Abstract

AHARA VIDHI VISHESH AYATANA – A CONCEPTUAL STUDY

Dr. Sakshi Sharma*, Dr. Guru Prasad Sharma and Dr. Anil Badhoria

ABSTRACT

Health is the state of physical, mental, social and spiritual well being. The Prayojana of Ayurveda is to protect health of the healthy and to cure disorder in the diseased. Health as well as diseases is dependent on various factors. As Acharyas had described that Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacarya are Triupstambha (three sub pillars), which support the body itself. Here Ahara has been placed first, which shows that it is most important to maintain and sustain the life. In today‟s modern era, due to lack of knowledge about correct eating habits, we blindly follow the wrong dietary habits, which causes Agnivaishamya (digestive distress) and produces various life style disorders of unknown etiology. In Ayurveda, Ahara, as well as the method of its intake both have equal importance. Food plays a decisive role in development, sustenance, reproduction and terminationof life. Through centuries, Food has been recognized as an important factor for human beings, in health and diseased state. Ahara is not only needed for the continuity of life, but also for Bala, Varna, Upacaya etc. For the method of taking food, Acharya Charak has defined Ashta Ahara vidhivisheshayatana in a very systematic and scientific manner. It gives basic dietary guidelines about choosing appropriate food, combination of food, cooking method, quality and quantity of food. A thorough understanding of Ashta Ahara vidhi visheshayatana will help in reducing Agnidushti (digestive distress) and achieving the both Prayojana of Ayurveda.

Keywords: Health, Triupastambha, Ahara, Ashta ahara vidhi visheshayatana, basic dietary guidelines, Agnidushti (digestive stress).