Pathya and Apathya- An Ayurvedic Framework of Wholesome and Unwholesome Diet, Behavioral and Mental Health Regime for Sthaulya- A Narrative Review

The advancement of industrialization and communications has made man more sensitive and critical, resulting in a variety of health issues. Sedentary lifestyles are becoming more common as a result of the progress of industrialization and communication, resulting in chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, ischemic heart disease, cerebro-vascular accidents, atherosclerosis, varicose veins, and so on. Obesity is a risk factor for several diseases, thus preventing it will reduce the likelihood of developing them. Obesity, like other disorders, is a complex disorder caused by a combination of factors such as food, physical activity, mental health, and overall lifestyle. In Ayurveda, Sthaulya is the closest clinical entity for obesity. Sthoulya's causality is described in the Asta-Nindita-Purusha chapter. The etiopathogenesis of obesity is caused by an excessive intake of calories combined with a decrease in expenditure. A key weight-loss approach that can be used anywhere to reduce energy density. In Ayurveda, Pathya and Apathya are given specific attention in terms of Ahara, Vihara, and Manasika Entities, so that the ailment can be treated holistically. When these guidelines are followed, the treatment yields a better result in the treatment of the condition. This article attempts to review the pathya and apathy of obesity, as well as discuss the possible causes.

A Novel Approach of Ayurveda Towards Understanding the Fundamental Characteristics and Health Benefits of Various Types of Takras (Buttermilk)

Takra (buttermilk) is included under the Pathya kalpna (dietetic preparations) because of its use as both medicine and a dietary regime. Takra is called as Amruta for the patients suffering from the diseases caused by Mandagni (low digestive power). Detail description about Takra is mentioned in all classical texts of Ayurveda. It plays important role in diseases namely Arsha (hemorrhoids), Grahani (irritable bowel syndrome), Udara (ascities) and Agni vikruti. The properties of Takra (buttermilk) according to Ayurveda are mentioned as Laghu (light), Anushna (not hot in potency), Grahi (absorbant), Dipana (appetizing), Madhur vipak (sweet taste after digestion) and Tridhoshaghna. Because of this unique combination Takra can be included in daily diet for all type of Prakruti (constitution of person). In this study Takra along with its various types, their properties, and methods of preparation and health benefits has been studied critically on the basis of principles and practices of Ayurveda. This study will bring about novel understanding of nutritional and therapeutic uses and newer preparations of buttermilk.

Preventing Apathyanimittaja Madhumeha - An Ayurvedic Approach

Prevention is always better than cure especially in diseases such as Type 2 DM which is fast gaining the status of a potential epidemic in India with more than 62 million diabetic individuals currently diagnosed with the disease. The disease Madhumeha can be correlated with Type 2 DM. The disease is characterized by metabolic abnormalities and long term complications involving the eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels. Madhumeha being an Anushangi vyadhi will make the person suffer for life time. Complications are further more difficult to treat. Hence it is always recommended in Ayurvedic classics to prevent the manifestation of diseases as much as possible and also to prevent the Upadravas if Madhumeha is already manifested. A good and proper diet in disease is worth a hundred medicines and no amount of medication can do well to a patient who does not follow a strict regimen of diet. Pathya ahara is the first and foremost step while considering the prevention of Madhumeha. Another factor which has important role in the disease manifestation is improper Vihara which can be considered for increased urbanisation, high prevalence of obesity, sedentary lifestyles and stress. Healthy life style has a key role in preventing Madhumeha and also to ease the life with Madhumeha by delaying the complications. Hence the present study is aimed at collecting and compiling various preventive measures which are explained by our Ayurvedic Acharyas to prevent Madhumeha and its complications.

An Overview Of Ayurvedic Management Of Sthaulya W.s.r Obesity

Due to rapid modernization in recent years, presence of nutritional abundance and sedentary lifestyle, metabolic disorders have emerged rapidly. Obesity is one of the nutritional lifestyle disorder affecting both developed and developing countries. Obesity is a disorder characterized by increased body weight and excess fat deposition. Obesity is the root cause of overconsumption of calories and reduced physical activity which lead to serious health complications. Multifactorial in nature in which environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors play an equally important role in its etiology. Ayurveda is one of the most ancient sciences of world describing basic and applied principles of health, disease and its management. In Ayurveda, obesity has been described under the caption Sthaulya. Sthaulya is mentioned under Santarpanjanyavikara (over nourishment of body). Sthaulya is among one of the 8 unwanted diseases mentioned by Acharyas. Using fatty diet, decreased physical activity and hereditary factors contribute to its etiology ultimately causing derangement of Agni of Medadhatu. This produces excess of Meda or fat. Sufficient focus has been given in the management of Sthaulya in form of diet and drugs to control the disease in Samhita. Ayurvedic treatment is addressed by correction of dietary patterns in form of Nidana Parivarjana and Pathya Aahar –Vihara and Aptarpana Chikitsa to correct vitiated Dosha and Agni. Obesity is a preventable lifestyle disorder which can be easily addressed by keeping an initial check on one’s dietary pattern. Medicine usage play a secondary role, keeping at par various metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypertension etc. It fulfills the first and foremost motto of Ayurveda which is prevention of disease being less expensive and more approachable than treatment.

Role Of Pathya-apathya And Yogic Procedures In The Management Of Copd

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that is often preventable and treatable. In Ayurvedic texts Shwasa Roga has been described having symptomatology close to COPD. COPD damages the airways in lungs and leads to shortness of breath, impacting patient`s work, exercise, sleep and other everyday activities. More than 11 million people in the U. S. suffer from COPD and its prevalence has been increasing steadily over the past 20 years. It causes serious long-term disability and early death. COPD includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Risk factor includes exposure to air pollution, second-hand smoke and occupational dusts and chemicals, smoking, cold weather etc. which are also mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. Identification, reduction and control of risk factors to prevent the onset of COPD are important steps towards developing strategies for prevention of COPD. The aims and objectives of Ayurveda are to maintain the health of a healthy person and to cure the diseases of the patients. It is signifies that “prevention is better than cure.” To maintain the health, Ayurveda laid many basic principles like Ritucharya (seasonal regime), Dincharya (diumal regime) etc. The Yogic procedures and the concept of Pathya (wholesome) and Apathya (unwholesome) is the peculiarity of Ayurveda for the management of COPD and the treatment module includes- Panchakarma (Vamana, Virechana, Dhumapana and Nasya), external therapies (Lepas, Dhara, Sthanika Abhayanga and Swedana) and internal medications are very effective in COPD.

Role Of Ahara As A Prime Etiological Factor In The Manifestation Of Disease

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.

A Conceptual Study Of Mutrashmari; Its Management With Nidana Parivarjana And Pathya Palana

Mutrashmari is one of the commonest diseases of Mutravaha Srotasa. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Mutrashmari as one of the Ashta Mahagada, because it is not easy to treat and there is need to pay more attention to its cure. In the contemporary medical science it is correlated with Urolithiasis or Urinary Calculi. The incidences of Mutrashmari are increasing at the present era due to various reasons like altered food habits, changed lifestyle, stress, strain, environmental pollutions etc. In Ayurvedic texts these factors have been indicated as Nidana. Nidana plays a major role in the occurrence of disease, due to Nidana Sevana, Doshas get aggravated, along with Dushya they cause Sroto Dushti and then disease manifests. Vata, Pitta and Kapha all three Doshas are involved in the Samprapti of Mutrashmari, therefore understanding the Samprapti is essential for treatment of disease, because disintegration of Samprapti Sanghatan is Chikitsa. Srotasa is an important Samprapti Ghataka in formation of disease. Compatible food to Srotasa is Pathya. Srotasa is guarded by avoiding causative factors of disease and taking compatible food to Srotasa, which prevents the Srtotovarodha and thereby prevent the disease. This article is mainly focused at Nidana-Samprapti Parak study of Mutrashmari and importance of Nidana Parivarjana and Pathya Palana in its treatment.