Abstract

A NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY: AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVES

*Dr. Kavita Gange, Dr. Mahesh Jadhav and Dr. Vikram Shelavale

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Abstract

Ayurveda is mainly based on preventive aspect first rather than curative. Aahara (Food) is considered as the first pillar among three Nidra and Abrahmacharya being other two. Many common health problems can be prevented through nutritious diet. Food is important as a nutritional source, also with therapeutic value and most importantly it plays a vital role during the post treatment period in regaining the diminished strength due to the harmful effect of the disease. Nutrition is major concern for the mankind. Food determines body condition right from the womb to tomb; it is main source of energy. Abnormal nutrition may cause both over and under nutrition hazards. It causes more than half of the nearly 11 million deaths each year among children under age five. Nutritional deficiency disorders are viewed under Apatarpanajanya vyadhis. Nutritional disorders are described in scattered manner in Ayurveda texts. Ancient Acharyas explained diseases related to nutritional deficiency such as Phakka, Parigarbhika, Balashosha etc in different samhitas. This paper highlights Ayurvedic perspective of nutritional deficiency related disorders.

Keywords: Apatarpanajanya vyadhis, nutritional deficiency disorders, phakka, pargarbhika, bala shosha, Shushka revati.