VAJEEKARANA (APHRODISIACS)

Susrutha has defined Vajeekarana tanthra as the branch which deals with management of defective semen and spermatogenesis along with sexual potencification. (su. su 1/8)According to Indu-gratification, sound health, progeny and instant pleasure are the merits of Vajeekarana. So Vajeekarana encompasses fertility, sexuality as well as positive health.

Hence Vajeekarana is a must for all those who are on the threshold of starting an active sexual life or those who wish to continue their sexual life in a better way. Vajeekarana= enhancing ones capacity to perform sex like a vaji (horse) [ca. ci-2]The treatment by which a man becomes as strong like a horse in the sexual act is called Vajeekarana. the word Vajee in sanskrit means Horse, and also seminal fluid including spermatozoa.

The purpose of Vajeekarana is three fold.To increase strength of the sexual organs in men.To improve quantity and quality of seminal fluid.To improve fertility of sperm for reproduction.In olden days a person without projeny was not respected in society and was hated for impotency. Therefore the Vajeekarana treatment was very important.To whom should Vajeekarana be given ?It should be administered in man who is well disciplined and with control of his mind and senses.

Vajeekarana should not be done to spread sin or transistory feeling in society. it is administered in male of 25 years old and in married man who requires the treatment.Woman was considered only as a receptacle of that act and hence was a passive partner. All the medicines at improving the act were aimed at the male. The woman was considered the ultimate Vajeekarana dravya. features of an ideal woman for copulation has been explained (A.S.U 50/67, jejjata). Interestingly, positive mentality and sex education are also among the required qualities. Men have many mis conceptions relatited to sex. The ability to perform is directly linked to “maleness”. They do not understand that sex is highly personalized activity.

This concsept was understood by Charaka. He states that sexual performance of men can be compared to different species of animal kingdom. Some have less sexual act but ejaculate more semen like elephants, some perform repeated number of sexual act and so on. (ca. ci)SUKRA DOSHA AND VAJEEKARANAVajeekarana may not be complete if sukra doshas are not discussed. This is because it is the sukra that is responsible for conception. (ca. ci. 30/153, ca. ci. 30/139-144)Sukra and rethas are two terms which one usually comes across in Vajeekarana. The deficiency of sukra leads to lack of virility, masculinity and potency. Rethas is the ejaculate which comes out during intense coital pleasure. (ca.ci)THERAPYAll the classics have dealt with Vajeekarana treatment.

This include as treating the mind as well as body. Charaka has made a separate segment, Vajeekarana pada consisting of 4 chapters. 50 Vajeekarana yogas are mentioned in these chapters. Atmagupta, Shatavari, Ashvagandha, Bala, Gokshura etc. The advent of Rasasasthra brought forth the usage of drugs like Shilajith, Yashada, Swarna in Vajeekarana Chikitsa. They are helpful in many problems like erectile disfunctions, lack of desire although not in all conditions.