Ahara (आहारः) - Revision history

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Deleted content which was added under 2 new pages on food habits and food as medicine

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 The term Ahara (आहारः) in Samskrit refers to the food or diet. Any food that is consumed to gain energy or to continue the survival is called as Ahara in Ayurveda. Anna (अन्नम्), Bhojana (भोजनम्), Ashana (अशनम्) are some synonyms commonly used to refer Ahara in Ayurveda. Ahara has been identified as that entity which is responsible for sustenance of life of a person. It provides nourishment, strength, health and at the same time can cause various diseases if not consumed in an appropriate way. Thus, it is counted as the first among 3 supporting pillars of life i.e. Trayopasthambhas (त्रयोपस्तंभाः).
@@ Line 385: / Line 383: @@
 In this way the food articles should be arranged and served on plate.
-== आहार्स्योपरि अर्हाणि पञ्चकर्माणि॥ Panchakarmas after ahara ==
+== आहारस्योपरि अर्हाणि पञ्चकर्माणि॥ Panchakarmas after ahara ==
 [[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.

@@ Line 377: / Line 377: @@
 == Ahara as medicine ==
-Cha. Su. 11.54
+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 Pathyas & Apathyas.
-युक्तिव्यपाश्रयं- पुनराहारौषधद्रव्याणां योजना,
+=== Medicine category ===
-Ahara as the only only medicine to regain strength after recovery from diseases
+=== The only medicine in certain conditions ===
-भेषजक्षपिते पथ्यमाहारैरेव बृंहणम्|
+=== 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 ----</blockquote><blockquote>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></blockquote>
 == Specific recipes in specific diseases ==
-Shirororogas- Ghrutapura, sanyawa S.u.Ut.26
+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 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 (Haluwa), Ghewara (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 (diseases of head & neck), use of Sanyawa, Madhumastaka, Ghrutapoora (ghewara) etc has been advocated. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Uttaratantram Adhyaya 26 Sutras 37-38)</ref> Similarly in certain rogas like Jwara, Pandu use of soups of Mudga (Green gram), Masura, Chanaka, Makushthaka has been recommended in aharakala (right time of having food). <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Uttaratantram Adhyaya 39 Sutra 150-151)</ref>
-मुद्गान्मसुरांश्चणकान् कुलत्थान् समकुष्ठकान् ||१५०||
+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.
-आहारकाले यूषार्थं ज्वरिताय प्रदापयेत् |१५१| Su.Ut.39
+== References ==
 [[Category:Ayurveda]]
 <references />

@@ Line 220: / Line 220: @@
 === Significance of proper digestion of food to obtain good health, strength and long life ===
-परिणमतस्त्वाहारस्य [१] गुणाः शरीरगुणभावमापद्यन्ते यथास्वमविरुद्धाः; विरुद्धाश्च विहन्युर्विहताश्च विरोधिभिः शरीरम्||१६|| (cha.Sha.6.16)
+Ahara is indispensable for survival and maintenance of [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|shariram]] in this loka (world). Thus it is highly regarded. However, Ahara can not be utilized as it is by body building tissues. In order to acquire all the benefits from ahara i.e. longevity, strength, lusture, nourishment, growth, [[Ojas (ओजः)|ojas]], health and well-being, it is necessary that ahara gets completely digested and transformed properly into rasa dhatu. <ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> The completely transformed ahara can become the part of this body provided it is of the similar properties and not contrary to that of body tissues. And when such ahara similar in quality to that of body tissues nourishes the body components, all the desired benefits from ahara can be obtained. <blockquote>परिणमतस्त्वाहारस्य गुणाः शरीरगुणभावमापद्यन्ते यथास्वमविरुद्धाः; विरुद्धाश्च विहन्युर्विहताश्च विरोधिभिः शरीरम्  (cha.Sha.6.16)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 16-17)</ref></blockquote>On the contrary when the transformed ahara possesses qualities that are opposite in nature of that of body tissues which build strength, it can not nourish and replenish [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] but lead to disease development. Thus proper pachanam of ahara is highly important in order to stay healthy, fit and strong. This pachanam is controlled by multiple factors. The portion size or quantity of food is one of those. Ayurveda acharyas have also described other factors that should be closely monitored to reap the superior goodness from Ahara in all aspects of life . These factors are called as Ashta Ahara vidhi visheshayatanas. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 4)</ref>
-शरीरगुणाः [१] पुनर्द्विविधाः सङ्ग्रहेण- मलभूताः, प्रसादभूताश्च|
+== Aharashakti ==
+Ayurveda believes that, Bala (Strength) and Ayu (longevity) of a person are dependent on one's ahara. Therefore assessing one's food (intake) capacity could be a good criterion to assess one's strength and longevity as well. Thus, assessment of this parameter is one part of clinical examination of a patient which a Ayurveda practitioner performs.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 94)</ref> It is believed that, not just the food intake capacity but also the capacity to digest the consumed food is also equally important to get rough idea of one's strength and longevity.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 8 sutra 120)</ref> Ayurveda gives high importance to the digestion and transformation of ingested food and therefore is is considered as the integral part of examination of a patient.
 == Ahara matra ==
-=== Based on property of food article ===
+=== Based on agni ===
-गुरूणामर्धसौहित्यं लघूनां तृप्तिरिष्यते |
+The quantity of the food to be taken should be decided based on the strength of the agni of the individual. This is the ideal approach. This simply means one should consume as much food as one can properly digest and does not suffer from any digestion related issues thereafter.
-द्रवोत्तरो द्रवश्चापि न मात्रागुरुरिष्यते ||४९५|| Su.Su.46/495
+मात्राशी स्यात्| आहारमात्रा पुनरग्निबलापेक्षिणी| (Char. Samh. 5.3) <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 5 sutra 3)</ref>
-मात्राशी स्यात्|
+=== Based on property of food article ===
+The food articles that are guru (heavy for digestion or take long time to get digested) should be taken half their satiety level experienced by the consumer while foods that are laghu (light on digestion) can be taken upto the satisfaction. <blockquote>गुरूणामर्धसौहित्यं लघूनां तृप्तिरिष्यते | द्रवोत्तरो द्रवश्चापि न मात्रागुरुरिष्यते  (Sush. Samh. 46.495) <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 46 Sutram 495)</ref></blockquote>
 === Based on volume or quantity ===
 Ayurveda acharyas give guidelines for deciding right quantity or portion of food that is being consumed. This has been described on the basis of physical form of food and the space  available within imaginary partitions inside the stomach. If we consider that the stomach is divided into 3 parts then, for solid food and liquids one compartment each is to be utilized while a sufficient space i.e. one third space is to be kept vacant for movement of doshas which participate in the process of digestion.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutram 3)</ref> Moral of the entire consideration is that one should not over-stuff the stomach with food. solids and liquids both should be taken in balanced proportion and at the same time some part of your stomach should be kept empty to facilitate easy digestion.
-=== Prakruti and ahara matra ===
+=== Prakrti and ahara matra ===
-Kapha- alpa- A.H.SHA.3.101
+Different doshas have different impact on the status of the agni. This decides the appetite of the person and how much one can eat. Thus while describing prakrti, Ayurveda treatises mention about the appetite pattern of individuals having specific dosha's dominance due to [[Prakrti in Ayurveda (प्रकृतिः)|prakrti]]. The relation of dosha prakruti and appetite is given below.
+* Kapha- The people with kapha [[Prakrti in Ayurveda (प्रकृतिः)|prakrti]] eat alpa (less). <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 101)</ref>
-Pitta- Prabhuta ashana pana , dandashuka Cha vi. 8.97
+* Pitta- Those with Pitta dominant constitution eat a lot and also frequently.<ref name=":10">Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 97-98 )</ref>
+* Vata- Those with vata dominant constitution tend to eat less and in small quantities.<ref name=":10" />
 === How do I understand I have eaten in right quantity? ===
@@ Line 265: / Line 263: @@
 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.
 == Ashta Ahara vidhi vishesha ayatanani ==
@@ Line 311: / Line 292: @@
 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.
-=== Ahara phala souththava hetu ===
+== Common mistakes done while taking ahara and their effects on Body ==
-Cha.Vi 2.4
+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)
-न च केवलं मात्रावत्त्वादेवाहारस्य कृत्स्नमाहारफलसौष्ठवमवाप्तुं शक्यं, प्रकृत्यादीनामष्टानामाहारविधिविशेषायतनानां प्रविभक्तफलत्वात्||४||
+# Eating in quantity as per one's Agni's strength is the best way to kindle the digestive fire i.e. Agni
-== Aharavidhi ==
+== Aharavidhi 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,
 * Eat when fresh and hot

@@ Line 199: / Line 199: @@
 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.
-== Panchakarmas after ahara ==
+== Ahara Parinamana Digestion and transformation of food ==
-[[Panchakarmas (पञ्चकर्माणि)|Panchakarmas]] are the shodhana karmas (cleansing therapies) described in Ayurveda. They are used in specific 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 (minor cleansing therapies) which is advised to be carried out after having food and it is known as Dhumapana. 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 (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.
+Parinamana means digestion and transformation. It is also called as Pachanam. Ahara taken by a person is processed by Agni (Jatharagni) located in koshta (equivalent to gastrointestinal tract or gut). After this process, the processed part is divided into 2 parts. One part is known as sara i.e. essence and the other part is known as kitta i.e. waste. The rasa dhatu formed after the digestion process is called as sara of Ahara. On the other hand, vit (feces) and mutram (Urine) are formed as kitta (wastes) of ahara according to the Ayurveda. Thus Rasa is known as sara while vit and mutra are known as kitta of ahara.<blockquote>विण्मूत्रमाहारमलः सारः प्रागीरितो रसः ॥ (Sush. Samh. 46.528)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 46 Sutra 528)</ref> </blockquote>All this transformation of food occurs in 3 steps. These are the transient phases of food during digestion inside the koshtha (Gut). The entire process in discussed in depth in ayurveda treatises. At the end of 3 phases the digestion is supposed to be complete. In a nutshell, ahara after digestion becomes rasa dhatu which is then circulated all over the body and performs the function of nourishment. The wastes generated in formation of rasa dhatu are feces and urine which are excreted out of the body through proper channels. Agni plays the vital role in this entire process. Any disturbances in agni result in alteration in quality of rasa dhatu and wastes like vit and mutram. Changes in quality of these components lay foundation for development of any illness. Thus parinamana or pachanam of ahara has been given tremendous importance in Ayurveda.
-== Ahara parinaman kala ==
+=== Ahara parinaman kala ===
 Ahara parinaman kala means the time required for complete digestion and transformation of the food. In Ashtanga Hrudayam , acharya Vagbhata has explained that there are varied opinions of scholars about this time. Few scholars suggest that the food is transformed completely in a ahoratra (24 hours/ 1 daytime+ 1 night-time) while some opine that it takes 6 days to get transformed. There are other scholars of opinion that the food gets transformed completely and reaches upto the last [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatu]] in the sequence i.e. [[Shukra Dhatu (शुक्र धातुः)|Shukra]] after a period of a month (28 days).<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 65-66)</ref> Thus Ahara is transformed into Rasa dhatu in a period of a day while it takes a period of almost a week or a month to show its effect on the last Shukra dhatu. This knowledge is applied while deciding a timeline for treatment, diet and planning other treatment modalities.
-== Ahara sara and mala ==
+=== Factors that affect proper digestion of food ===
-Ahara taken by a person is processed by Agni (Jatharagni) located in koshta (equivalent to gastrointestinal tract or gut). After this process, the processed part is divided into 2 parts. On epart is known as sara i.e. essence and the other part is known as kitta i.e. waste. The rasa dhatu formed after the digestion process is called as sara of Ahara. On the other hand, vit (feces) and mutram (Urine) are formed as kitta (wastes) of ahara according to the Ayurveda. Thus Rasa is known as sara while vit and mutra are known as kitta of ahara. <blockquote>विण्मूत्रमाहारमलः सारः प्रागीरितो रसः ॥ (Sush. Samh. 46.528)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 46 Sutra 528)</ref> </blockquote>
+तत्र मलभूतास्ते ये शरीरस्याबाधकराः स्युः| cha sha 6.17
 == Ahara matra ==
@@ Line 366: / Line 383: @@
 In this way the food articles should be arranged and served on plate.
-== Factors that affect proper digestion of food ==
+== Panchakarmas after ahara ==
-SuSu.46
+[[Panchakarmas (पञ्चकर्माणि)|Panchakarmas]] are the shodhana karmas (cleansing therapies) described in Ayurveda. They are used in specific 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 (minor cleansing therapies) which is advised to be carried out after having food and it is known as Dhumapana. 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 (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.
 == Ahara as medicine ==