Vajikarana Chikitsa (The Sexual Medicine) through Ayurveda.

Ayurveda Anatomy and Physiology are based on Three factors— Dosha (Basic Body Constituents), Dhatu (Body Tissues) and Mala (Body Wastes). Ayurveda believes that Dhatu give structure to the body and they are the ones who function for the body under the governance of the Dosha. In all, There are Seven Dhatus: Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Medho, Asthi, Majja and Shukra. From Rasa (Life Sap) the body develops Rakta (Blood), from Rakta it develops Mamsa (Muscles), from Mamsa is developed Medho (Fat), from Medho is developed Asthi (Bones), from Asthi the body develops Majja (Nervous System) and from Majja is generated Shukra (Reproductive elements in body).

Shukra is honored as the Supreme body tissue, end product of body metabolism. Therefore, for Sexual Satisfaction, for Strength-Expressing performance and for better Progeny, the Shukra Dhatu should be in good state, and for this, the Dhatu chain should persistently function well. This is where Vajikarana Drugs (Aphrodisiacs) come into play. They help in giving Strength and Vigor to the Shukra Dhatu and in the long run to the body.

Because semen is the visible end product of the functioning of the chain of Dhatu, Practitioners of Ayurveda started believing that semen is very valuable and that it should not be wasted only for the sake of pleasure. The sole purpose of Shukra should be to produce Healthy Progeny, which is the base of Tomorrow’s Healthy Society. Thus, Ayurveda tried to bind sex in rules and regulations. It laid down certain dos and don’ts for sex. Abstinence was recommended so as to produce a mature, powerful Shukra Dhatu. This was believed by society and generations after generations said that if the whole of society followed these guidelines strictly then it would produce Tejaswi (Bright and Brilliant) and Ojaswi (those who have a stronger vital force supporting their life) progeny. A general understanding was to have sex for a better society and not for pleasure and hence, Vajikarana Drugs gained an important place in society.

Vajikaran Chikitsa is that branch of Ashtanga Ayurveda, which deals with all types of Physical, and Psychological Sexual problems like Impotence, Libido, Poor Erection and Early Ejaculation in Males and Sterility, Frigidity in Females. Ayurveda strongly believed that a weak Shukra Dhatu was the culprit behind all Male and Female Sexual Problems. Vajikarana Tantra claims that it has tips for a Normal, Healthy and Mature Shukra Dhatu, which is ultimately essential for satisfying and productive Sex.

Vajikarana thus basically comprises of Three components— A Disciplined Life Style, Conditional Sexual Act basing itself upon the assumption that Sex is for better reproduction and not only for Pleasure, and lastly, The use of Vajikarana Drugs (Aphrodisiac Medicinal Formulations) to achieve these Sexual Goals. This particular branch of Ayurveda has stressed on increasing Will Power and on holding the Shukra Dhatu i.e. Semen for a longer time. Shukra Dhatu is directly linked with good Health and Celibacy is equated with high Morality.

To summarize, Vajikarana Chikitsa (Aphrodisiac Medicines, Anabolic Drugs and Tonics) deals with Sexuality. It talks about Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Diet and Medicines involved in Sex. It states that Sex should be fenced by rules and regulations in order to maintain good Health and produce good Progeny.