Living beings are endowed with the ability to reproduce a similar entity. Every human wishes to achieve this. In a broad sense, regeneration means the ability of each and every tissue cell to produce a similar entity. Vajikarana is that branch of Ayurveda which deals with re-production along with imparting the Vim, Vigour, and Vitality along with sexual ability. Vajikarana is an integral part of any treatment. If we speak in the present day terms of stem cells being able to treat many diseases, which is coded in the Vajikarana branch of Ayurveda.
“Shukra” is one of the seven Dhatus present in the human body which plays the vital role in development of progeny. This confers enthusiasm, strength and specially the procreation capacity. Proper functioning of Shukra Dhatu in the body results in appropriate Varna (colour), Bala (strength) and Oja (essence) of Dhatus.
The continuation of progeny i.e. Apatya is the main aim of Vajikarana Tantra along with improving the sexual capabilities in both men and women. Panini, a great grammarian says the term Apatya is not limited to son or daughter, but it includes grandchildren also. Acharya Charaka says a person who undergoes Vajikarana treatment, will have the efficacy carried till his third generation (this is a statement from the Charaka Samhita, and it is the experience of the Rishis who have recorded it).
Shukra is carried in the Shukra Vaha Srotas. Akala Yonigaman (Untimely union between male and female), Suppression of Shukravega (withholding the semen), Excessive sexual indulgence, Injury due to Shastra, Kshara, Agni, Krimi and Sexually transmitted diseases like Syphilis and Gonorrhea are the causes.
The symptoms include Klaibya (a nearer term would be loss of libido), Progeny born with defects or Alpayu (not a long life), Infertility, Abortion or miscarriages.
Treatment schedule includes disease prevention, which is most important in Shukra Vaha Srotas diseases which are Chronic or Asadhya due to certain structural and functional abnormalities. Appropriate amount of exercise and sexual activity, Panchakarma treatments like Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Uttarbasti, and Nasya; use of herbs with Sweet taste, herbs like Kaunchbeeja, Shatavari and Ashwagandha are beneficial.
Certain modern terms which can be explained are: Aspermia – Lack of Sperms; Oligospermia– Less Sperms; Hemospermia – Semen containing blood traces; Necrozoospermia –Dead sperms in Semen; Azoospermia – Lack of Sperms in Semen and Pyospermia – Yellowish tinge to the Semen are to name a few.
Vrushya Dravyas (Aphrodisiacs) - the ones which are sweet, unctuous, Jeevaneeya (promotes life), nourishing & heavy and which cause excitement of mind. Milk, Ghee, Butter, Sugar & chicken etc. A woman is considered to be the aphrodisiac par excellence.