), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Ksheerika, Black
gram, Wheat, Shali rice and Shashtik rice are cooked in 2.56
L of water till the volume is reduced to 2.56 L. This mix is
filtered and Honey, Ghee and Sugar are added.[16]
LIMITATIONS
• The philosophical base of the modern medicine and
Ayurvedic medicine is entirely different therefore
many times it may be difficult to explain the theory
in understandable terms for each other. This lack of
communication increases the gap in collaboration of
research or practice.
• There is lack of research and consensus among experts.
The formulations have not been subjected to the rigorous
scientific studies. Medications have not been standardized
and may contain toxic substances or may be adulterated
if proper purification processes have not been followed.
Many of the mentioned herbs are difficult to obtain hence
it seem difficult to prepare these formulation as per
recommendations of the standard texts of Ayurveda.
• Most texts state that the medications are free from
side effects however; this has been never tested in
scientific studies. Authors have seen cases, where the
patients have developed severe medical and psychiatric
complications subsequent to use of Ayurvedic over the
counter/prescribed medications.
CONCLUSION
Vajikaran is an important treatment modality as per Ayurveda
and proposed benefits are manifold including increased
sexual capacity, improving health of future progeny as well
as in treatment of many common sexual disorders like
infertility, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
Differences in the philosophical base of the Ayurvedic science
and modern medical science results into inability of effective
collaboration between these researchers and practitioners.
Lack of research as per current scientific standards is the
main criticism of vajikaran. Lack of standardization of
formulations and difficulty in getting unadulterated herbs
are realistic intricacies in the utility of vajikaran preparations.
Randomized controlled trials of theses formulations can be
helpful in understanding efficacy, possible side effects and
other treatment related parameters.
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Source of Support: Nil, Conict of Interest: None declared
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