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Line 272: − + − − == अष्टौ आहारविधि विशेषायतनानि॥ Ashta Ahara vidhi vishesha ayatanani == − Ahara is the chief source of nourishment for sustenance of life. It provides the strength , energy, and nutrition necessary for smooth functioning of entire body-mind system. However, all these benefits from ahara can be obtained when it is consumed in a specific manner. According to Ayurveda, How we eat is equally important as What we eat. The method of eating has significant impact on the final outcome of consuming a specific food. Therefore, Ayurveda also gives significant importance to the methods of eating which can be considered as the basic dietetic rules. − − There are few factors which need to be considered before taking the food in order to obtain maximum benefits from the food that is being consumed. There are 8 such factors and those are collectively known as Ashta Ahara vidhi visheshayatanani in Ayurveda. <blockquote>तत्र खल्विमान्यष्टावाहारविधिविशेषायतनानि भवन्ति; तद्यथा- प्रकृतिकरणसंयोगराशिदेशकालोपयोगसंस्थोपयोक्त्रष्टमानि (भवन्ति) ॥ (Char. Samh. 1.21)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 21)</ref> − − tatra khalvimānyaṣṭāvāhāravidhiviśeṣāyatanāni bhavanti; tadyathā- prakr̥tikaraṇasaṁyogarāśideśakālopayogasaṁsthopayoktraṣṭamāni (bhavanti) ॥ (Char. Samh. 1.21)</blockquote>The meaning of the term ‘Ashta Ahara vidhi visheshayatanani’ − − Th can be split into 5 parts as below − * Ashta (अष्ट)- Means number 8 − * Ahara (आहार)- Food − * Vidhi (विधिः)- Method or manner − * Vishesha (विशेषः)- Specific effect i.e. beneficial or harmful − * Ayatanani (आयतनानि)- Seat/ grounds/ responsible factors − Collectively it can be understood as ‘the method of eating food based on 8 specific grounds’ − − Therefore, in order to understand or select the right way to consume food for any person, it is necessary to consider these 8 factors. When food is taken considering these factors, one can get all desired benefits from right chosen food without getting any untoward effects. Prakriti (प्रकृतिः), Karana (करण), Samyoga (संयोगः), Rashi (राशि), Desha (देश), Kala (काल)'','' Upayoga-samstha (उपयोगसंस्था) and Upyokta (उपयोक्ता) are these 8 factors. − − 8 factors to be considered while taking food are as below − # Prakriti- Qualitative characteristic of food − # Karana- Processing of food − # Samyoga- Combination/ mixing − # Rashi- The Quantity − # Desha- Habitat − # Kala- Time & Seasonal variation − # Upayoga-Samstha- Classical Ayurvedic Rules of eating − # Upayokta -The person who takes the food/ User − The right way to eat any food presented in front of you should be decided after considering these 8 factors to get best possible benefits from it. − − This includes points like the quantity to be consumed, accompaniments to be chosen while taking that food, time to eat that food etc. This provides guideline for healthy eating practices. It is believed that, food consumed after considering these factors and implementing these rules provides all benefits and does not become the cause for ailments. On the other hand, food can be the cause for multiples diseases when it is consumed without considering these factors. − − == Best and worst practices related to food intake == − Ahara is believed to be the best among those things which are essential for maintenance of livelihood. Since it is such an extremely important lifestyle factors, there are some rules related to its consumption and some basic guidelines.<ref name=":2" /> Some of those are listed below, − # Eating in excess quantity of Ahara is the chief cause of Ama generation (Foundational stone for disease development) − # Eating in quantity as per one's Agni's strength is the best way to kindle the digestive fire i.e. Agni − # Eating food that is compatible for one's body type and suitable or habitual to one is the best practice one can adopt − # Eating on right time (timely eating) is the best method to stay healthy − # Eating once a day is best for smooth digestive functioning − # Staying food deprived or empty stomach is life threatening or reduces life span − # Guru Ahara (heavy to digest) eating is the chief cause for indigestion − # Eating unbalanced food (Only one [[Rasa (रसः)|rasa]] dominant or only one type of food) is the prime cause of malnourishment − # Overeating (taking next food before the previous one is digested) is the primary cause of dysfunction of grahani (chief digestive organ) − # Untimely eating is the leading cause of agni disturbances/ irregularities − # Eating Viruddha ahara (incompatible food) is the primary cause of developing nindita rogas e.g. Obesity, gigantism, dwarfism, pigmentation disorders etc − + − * Eat when fresh and hot − * Eat unctuous food (food articles that lack unctuousness or fats are prohibited) − * Eat in appropriate quantity − * Consume food when the previous food is digested − * Take the food which is not contradictory in veerya (वीर्यम् potency and thermal energy) i.e fulfilling basic needs of the body − * Eat at right place (in terms of hygiene, environment, availability etc) − * Eat when all necessary accessories for eating are available − * Do not eat at a very fast pace or very slowly − * While eating one should try not to talk and laugh − * Concentrate on food while eating and pay due regard to oneself − − == आहारद्रव्याणां धारणार्थे पात्राणि॥ Metal for vessel to store specific aharadravyas == − − Ayurveda gives keen attention to not just the food and methods to consume it but also to the method of serving it and storing it. It is believed that all these factors contribute in the final effect of the food that is being consumed. It is known that, material of the container in which the food is served and stored affects the quality of the food. In Sushruta Samhita, one can find the guidelines on the selection of vessel for storage of a specific type of a food recipe. For example ghee (clarified butter of cow milk) is advised to be stored in a vessel made up of black iron while rice gruel is to be stored in a vessel of silver. It is said that when these food articles are stored and served in such specific metal's vessel they give add-on health benefits. <ref name=":3">Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 46 Sutras 449-457)</ref> − − {| class="wikitable" − |+Type of container to store specific food articles − !Sr No − !Food Articles − !Material/type of the vessel − |- − |1 − |Ghrutam (घृतम् Ghee) − |Black iron − |- − |2 − |Peya (पेया Rice gruel), Liquids, Juices/Soups − |Silver − |- − |3 − |Fruits and other solid foods − |Plant leaves − |- − |4 − |Dried and marinated food − |Gold − |- − |5 − |Spicy, Salty, Sour − |Stone − |- − |6 − |Milk, Water − |Copper − |- − |7 − |Alcohol, Sour/fermented drinks − |Clay/Mud, Glass − |- − |8 − |Raga, Shadava, Sattaka (राग, षाडव, स्सट्टक- Traditional sour preparations-) − |Vaidurya (वैडूर्य types of a precious stone) − |} − − == भोजनपात्रे विविधानां आहारद्रव्याणां स्थापन/स्थानम्॥ Arrangement of food stuffs in a plate == − In most of the cultures across Bharata, traditionally the food is served in a plate in a specific manner. There exists a sequence and specific place in in a plate for a specific food article. The roots of this type of serving food are found to be in the classical treatises on Ayurveda. In Sushruta Samhita, the arrangement of food articles in a plate has been clearly mentioned.<ref name=":3" /> This description on food arrangement also throws light on the variety of food articles on ancient Bharatiya's plate, traditional balanced diet and probably a secret to good health from ancient wisdom. According to Ayurveda the food should be arranged and served in the following manner. − − On a clean, presentable, big size plate, − * सूद, सूपौदनम्- Soup/Dal, curry, rice, broth should be placed at the front end of plate − * सुसंस्कृतान प्रदेहान्- Solid food should be placed at the front place near soups − * फलानि, भक्ष्याः- Fruits, vegetables, meat is to be served on the right hand side of the person on a plate − * प्रद्रवाणि- रसाः, पानीयम्, पानकं, पयः- Other liquids, pickles, gruels should be served on the left hand side on the plate − * गुडविकारान्, राग, षाडव, सट्टकान्- Sweets, confectioneries should be served in the middle on the plate. − In this way the food articles should be arranged and served on plate. − − == आहारस्योपरि अर्हाणि पञ्चकर्माणि॥ Panchakarmas after ahara == − − − === चिकित्साभेदः ॥ Medicine category ===+ − [[Chikitsa (चिकित्सा)|Chikitsa(चिकित्सा)]] i.e. treatment is said to be of 3 types in Ayurveda literature. Daivavyapashraya (दैवव्यपाश्रया), Yuktivyapashraya (युक्तिव्यपाश्रया) and Satvavajaya (सत्वावजया). Among these 3 types, use of wholesome food articles and administration of diet plan is counted under the Yuktivyapashraya type of a [[Chikitsa (चिकित्सा)|chikitsa]]. <blockquote>युक्तिव्यपाश्रयं- पुनराहारौषधद्रव्याणां योजना.. (Char. Samh. 11.54)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 11 Sutra 54)</ref> − − yuktivyapāśrayaṁ- punarāhārauṣadhadravyāṇāṁ yojanā.. (Char. Samh. 11.54)</blockquote> − − === आहार एव औषधम् ॥ The only medicine in certain conditions === − Ahara is the only medicine to regain strength during recovery from diseases. Many acute severe or chronic diseases affect the person in such a way that the person recovering from them becomes weak, looses strength and remains incompetent to perform routine activities. In many instances the strength of the patient is lost due to the strong medicines used for treatment of the disease which in turn make the person weak. In such conditions Ayurveda scholars have identified and emphasized the role of ahara as medicine. In spite of using any medicine to boost strength, it is advised to use different types of food recipes that will boost energy and strength. In such cases, ghee, meat soup, milk, soups/broths etc. <blockquote>भेषजक्षपिते पथ्यमाहारैरेव बृंहणम्|.... − − ..तथा स लभते शर्म युज्यते चायुषा चिरम्||२३|| Cha.Su. 16.22-23 − − bheṣajakṣapite pathyamāhāraireva br̥ṁhaṇam|.... − − ..tathā sa labhate śarma yujyate cāyuṣā ciram||23|| Cha.Su. 16.22-23</blockquote>Going further the benefit of administering such diet in diseases individuals, Ayurveda acharyas have mentioned that, it helps to balance the the body-mind-energy complex and increase the longevity. − − === रोगनिवारणे आहारस्य कार्यम्॥ Role of ahara in management of diseases === − Any medicine used to treat a [[Roga (रोगः)|roga]] (disease) in Ayurveda, is believed to act chiefly on doshas and dhatus. It helps to re-establish the equilibrium of these components responsible for laying the foundation of disease. Samanya vishesha siddhanta is commonly used to select the dravyas (medicinal substances) to treat that disease. Therefore when ahara is to be used to manage a certain ailment or in addition to medicines, food articles, recipes and combinations are selected which will help to reduce the aggravated doshas, increase the depleted dhatus etc. Since Ahara and shariram as well as its component like doshas and dhatus are also panchabhautika in nature, 5 elements are the basis of this type of activity of ahara. 5 mahabhutas in ahara help to increase or reduce the disturbed 5 mahabhutas in shariram. <blockquote>अनया चोक्त्या आहारः शरीरगतानां भावानां समानगुणानां गुणद्वारेण वर्द्धनहेतुः,विपरीत गुणानां च क्षयहेतुः इति प्रतिपादयति ---- − − यथास्वं ते च पुष्णन्ति पक्वा भूतगुणान् पृथक्| पार्थिवाः पार्थिवानेव शेषाः शेषांश्च देहगान् (Asht. Hrud. 3.60)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 60)</ref> − − anayā coktyā āhāraḥ śarīragatānāṁ bhāvānāṁ samānaguṇānāṁ guṇadvāreṇa varddhanahetuḥ,viparīta guṇānāṁ ca kṣayahetuḥ iti pratipādayati ---- − − yathāsvaṁ te ca puṣṇanti pakvā bhūtaguṇān pr̥thak| pārthivāḥ pārthivāneva śeṣāḥ śeṣāṁśca dehagān (Asht. Hrud. 3.60)</blockquote> − == विविधाः औषधी पाककृतयः॥ Specific recipes in specific diseases == − The subject of food can not end without recipes. Ayurveda acharya in their treatises have not missed this extremely important aspect of administering food. At many instances they have described recipes of medicinal food articles which would be beneficial for intake in special health conditions. Various recipes have been designed in such a way that not just the food ingredient in it but also its processing method will be adding quality to that recipe which will be desired in that specific health conditions. There are certain classical treatises like Kshemakutuhalam (क्षेमकुतुहलम्) that are entirely dedicated for describing ancient traditional and healthy recipes which have basis of Ayurveda and were commonly followed in Bharata in ancient times. One can find the mention of Sanyawa (संयावः Haluwa), Ghewara (घेवरम् a type of jalebi) and many such interesting preparations in Ayurveda treatises in the context of management of diseases. For example, in the management of certain Shirorogas (शिरोरोगाः diseases of head & neck), use of Sanyawa, Madhumastaka (मधुमस्तक), Ghrutapoora (घृतपूर ghewara) etc has been advocated. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Uttaratantram Adhyaya 26 Sutras 37-38)</ref> Similarly in certain rogas like Jwara(ज्वरः) Pandu (पाण्डु) use of soups of Mudga (मुद्ग Green gram), Masura (मसूर), Chanaka (चणक), Makushthaka (मकुष्ठक) has been recommended in aharakala (आहारकालम् right time of having food). <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Uttaratantram Adhyaya 39 Sutra 150-151)</ref> − − In this way, Ayurveda describes the Ahara, its significance, its types, guidelines for food intake, its role in causing diseases and also its role in management of diseases in depth. Ahara has been given paramount importance when the matter of the life comes forward. Owing to Ahara's crucial role in maintaining the life, one must take utmost precautions while taking food. One should not indulge in intake of unwholesome food out of greed or ignorance. The wholesome food taken in appropriate manner is the key to healthy and long life.
Deleted content which was added under 2 new pages on food habits and food as medicine
=== दिनचर्यायाम् भोजनस्य कालः ॥ Bhojan kala in daily routine ===
=== दिनचर्यायाम् भोजनस्य कालः ॥ Bhojan kala in daily routine ===
Dinacharya refers to the ideal daily regime of the person which can maintain his health and wellness. The daily routine explained by Ayurveda scholars includes diet as an integral part of it. The right time of having food is mentioned after having explained all the cleansing process right up to the bath. Thus most importantly food is to be taken only after the wastes generated from previous day's metabolism are removed, body is cleansed and good appetite is observed.
Dinacharya refers to the ideal daily regime of the person which can maintain his health and wellness. The daily routine explained by Ayurveda scholars includes diet as an integral part of it. The right time of having food is mentioned after having explained all the cleansing process right up to the bath. Thus most importantly food is to be taken only after the wastes generated from previous day's metabolism are removed, body is cleansed and good appetite is observed.
Also see [[Healthy food habits (आहारविधिः)]] page for more details.
== आहार परिणमनम् वा पाचनम्॥ Digestion and transformation of food ==
== आहार परिणमनम् वा पाचनम्॥ Digestion and transformation of food ==
In charaka Samhita, the right anupana of ahara is said to be opposite in properties of that food but at the same time it should not be opposite (incompatible) to the [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]]. Such anupana is believed to increase energy levels, provide nourishment and strength in body on taking that food. It helps in proper digestion and transformation of that food in one's body so that one can get maximum benefits from it. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 27 Sutra 319-26)</ref> Subsequently it helps to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the body through the particular diet. <blockquote>अनुपानं हितं युक्तं तर्पयत्याशु मानवम्|</blockquote><blockquote>सुखं पचति चाहारमायुषे च बलाय च||३२६||</blockquote>Meaning: The right anupana of ahara energizes the person. It helps in smooth digestion of the food and ultimately increases strength and longevity.
In charaka Samhita, the right anupana of ahara is said to be opposite in properties of that food but at the same time it should not be opposite (incompatible) to the [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]]. Such anupana is believed to increase energy levels, provide nourishment and strength in body on taking that food. It helps in proper digestion and transformation of that food in one's body so that one can get maximum benefits from it. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 27 Sutra 319-26)</ref> Subsequently it helps to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the body through the particular diet. <blockquote>अनुपानं हितं युक्तं तर्पयत्याशु मानवम्|</blockquote><blockquote>सुखं पचति चाहारमायुषे च बलाय च||३२६||</blockquote>Meaning: The right anupana of ahara energizes the person. It helps in smooth digestion of the food and ultimately increases strength and longevity.
Few examples of aharanupana are given in the classical literature. Selection of these anupanas are based on the properties of that food, the health condition or desired health effect for that person etc. For vata dominant conditions and food, anupana that is snigdha (unctuous) and ushna (hot) in properties is chosen. Various types of fermented preparations made from herbs can prove to be good choice of anupana. However this is to be started under the guidance a qualified [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]] in order to avoid untoward side effects.
Few examples of aharanupana are given in the classical literature. Selection of these anupanas are based on the properties of that food, the health condition or desired health effect for that person etc. For vata dominant conditions and food, anupana that is snigdha (unctuous) and ushna (hot) in properties is chosen. Various types of fermented preparations made from herbs can prove to be good choice of anupana. However this is to be started under the guidance a qualified [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]] in order to avoid untoward side effects
== आहारविधिः॥ How to eat ==
== आहारविधिः॥ How to eat ==
Aharavidhi in Ayurveda refers to the code of eating food. It includes guidelines on eating food for getting best results from food that is consumed. These guidelines are advantageous for healthy as well as sick individuals. These should be followed even if the best suitable food is to be consumed which is supposed to give favorable outcomes.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 24)</ref> The basic guidelines are given below,
Aharavidhi in Ayurveda refers to the code of eating food. It includes guidelines on eating food for getting best results from food that is consumed. These guidelines are advantageous for healthy as well as sick individuals. These should be followed even if the best suitable food is to be consumed which is supposed to give favorable outcomes.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 24)</ref> See page [[Healthy food habits (आहारविधिः)]] for more information on this topic.
[[Panchakarmas (पञ्चकर्माणि)]] are the shodhana karmas (शोधन कर्माणि cleansing therapies) described in Ayurveda. They are used in specific [[Doshas (दोषाः)|dosha]] dominant illnesses where the basic dosha pacifying medicines wont prove effective enough to manage the illness. Also these procedures are implemented under medical supervision in specific health conditions in eligible individuals at appropriate time. There are stringent rules regarding their implementation. In almost all the panchakarmas and associates procedures, there are specific rules regarding ahara. Usually the chief panchakarmas are not done after the intake of food. Also there exists a specific diet plan which should be followed before and after panchakarmas. However, there exists one type of minor procedure under upakarmas (उपकर्माणि - minor cleansing therapies) which is advised to be carried out after having food and it is known as Dhumapana (धूमपानम्). Dhumapana involves inhaling and exhaling the medicated smoke for cleansing excess kapha and vata accumulated in upper body. One of the type of it is Madhyama (मध्यम - moderate) Dhumapana. It is advised that one can take this kind of dhumapana after having food.<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 6)</ref> There are other suitable times for dhumpana mentioned also.
== आहारस्य महाभेषजत्वम्॥ Ahara as medicine ==
== आहारस्य महाभेषजत्वम्॥ Ahara as medicine ==
Various diseases develop due to intake of inappropriate and unwholesome ahara (food). Therefore it is counted as one of the causative factors for diseases. But at the same time, appropriate changes in such food articles and their consumption manners can also cure these diseases. Therefore, Ahara is believed to be the equally consequential medicine in Ayurveda. Administration of right diet plan in a patient with any disease gives fast relief and many a time offers permanent cure. Thus Ayurveda [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]] always recommends do's and dont's in Ahara while giving treatment for any disease. These are known as [[Pathya (पथ्यम्)|Pathyas]] & Apathyas.
Various diseases develop due to intake of inappropriate and unwholesome ahara (food). Therefore it is counted as one of the causative factors for diseases. But at the same time, appropriate changes in such food articles and their consumption manners can also cure these diseases. Therefore, Ahara is believed to be the equally consequential medicine in Ayurveda. Administration of right diet plan in a patient with any disease gives fast relief and many a time offers permanent cure. Thus Ayurveda [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]] always recommends do's and dont's in Ahara while giving treatment for any disease. These are known as [[Pathya (पथ्यम्)|Pathyas]] & Apathyas.
For more information on this topic and know interesting healthy recipes from Ayurveda please visit [[Food as medicine (आहारस्य महाभेषजत्वम्)]] page.
== References ==
== References ==
[[Category:Ayurveda]]
[[Category:Ayurveda]]
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