RESUMEN
Ayurveda considers Ahara (food) as one of the three supporting pillars. Food has been given prime importance since Vedic Period. It is considered as Brahma in Upanishad. Acharaya Kashyapa gives it the name “Mahabhaisajya”. This is responsible for the growth, development and enhancement of Ojas. The body as well as diseases; both psychological and lifestyle disorders like Heart disease, Obesity, Diabetes, Hypertension and Cancer being the major health problems are formed by food, wholesome and unwholesome food are responsible for happiness and misery respectively. The disease can be cured without any medication by just following wholesome regimen, whereas even hundreds of medicines cannot be cure a disease in absence of wholesome regimen. Ahara rasa which is formed from ingested diet nourished not only our body but also nourished mind and sensory organs. Ayurveda describes that Deha is made up of Ahara and the Vyadhi also. According to Laulimbaraja “Pathya is the secret of healthiness likewise Apathya is the root cause of all diseases”. Ayurvedic Acharayas describes importance of Ahara differently especially in Brihatrayee, a special chapter has been described for Annapana Vidhi. The principle of dietetics and nutrition in Ayurvedic system of medicine include different classes of Ahara i.e. eating and drinking items, principle of Pathyapathya (wholesome and unwholesome diet), discipline of eating (Ashta Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatan, Dvadasha Asana Vidhi etc.), Viruddha Ahara (incompatible diet). Ashta Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatan includes eight discipline of eating and Dvadasha Asana Vidhi includes the twelve discipline of eating as described by Acharya Charaka and Sushruta respectively and is very important in daily life for promotion of positive health.
RESUMEN
Rasayana Tantra is one of the eight major divisions of Astang Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, one of the major methods of presentation of positive health has been described i.e. Rasayana. There are many activities that promote health and happiness by engendering positive emotions and experiences, which in turn promote the production of Ojas. These activities are included in Achara Rasayana . Ayurveda strongly emphasizes prevention, promotion, cure and rehabilitation. For this, it advocates to follow the principles of health, observation of principles – Dincharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (Seasonal regimen), Ratricharya (Night routine), Sadvritta and Achar Rasayan (Ethical and Moral activities), Aahar (Food), Nidra (Sleep) and Brahmacharya (Regulated Action). Achara Rasayana is described in various texts. It means good conduct. It signifies the physical and mental conducts of a man and it has been designated as an Rasayana – a vitalizer agent for entire span of life. This is a measure having no involvement of drugs and if it is sincerely taken into practice, it may replenish and maintain total life process free from ailments. A careful analysis of qualities of Achara Rasayana reveal that most of them are related with Mana, Dhi, Dhriti along with good conduct and these results in maximum benefit. The principles of Achar Rasayana are more relevant today than ever. It goes into the heart of the issue we are trying to overcome in order to be well and healthy. Environmental toxicity and the food chain we are accustomed to have threatened our lives. The integral connection between nature and man is an understatement.