A CRITICAL REVIEW ON ROLE OF KSHETRIKARANAMA IN ENHANCING LONGEVITY AND DISEASE RESISTANCE PRIOR TO PARADA SEVANA

Abstract

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that emphasizes both disease management and health promotion through preventive and rejuvenative therapies such as Rasayana. Rasashastra, an important branch of Ayurveda, primarily focuses on Dehasiddhi, for which Parada is regarded as Parama Rasayana. ‘Kshetrikarana’ is a specialized preparatory protocol described in classical Rasashastra for optimizing the administration of Rasayana, especially Parada based formulations. It involves systematic body conditioning to improve drug assimilation, therapeutic efficacy, and safety by preparing the body as a receptive “Kshetra” for treatment. The process mainly includes Panchakarma based procedures such as Pachana, Snehana, Swedana, Vamana, and Virechana, along with Krimipatana in certain texts. Classical references indicate that absence of Kshetrikarana may lead to poor assimilation, inadequate therapeutic response, and possible toxic effects. Various formulations and regimens described in Rasashastra further highlight its role in enhancing Bala (strength), longevity, and disease resistance. Thus, Kshetrikarana serves as an essential prerequisite for the safe and effective administration of Rasayana therapy by enhancing the body’s receptivity and adaptability towards Parada-based Rasayana formulations.