E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Ahara

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2022 Volume 7 Number 1 Jan-Feb
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Utility of Ahara Matra w.r.t. Ashta Ahara Vidhi Vishesha Ayatanani

Parvathy R A.1*, Chandran H.2, Irshad H.3, Ushakumari C.4, P Nair L.5
DOI:

1* Arya Parvathy R, Final Year Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Moulika Siddhanta (Basic Principles of Ayurveda), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeethom, Amritapuri, India.

2 Haritha Chandran, Assistant Professor, Department of Moulika Siddhanta (Basic Principles of Ayurveda), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeethom, Amritapuri, India.

3 Haroon Irshad, Associate Professor, Department of Moulika Siddhanta (Basic Principles of Ayurveda), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeethom, Amritapuri, India.

4 C Ushakumari, Professor & HOD, Department of Moulika Siddhanta (Basic Principles of Ayurveda), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeethom, Amritapuri, India.

5 Leena P Nair, Associate Professor, Department of Moulika Siddhanta (Basic Principles of Ayurveda), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeethom, Amritapuri, India.

Ahara Matra is the quantity of food to be taken and Matravat Ahara is the proper quantity of food to be taken. Ashta Ahara Vidhi Vishesha Ayatanani are the factors considered before taking the food for maintaining health. Utility of Ahara Matra and its relation with these factors have much importance in current scenario. By understanding Ahara Matra in relation with these factors, we can easily maintain health Objective: This paper aims to understand the concept of Ahara Matra, establish the relationship of Ahara Matra with Ashta Ahara Vidhi Vishesha Ayatanani and its application of Matravat Ahara. Data Source: Literature review was carried in classical texts and various databases. Total 38 articles were found and are reviewed. Result: This paper clarifies relationship between Ahara Matra and Ashta Ahara Vidhi Vishesha Ayatanani and various utilities of Ahara Matra. Conclusion: By understanding these factors related, one can calculate the amount of food to be taken and can maintain health.

Keywords: Ahara, Vidhi Vishesha Ayatanani, Ahara Matra

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Arya Parvathy R, Final Year Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Moulika Siddhanta (Basic Principles of Ayurveda), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeethom, Amritapuri, , India.
Email: 		Arya Parvathy R, Haritha Chandran, Haroon Irshad, C Ushakumari, Leena P Nair, Utility of Ahara Matra w.r.t. Ashta Ahara Vidhi Vishesha Ayatanani. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(1):319-324.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1591

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2022-01-20 2022-01-22 2022-01-29 2022-02-05 2022-02-12
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 19%

© 2022by Arya Parvathy R, Haritha Chandran, Haroon Irshad, C Ushakumari, Leena P Nairand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Food is one of the three supports of life in which human body works within the physiological limits.[1] Food is that which helps in sustaining life providing complexion, clarity, good voice, longevity, geniusness, happiness, satisfaction, nourishment, strength and intellect.[2] For maintaining health, one should take optimum quantity of food. Here comes the importance of Matravat Ahara (food in proper quantity). Ashta Ahara Vidhi Vishesha Ayatanani are the factors to be followed while taking food which are eight in number explained in Charaka Samhita Vimanasthana Rasavimanadhyaya. Relation between these is explained in this paper.

Aim and Objectives

This paper aims to understand the concept of Ahara Matra (Quantity of food), establish the relationship of Ahara Matra with Ashta Ahara Vidhi Vishesha Ayatanani and its application of Matravat Ahara.

Materials and Methods

Literature review was carried out in classical texts and relevant databases like Google scholar, PubMed, Ayush portal etc. Around 38 articles were found. Out of them relevant articles and abstracts were reviewed.

Literature Review

Definition of Matravat Ahara

Matra (amount) is that which can be measured. It is synonymous with Raasi and Parimana. That which contains proper Matra is Matravat. Substance which is swallowed through Annanalika (oesophagus) is called Ahara (Food). Hence, proper quantity of food is Matravat Ahara which is mentioned at the starting of Swastha Chatushka (quadrate on regimens for maintenance of health) to highlight its importance in maintaining health.

One who takes Matravat Ahara will show following signs and symptoms. They are absence of undue pressure on the stomach due to the food taken, no obstruction to the proper functioning of the heart, no pressure in the sides of chest, absence of excessive heaviness in the abdomen, proper nourishment of the senses, relief from hunger and thirst, feeling of comfort in standing, sitting,

sleeping, walking, exhaling, inhaling, laughing and talking, Food taken in morning gets digested by the evening and the food taken during the evening gets digested by next morning and promotion of strength, complexion and normal growth.[3]

To calculate the amount of food, one should check whether their food gets digested and metabolised in proper time and is it without disturbing equilibrium. If so, the amount taken is considered as optimum quantity.

So, it can be understood that the amount of food is not a fixed quantity and it varies from person to person.

Classification of Matra[4]

Type Depending Factors
Ahara Matra (quantity to be eaten) Agnibala (power of digestion and metabolism)
Bheshaja Matra (dosage of the drug) Vyadhibala (seriousness of disease) and Aaturabala (strength of the patient)
Vyayama Matra (extent of exercise) Doshakshaya (quantity of Doshas required to be eliminated), Agnivriddhi (degree to which power of digestion is to be enhanced including metabolism) and Sramaklama (no over exertion or exhaustion during act of exercise)

At this context classification of Ahara Matra is having prime importance. In Trividhakuksheeyam chapter of Vimanasthana, Kukshi (stomach) is divided into 3 parts which contains a part of Ahara, a part of Drava (liquid) and a part of Doshas(humours).

This classification is done for the proper intake of food to the capacity of stomach.[5]

Classification of Ahara Matra

Basis of classification Types
Nature of Food material §   Laghu (light) – natitriptata (not upto satisfaction) §   Guru (heavy) – tribhaga souhityam/ artha souhityam (upto 1/3 or ½ of saturation point)[6]
Quantum of Food §   Sarvagraha (total amount) §   Parigraha (individual amount)[7]
Quantity of food taken §   Matravat (optimal quantity) §   Amatravat (improper quantity) §   Heena Matra (deficient quantity) §   AtiMatra (excessive quantity)[8]


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Apart from the quantity of food there are various other factors which determine the utility of food. Caraka categorises these under 8 factors named as Ashta Ahara Vidhi Vishesha Ayatana (Eight factors determining the utility of food). They are; Prakruti (Nature of food substance), Karana (Method of their processing), Samyoga (Combination), Raasi (Quantity), Desha (Habit), Kala (time), Upayoga Samstha (Rules governing the intake of food) and Upayokta (Wholesomeness to the individual who takes it)[9] Caraka explains Matra of food in this context and it comes under headings of Raasi and Upayogasamstha and further explanation of Raasi/Matra is explained in Trividhakuksheeyavimanam.

Discussion

Relationship of Ashta Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatana with Ahara Matra

Prakriti (Nature)

Prakriti indicates the nature of the substance that is inherent attributes of Ahara and Aushadha (medicine). Here the substances have Guru and Laghu Gunas which can alter the Matra of Ahara. For example – Masha (Black gram) is Guru in nature whereas Mudga (Green gram) is Laghu in nature which in turn makes a person to take less amount of Masha compared to Mudga.[9] Similar examples such as rain water, red variety of rice, meat of deer and lava are considered as easily digestible whereas sugarcane juice, milk, blackgram are not easily digestible.

Karana (Processing)

Karana means the processing of the substances or food. It refers to alteration / modification in the qualities of food stuffs by various Samskaras. Aharadravya which have Laghuguna are predominant of Vayu & Agni Mahabhuta (Air and Fire element) and Aharadravya which are Guru are predominant of Prithvi & Ap Mahabhuta (Earth and Water element)[11]

Here Laghu Ahara digests easily whereas Guru Ahara takes time for digestion. For example - Rice prepared of dehusked paddy, well cleaned and filtered become Laghu on the other hand rice prepared of unboiled paddy, not cleaned not filtered become Guru. Similarly curd which is Guru on Samskara (Manthana - churning) turns to Takra which is Laghu.[12]

Samyoga (Combination)

Samyoga is aggregation of 2 or more substance. Sometimes it is seen that combination of diet shows different effect from individual effect. Here equal Matra of drugs can lead to Matraviruddha (Antagonism due to ratio) caused due to Samyoga. For example - equal quantities of ghee and honey are said to be Matraviruddha which is one among 18 Viruddhas.[13]

Desha (Place)

Desha usually refers to both Deha Desha (Human Body) as well as Bhoomidesha (Geographic region). Here Dehadesha has been dealt in Upayokta. Here Bhoomidesha which are classified into 3 produces Dravyas of different Gunas.[14] For example - Dravya produced from Janghaladesha are Laghu while obtained from Aanupadesha are Guru and these Gunas affect Matra of Ahara.[15]

Raasi (Quantity)

Raasi refers to quantity of food. Under this the classification of Sarvagraha and Parigraha has been mentioned.

Kala (time)

Kala refers to the time period which can be Nityaga (ever moving time) or Aavastika (duration from standpoint of a condition). Both have interrelation with Matra. Considering Nityaga, Matra varies from season to season i.e., Agni increases in Hemanta Rtu (winter season) while it decreases in Varsha (rainy season) and hence seasonal changes affect Agni and results in change of Ahara Matra. On daily basis intake of 2 meals is advised in day time. Considering Aavastika Kala, Ahara after treatment is given based on Agni which moves from Laghuta to Guruta i.e., Peyadisamsarjana Krama is given based on the order of Laghutwa.[16]

Upayogasamstha (Rules of use)

Guidelines to be followed while taking food are mentioned under these i.e., One should eat only food in proper quantity which is Ushna (hot), Snigda (unctuous), Viryavirudham (non-antagonistic) etc. and should be taken not too slow, not too fast, not while talking or laughing and with full concentration.[17]

Upayokta (Consumer)

One who uses these Ahara are Upayokta. Ahara Matra is depended on Agni of each person, their strength, age, Prakriti.[18]


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These are the physiological aspects in which Matra gets changes. There are certain pathological aspects where Matra gets changed. But these can lead to diseases or unhealthy conditions. Various types are as follows;

Amatrata

Amatrata indicates improper amount in which it can be Heena Matra or Ati Matra. Intake of Ahara in Heena Matra can cause Vatakopa (Vata vitiation) which further leads to reduction in strength, complexion, and nourishment of body tissues and these lead to 80 types of Vatavikaras (Disorders of Vata). Intake of Ahara in Ati Matra vitiates Tridosha which produces Ama and hence, produces various Vikaras[19]

Agni

Agni is the bridge in between Ahara and nourishment of Dhatus as latter cannot get originated from undigested food particles even though the former is vital essence of Ojas, strength and complexion. Types of Agni which occur due to vitiation of Doshas are

  • Vishamagni is caused by Vata vitiation or predominance
  • Teekshnagni for Pitta
  • Mandagni for Kapha and
  • Samagni for Samadosha which is considered as normal.[20]

Ajirna

It is a state of incomplete digestion of the ingested food. Derangement of Agni leads to vitiation of Doshas which leads to Ajirna like Ama Ajirna by Kapha Dosha, Vishtabda Ajirna by Vata and Vidagda Ajirna by Pitta Dosha[21]

Ama

Rasa Dhatu due to weakness of Agni remains uncooked (not digested, not properly processed) and becomes vitiated, accumulates in Amasaya (stomach) is known as Ama. Doshas and Dushyas get mixed with Ama and diseases arises from them which are termed as Ama Pradoshajavyadhi. Ama Pradoshajavyadhi include

  • Alasaka is the condition in which the food neither gets expelled through the upper and lower orifices, nor does it undergo digestion. It remains stagnant within the stomach.
  • Visucika is the condition of different types of body pain, as if being pricked simultaneously with several pins, caused by the extreme vitiation of Doshas.[22]

Amavisha is a condition which resembles Visha (poison) caused by Viruddhasana, Adhyasana and Ajirna which is difficult to treat due to its opposite nature.[23]

Matraviruddham

Here incompatibility occurs due to food substances taken in equal quantity such as taking equal quantities of Madhu and Sarpi can have effect of taking Visha.

Similarly, combination of equal quantities of two, three or all among honey, ghee, fat, oil and water are Matraviruddha.

Types of Asanas (intake of food)

Even though it’s advised to take Ahara in proper Matra, it is mentioned that one should take Ahara in proper time after digestion. These 3 types of Asana are unhealthy food habits which are capable of causing death or dreadful diseases.

Samasana: Taking an admixture of desirable and undesirable food items.

Vishamasana: The food taken untimely which is quantitatively either excess or low.

Adhyasana: Taking food over and again the previous meal (before it gets digested).[24]

Consequences of intake of these foods are mentioned in Ashtanga Samgraha Agryasangrahaneeya Adhyaya.

Intake of Gurubhojana (heavy food) leads to improper digestion, excessive food intake causes Amadosha, vitiation of Grahani (duodenum) occurs due to Ajirnasana and proper food intake at proper time is for healthy being.

In case of a disease, Ahara Nidanas especially Matra, Guru-Laghu Ahara, contribute to the disease manifestation. For example, excessive intake as well as Guru Ahara are Nidana (cause) for Atisthoola (obese) persons. Similarly, less intake of food is one among the Nidanas of Atikrisa (emaciated).

In the treatment protocol for Jwara (fever), it is advised to take Laghu Ahara. Following chart will show improper Aharanidana in each disease.



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Diseases Nidanas related to improper Ahara
ज्वर अनशन, अतिसेवितम्, विषमाहार, अतिसेवनम्
रक्तपित्त अतिमात्रआहार
गुल्म अध्यशन, अजीर्ण, अतिसेवन
प्रमेह विषमाशन, अतिसेवन, अतिमात्रआहार, अजीर्ण, अनशन
कुष्ठ अजीर्ण, अतिमात्रआहार, विदाहि
शोष विषमाशन - one among main 4 Nidanas
उन्माद विषमाशन, विरुद्धआहार, दुष्टअशुचिअहार
अपस्मार विषमाशन, अहितदुष्टअशुचिअहार
श्वयथु विरुद्धदुष्टअशुचिअहार
उदर विदाहि, विरुद्धअशुचिअहार
अर्शस् अजीर्ण, प्रमिताशन, विरुद्धआहार
ग्रहणि विदाहि, प्रमिताशन, अतिसेवन, अतिमात्रआहार
पाण्डु दुष्टअहार, विदाहि, विरुद्ध, अहितआहार
हिक्क विषमाशन, अजीर्ण
श्वास विषमाशन, अजीर्ण
कास अनशन, प्रमिताशन
अतिसार प्रमिताशन, अतिमात्रआहार, अतिसेवन
च्छर्दि अजीर्ण, विदाहि
वीसर्प अतिसेवन, विदाहि, अहित, विरुद्धआहार

Conclusion

Ahara is the most essential factor for the sustenance of life. Food taken with proper Matra, Kala, Prakriti etc., which is Pathya, Hita & Satmya to oneself helps to maintain the health. Diet and drinks whose color, smell, taste and touch are pleasing to the senses and conducive to health, if taken in accordance with the rules represent very life of human being. Significance of Proper Quantity of Ahara is highlighted in Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 5th chapter i.e., Matravat Ahara helps the individual to bring happiness & longevity without disturbing equilibrium of Doshas & Dhatus. One should follow Pratipurusha Siddhanta as the quantity differs from Person to Person. So, one should use proper diet and regimens and by removing the obstacles in the path which helps to attain good health as well as to prevent the diseases.

Reference

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Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(1)323
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