Aahar Vidhi Vidhan
Ahar vidhi vidhan described in our classics which are the foundation of dietetics. Which indicates the method of ahara, these are Ushna, Snigdha, Matravat, is consumed after the digestion of previously ingested food, Virya avirudha ahara, Is to be taken into Iste Deshe where it is provided with Ista sarvopakarana, Not to be taken speedily, Not to be takentoo slowly, Taken without taking with others, taken without laughing, Taken with the concentration of the mind.
Having a bowel movement first thing in the morning is a sign of good health (The vata cycle in the early morning helps prompt the body’s natural urge. Resisting a natural urge will aggravate vata dosha resulting into related health conditions). A bowel movement each morning is also a sign of healthy digestive system.
Ushnam Ashniyat
Ahar vidhi vidhan described in our classics which are the foundation of dietetics. Which indicates the method of ahara, these are Ushna, Snigdha, Matravat, is consumed after the digestion of previously ingested food, Virya avirudha ahara, Is to be taken into Iste Deshe where it is provided with Ista sarvopakarana, Not to be taken speedily, Not to be takentoo slowly, Taken without taking with others, taken without laughing, Taken with the concentration of the mind.
Snigdham Ashniyat
The meal made should be Snigdha (Unctous), The Snigdha Aahar causes Agnidedpana, facilitate early digestion.
Matravat Ashniyat
It means eat in adequate amount. The Lakshana by which a person can decide that is Matravat are, freedom from distress is in stomach, Gratification of the senses, absence of any cardiac discomfort, sense of ease in the standing, sitting, lying down, walking, inhaling, exhaling, talking.
Jirne Ashniyat
It means eat after digestion of the previous meal. If one takes food before the digestion of the previous meal, the digestive product of the previous food i.e. undigested ahara rasa of food taken afterwards it provokes all the doshas
Virya Avirudha Ashniyat
Virya is the power of substance by which action takes place. Eat those food which are not antagonist in virya (potency).
Ishta Deshe/Ishta Sarvopkarnam Ashniyat
Eat in congenial place provided with all the necessary appurtenances. One eating at congenial place does not get depressed in the mind by the depressing emotions produced in unpleasant environment. Therefore should eat in congenial place and circumstances.
Na Atidrutam Ashniyat
Do not eat hurriedly. If food is taken too hurriedly it enters into a wrong way and will not be properly placed. Food taken in hurry can obviously affect the power of digestion by increasing the vata.
Na Ativilambit Ashniyat
Do not eat too leisurely, that food would become cold and there will be irregularity in digestion.
Ajalpana, Ahasan, Tanmanabhunjitam
Don’t talk or laugh while eating, one who talks and laughs while eating is liable to suffer the same disorders as the one who eats too hastily. In this most important one is that the food should be eaten with concentration. Talking and laughing divert the attention from the meals and the food is eaten too slowly or too hastily.
Aatanam Abhisamikshya Bhunjitam
Eat rightly, considering your constitution. These were the dietic rules for both healthy and unhealthy persons but Sushruta has given Dwadasha Ashana Pravicharana especially for unhealthy people. These pravicharana facilitate the use of different type of ahara and ahar vidhi according to the status of health of the person. According to Charak Acharya the food eaten by one with chinta (Anxiety), Shok( Grief), Bhay (Fear), Krodh (Anger), Dukha (Pain), sedentary habits or keeping awake at night, though it is prescribed diet and is eaten with strict regard to measure, will fail to be digested properly.
Wrong Eating Habits In Present Era
- Eating when not hungry
- Eating food one cannot digest
- Eating soon after meal
- Eating when constipated
- Eating at the wrong time of the day
- Drinking cold or chilled water, especially during meal
- Eating incomplete food combinations
- Too much water or no water at all during a meal
- Overeating
- Preserved and stale food
- Eating too much heavy too little light food
- Frozen food
- Eating hurriedly
- Too spicy, sour, salty food
- Emotional eating
Our ancient rishis are store houses of valuable thoughts.Diet is considered as basic most cause of life. Not only diet but also method of food intake has an important role in the continuity of healthy life. According to Kashyap Samhita, food as always been an important way to treat illness and maintain health and that’s why he called food as Mahabhaishyajya . In the present modern lifestyle we do not take care of our health and the consequences of our eating and drinking habits and other styles of liIt is very important aspect regarding dietetics that when to take food. Many diseases can be prevented arising merely due to faulty dietary habits.
