Abstract

CONCEPT OF AHARA VIDHI VISHESHAYATAN (FOOD INTAKE) IN AYURVEDA: A REVIEW

Dr. Poonam Kumbharwad*, Dr. Ramesh M. Bansode, Dr. S. S. Sant, Dr. Shilpa Ingle and Dr. Kishor Ugale

Abstract

Ayurveda defines health as balance of Dosha, Agni, Dhatu and Mala, as well as the physical, mental emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Health as well as diseases is dependent on various factors. Ayurveda places special emphasis on Ahara and believes that healthy nutrition nourishes the body, mind and soul. In Ayurveda, Ahara, as well as the method of its intake both have equal importance. As Acharya had described that Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya 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 Ayurveda classics emphasis has been laid regarding the right way to eating food. Nowadays, many lifestyle diseases are increasing day by day due to incorrect eating practices and cookery procedures. Ayurveda classics describe all these aspects in a very systematic scientific manner which is called as Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatan. These are eight aspects of food convention that includes compatibility of food articles which are determinant factors for the maintenance of health.

Keywords: Ahara, Vidhi, Visheshayatan, Ayurveda.