Abstract

CONCEPT OF AHARA: AYURVED PERSPECTIVE

*Vd. Shilpa Arun Varma and Prof. Vd. Harishkumar B. Singh

Abstract

Ayurveda is the science of life. The objective of Ayurveda has always been maintaining as well as preserving health. Actively pursued goal of Ayurveda is wellness. Ayurveda has mentioned many Siddhantas (Principles), of which an important principle is Trayopsthambha. The three Upsthambhas (supporting pillars of life) are ahara (food), nidra (sleep) and brahmhacharya (celibacy). These pillars are essential to maintain the health. Due to globalization in last few decades, there has been changes in lifestyle impacting Ahara thus leading to emergence of various new health problems which await solutions. The modern world is currently facing pandemic of Non-Communicable diseases like diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, etc., as a result of stress, improper diet and irregular or sedentary lifestyle. Hence, people have been troubled with physical as well as psychological health issues. Ayurveda believes that in order to achieve and maintain healthy living (Arogya), along with ahara it is essential to practice a healthy Vihara like Dinacharya (day regimen), Ratricharya (night regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Ahara Vidhi (diet rules), Sadavritta (code of conducts) etc. which are described in detail in Ayurveda. As the Ahara vidhi of new-age human is very different as well as unhealthy, let’s discuss about the diet rules mentioned in Ayurveda to maintain our health. These diet rules can be inculcated in our daily lives in order to achieve epitome of Health.

Keywords: Ahara Vidhi, Virrudhahara, Ashtahara vidhi visheshaytan.