Article: ASHTA AHARA VIDHI VISHESHA AYATANA: A REVIEW

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.1105168

Pages: 194-197

Author: Antony Paul *, Smitha Bhat

Abstract: “Health is wealth”, is a statement that reverberates the importance of health in an individual’s life. But it is ignored that, health is dependent on multiple factors associated with life. Ayurveda explains three Upastambhas, which is to be observed for leading a healthy life. They are Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya, among which Ahara stands the first. Adequate nutrition through diet is very much needed for the maintenance of life, but, health comes up with following of systematic rules and regulations in diet. For this there is a unique approach that is explained in Ayurveda, which is Ashta Ahara Vidhi Vishesha Ayatana. In this we find the guidelines for healthy dietary habits like choosing of appropriate food, the right processing, the different combination with food, the right quantity etc. Likewise there are a total of eight dietetic rules and conducts that are explained in this context. With the current scenario, it is noticed that, there is a huge spike in GIT disorders and lifestyle related diseases. It is also undoubtedly established fact that, altered diet habits of the modern world are a leading causative factor for it. The necessity for a scientific and stable dietetic regimen for encountering these issues is in great demand. Taking these into account it is wise to look into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Here, following Ashta Ahara Vidhi Vishesha Ayatana, which have a huge potential in bringing back the normal health of an individual can be taken into account as a solution.

Keyword: Ashta Ahara Vidhi Vishesha Ayatana, Ahara, Ayurveda, dietary rules.