Abstract

PHYSIOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING OF AVASTHAPAKA: A REVIEW

Dr. Mukesh Kumar Tiwary*, Dr. Gitanjali Sasmal and Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Abstract

In Ayurvedic text Ahara Paka (digestion) is divided in two stages, namely Avasthapaka and Nishthapaka or Vipaka. Ayurveda is the ancient medical science, in which Ahara containing Shada Rasa undergo Pachana at different level in order to nourish the dhatus. Ahara converts in Ahara Rasa by Jatharagni, Ahara Rasa provides nourishment to Deha Dhatus. The Jatharagni is primarily situated in the Grahani and it is helps in the digestion of Ahara Rasa of appropriate quality taken in required quantity & in right time. Avasthapaka is the stage in the state or form of Ahara in the Amashaya and Pakvashaya in the course of digestion. Avasthapaka includes three stages i.e. Madhura Avasthapaka, Amala Avasthapaka, Katu Avasthapaka for the completion of digestion process associated with the development of Kapha, Pitta and Vata Dosha respectively. Jatharagni initiates and maintains Pachana of Ahara into Ahara Rasa. After that absorbed to respective Dhatu by the action of Dhatwagni and Bhutagni. Equilibrium in this process lead to Swasthya (health) and variation in this process lead to various Vyadhis (diseases). Hence, the stage and process of Avasthapaka (process of digestion) plays a vital role in maintaining the state of health.

Keywords: Avasthapaka, Jatharagni, Ahara Rasa, Disease.