Abstract

AHAR ACCORDING TO PRAKRITI AND TRIDOSH

Dr. Deepawali* and Prof. Dr. Raka Jain

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Abstract

Aurveda is one of oldest health science of the world with concepts of Prakriti, Tridosh, Panchmhabhut, Ahar etc. Prakriti is of two types: Deha prakriti and Manas prakriti. Prakriti is defined as uniqueness of one’s personality. It plays an important role in the selection and implantation of every factor that affect a person in their full life time eg. Ahar(food), Dincharya(daily regimen), Ritucharya(seasonal regimen) etc. Prakriti is decided at the time of conception[1] according to predominance of dosha so prakriti is defined as nature of body of a person in terms of dosha. Prakriti dose not change during the whole life. The characteristics, physical and mental health of a person depends on the Prakriti of that person. Ahar is considered one among three pillars of life (Tryoupsthmbh) and acharya has given remarkable importance to ahar. In Kashyap samhita aacharya mention ahar as Mhabhaisajya which means superior medicine.[2] Ahar is responsible for maintaining one’s health. Every food substance has its own qualities. The knowledge of Ahar and it’s consumption according to prakriti can be helpful in preventing dosha prokopa and there by diseases. Ahar that is opposite to Prakriti is beneficial for person’s health as mentioned in charak samhita- Viparītaguṇastēṣāṁ svasthavr ttērvidhirhitafi. (Diet and exercise regimen with opposite/ neutralizing dosha properties are prescribed for maintaining health. Habitual intake of balanced diet with all rasa in proportionate quantity is recommended for equilibrium state of dosha).[3]

Keywords: Prakriti, Ahar, Dosha, Mhabhaisajya, Prokopa.