An overview on Pathya and Apathya in Kaphaja Vikara

S Aparna; Yogeesha Acharya; Sandesh Kumar Shetty

An overview on Pathya and Apathya in Kaphaja Vikara

Aparna S.^1*, Acharya Y.², Kumar Shetty S.³

DOI:

^1* S Aparna, Medical Officer, Vaidyagrama Ayurveda Healing Village, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India.

² Yogeesha Acharya, Associate Professor, Department of PG Studies in Swasthavritta, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

³ Sandesh Kumar Shetty, Associate Professor, Department of PG Studies in Swasthavritta, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

Kapha is one among the Tridoshas which gets vitiated in accordance with the diurnal and seasonal variations. There are many Dinacharya and Ritucharya procedures explained in classics to prevent or avoid the aggravation of Kapha and to tackle the diseases occurred due to Prakupita Kapha Dosha in Sareera. Acharya Susrutha has explained the treatment protocols in general as Shodhana, Shamana, Aahara and Aachara. Aahara is one among the Trayopasthambha which also signifies its importance in human existence. In Ayurvedic literature more importance has been given for disease prevention rather than curative. Therefore, for the successful treatment as well as prevention of Vyadhi, following Aahara in proper way is much important. Pathya is that which includes both Aahara and Aachara one should follow in his daily life. Almost all of the classical texts have quoted the term Pathya needed to practise and followed. Through this conceptual study on Pathya and Apathya of Kaphaja Vikara is an attempt to throw light over the possibilities of adopting a lifestyle which can prevent various disorders seen in the present era like Obesity, Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus and others which are affected mainly due to Kapha Prakopa.

Keywords: Kapha, Pathya, Apathya, Achara, Ahara

Corresponding Author	How to Cite this Article	To Browse
S Aparna, Medical Officer, , Vaidyagrama Ayurveda Healing Village, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. Email:	S Aparna, Yogeesha Acharya, Sandesh Kumar Shetty, An overview on Pathya and Apathya in Kaphaja Vikara. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(10):192-197. Available From https://www.jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2013

Introduction

There are six seasons in general, but it can be classified as Sheetha Kaala, Varsha Kaala and Ushna Kaala on the basis of Tridosha Prakopa causing various diseases.^[1] During winter seasons Kapha Prakupita Vyadhis like seasonal flu, joint pain, asthma, heart attack etc. At the same time many other lifestyle disorders along with Kapha Avrutha Rogas are observed due to Kapha Prakopa. And it is very essential to take various measures and utmost care to pacify these diseases. For the same we need to properly understand the various diseases caused due to Kapha and the methods taken to tackle the condition.

In Susrutha Samhitha Sutrasthana Acharya Susrutha, after explaining about the different types of diseases causing both Shareera and Manas, deals with the ways to treat the diseases. i.e.^[2]

1. Shodhana

2. Shamana

3. Ahara

4. Achara

By this, it is clearly emphasised the importance of Pathya Aahara and Vihara along with the Shodhana and Shamana procedures for treating a disease which is currently given least importance in the clinical practise. As per Acharya, Aahara and Vihara too are important factors while treating a disease as well as prevention from the diseases.

Because as literature says,

If one is following Pathya properly then there is not a chance of getting affected with the disease. At the same time, if one advised with medications and if Pathya is not followed then, no matter even if u take 1000 medicines the diseases will not get pacified.^[3]

From this it clarifies the importance of Pathya given by our literatures. Acharya Charaka explains everything in this universe is made up of Aahara even the diseases are caused by Aahara.^[4] Also he have given the synonym for Chikitsa as Pathya highlighting the effect of Pathya in our life.^[5] Pathya not only includes Aahara but also Vihara that should be advised to a patient along with Shamana Aushadha and Shodhana procedures.

What is Pathya?

That which is Hitha to the body are Pathya and which is Ahitha to the body is considered as Apathya.

Pathya can be defined as that which is Hita / wholesome to the Patha and which is Priya / conducive to the mind.^[6] Here Patha refers to the Srothas through which the Dhathus and Doshas are carried along with in the Shareera and Manasaha Priya is referred to as that which is Hita or good for Manas.

Because Srotas are those which helps to maintain the Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam and Athurasya Vikara Prashamanam. So those diet and lifestyle changes that which keeps the channels in the body in healthy state can only be considered as Pathya.

Nidanas of Kapha Prakupita Vyadhis

The two aspects or treatment protocol of treating diseases are Nidana Parivarjana and Samprapthi Vikhatana. So for the same we should be aware about those Nidanas causing Kaphaja Vikaras.

As per Acharyas, following are the Nidanas causing Kapahaja Vikaras.

Rasa - Madhura, Amla, Lavana
Guna - Snigdha, Guru, Picchila, Abhishyandi
Veerya - Sheetha
Vihara - Aasya Sugham, Swapna Sugham, Ajeerna, Divaswapna, Athi Brihmana

Prakrutha Kapha Prakopa will be at - Purvahna and Purva Rathri, soon after the food. And in Vasantha Rithu.^[7]

Samprapti of Kaphaja disorder

Ahaaraja Viharaja and Manasika Nidanas à leads to Prthvi Guna Vardhana in Srothases à to Ama / Mandagni in Koshta à Kapha Vridhi à Kaphaja Vikara in Shareera.

Line of treatment of Kaphaja Vikara

While explaining or deciding about the treatment protocol of Kapha Roga first it is essential to understand which and all Rasa Guna and Veerya of the food and Aushadha that is going to administer to the same.

So, the principle line of treatment of the disease should be consider for those drugs which are having

Rasa - Katu, Tikta Kashaya
Guna - Ruksham, Theekshanm
Veerya - Ushna
Alpa Ahara
Teekshna Vamana and Virechana^[8]

Along with the above said principles, according to Acharyas the factors on which the treatment depends are^[9]

Matra
Kaala
Kriya
Bhoomi
Deha
Dosha

This is perfectly explained by Acharya Chakrapani with an example, i.e., ghee being one among the Pathya Aahara, if used in excess is Apathya, if taken in Vasantha Rithu is Apathya, if Samskara done with Virudhha Dravya is Apathya in Anupa Desha is Apathya, for Sthaulya and Kapha Dosha Prakopa is Aapathya.

Mode of action of Pathya

According to Susrutha Samhita, Acharya have explained that those substances which are having same properties are responsible for the nourishment of Dhatus and Doshas having similar properties. So those properties which are opposite to the properties of Kapha will help to reduce / pacify the condition.^[10]

Considering the above said factors only one should plan those food articles (Pathya Aahara) which pacify the disease condition. Acharyas have classified the Drava and Dravya in to different Vargas on the basis of source, Rasa, type etc. Each Varga includes a variety of Dravya of different Rasa, Veerya and Doshahara in nature. Here by those food articles are easily available and used in day to day activities have been included.

Pathya and Apathya Aahara according to each Varga^[11,12,13]

Shooka Dhanya Varga

Pathya: Vrihi Dhanyas - Shashtika, Kudhanya / Truna Dhanya - Kanku, Kodrava, Neevara, Madhulika,Shyamaka, Gavedhuka, Yava, Rakta Shali

Apathya: Other varieties of Shali, Paatala, Godhuma

Shami Dhanya Varga

Pathya: Mudga, Masura, Aadhaki, Kulatha, Chanaka, Nishpava, Vanamudga, Triputa, Krishna Rajika

Apathya: Masha, Kaakandola, Tila, Uma

Mamsa Varga

Pathya: Jangaala Mamsa, Vishkira, Aja Mamsa

Apathya: Bileshaya, Prasaha, Anupa, Gramya, Pratuda

Shaaka Varga

Pathya: Paata , Patola, Vasthuka, Changeri, Vridha Kushmanda, Alabu , Kembuka, Karavella, Varthaka, Kadali Pushpa, Baala Mulaka, Surana, Koshathaka

Apathya: Sarshapa, Utpala, Vridha Mulaka, Palandu, Chanaka Saakam, Aalukam, Bhoomichadra

Haritha Varga

Pathya: Tarkari, Varana, Varshabhu, Kaalashaka, Chiruvilwa, Satavari, Kalaaya Shakam

Apathya: Marsha, Kalamba, Kasamarda, Sarshapa, Kusumbha, Saalana Saka, Upodhika, Sigru

Phala Varga

Pathya: Kashaya Rasa Pradhana Phala - Bimbi, Bilva, Jambu, Tikta Rasa Pradhana - Karanja, Nimba, Katu Rasa - Jathiphala, Lavanga, Vrikshamla, Triphala, Amlika

Apathya: Amlaani - Except - Dadima Amalaki, Mathulunga, Madhura Rasa Pradhana Dravya - Panasa, Aamra, Mocha, Dry Fruits

Madhya Varga

Pathya: Jagala, Arishta, Prasanna, Mardhveeka, Amla Kanjika, Sidhu Madya, Madhvasava, Jeerna Madya, Suktam

Apathya: Sura, Varuni, Nava Madhya

Jala Varga

Pathya: Ushnambu, Anthareeksha Jalam

Apathya: Adhyushitham Jala (That which is kept overnight)

Gorasa Varga

Pathya: Aja Ksheera, Ushtra Ksheera , Ghrita, Aavi Grita, Purana Ghrita, Takra

Apathya: Ksheera, Ghrita, Navaneetha, Mahisha Ksheera, Manusha Ksheera, Dadhi, Kilata, Piyusha, Kurchika, Morata

Ikshu Rasa Varga

Pathya: Purana Guda, Ikshu Rasa When Heated, Sarkara, Yavaasasarkara

Apathya: Ikshu Rasa, Nava Guda, Paundarika, Phanita

Aahara Upayogi Varga

Pathya: Tila Taila, Eranda Taila, Sarshapa Taila, Nimba Taila, Lashuna, Saindhava Lavana, Kshara, Hingu, Trikatu, Trijatha

Apathya: Kusumbha Taila, Vasa, Majja, Lavana Varga (Except Saindhava )

Krithanna Varga

Pathya: Manda, Peya, Vilepi, Raga, Shadava, Laja, Dhana, Sakthu, Yusha, Mandha, Khada, Kambalika, Veshavara

Apathya: Krishara, Thapahari, Lapsika, Payasa, Vataka, Tila Pinyakaa Vikrithi, Goudika - Guda Vikriti, Prithuka, Maamsa Rasa

Few food preparations explained in classics which are having Kaphahara property as well as easy to prepare are:

Holaka
Mudga Yusha, Vatika, Modaka
Kulatha Yusha
Jharjari
Shoolyapalam
Chanaka and Yava Rotika
Amlika Phala Panakam
Veshavara
Mantaka

These recipes explained in literature are easy to cook recipes. These food preparations are having Kaphahara in nature and qualities essential for the pacification of the disease as well as can be used on daily basis.

Pathya Vihara^[14,15]

Pathya is that which include both Aahara and Vihara that which is wholesome and good for the Shareera. By following the Pathya Vihara can avoid the development of various disorders. At the same time avoiding the Apathya Vihara will help to prevent and cure the diseases.

Chaya Avastha

Pathya Vihara

Vatagna Taila Abhyangam / Murdha Thailam / Vimardanam / Niyudham / Padaaghatham
Kumkuma Alepa, Aguru Dhupanam
Swedanam
Wearing Paadathranam

Apathya Vihara

Diwaswapna
Avyayama
Guru Snigdha Amla Madhura Bhojana
Sheetha Aahara Sevana
Ajeernam
Exposed To Athi Sheetha

Prakopa Avastha

Pathya Vihara

Vyayama
Paadaghatam
Pralepa - Karpura, Aguru, Chandanam, Kumkumama
Kavalagrahanam
Anjanam

Pathya Vihara

Adhyashanam, Samashana
Virudhashanam
Aalasyam
Paichilla, Abhishyandi Aahara Sevana

Acharyas gives wide varieties of procedures and rules and regulations under the heading of Dinacharya and Rithu Charya that should be followed by a Swastha because Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam is the prime moto of Ayurveda.

Most of the Dinacharya procedures are done for the pacification of accumulated Kapha Dosha in the body. So the procedures which can be done daily which pacify Kapha are^[16]

Ushnambu Panam, Abyanga
Vyayama
Snana
Anulepa
Padathra Dharanam
Kavala, Gandusha, Anjanam
Thambula Sevana
Dhumapana, Udwarthanam

Also, Acharya advised to avoid Divaswapna (day sleep) to avoid Kapha Prakopa

Conclusion

Based on the following Pathya and Apathya Aahara and Vihara can be planned both for a Swastha as well as the diseased condition. Along with the following Pathya Apathya Ahara and Vihara one should give importance to the factors influencing health and well-being like Nithyasevaneeya Aahara, guidelines to select Pathya and Apathya and also Vrithyartha explained in Dwadasha Ashana Pravichara. After all the food we consume should be sufficient enough to do the daily activities. Keeping all these in mind a wise physician should advise these with his Yukthi and care.

Reference

1. Agnivesha. Charaka. Charaka Samhitha. Sutrasthana 6th chapter. Ayurveda Deepika Commentary. Chakrapanidatta. Acharya Vd. Yadavji Trikamji (edt). Choukhambha Prakashan. Varanasi; 2011.

2. Susrutha Samhitha. Susrutha Acharya. Sutrasthana 15th chapter. Nibadhasangraha Commentary. Dalhanacharya, Nyaya Chandrika Panjika Commentary. Gayadasacharya. Acharya Y.T, Narayan Ram Acharya(ed). Chaukambha Sanskithi Sansthan. 2010.

3. Lolimbaraja. Vaidya Jeevana. 1st chapter. Hindi Commentary. Priyavrat Sharma(ed). Chaukhambha Surbharti Prakashan. Varanasi. 2013.

4. Agnivesha. Charaka. Charaka Samhitha. Sutrasthana 28th chapter. Ayurveda Deepika Commentary. Chakrapanidatta. Acharya Vd. Yadavji Trikamji (edt). Choukhambha Prakashan. Varanasi; 2011.

5. Agnivesha. Charaka. Charaka Samhitha. Chikitsasthana 1st chapter; 1st paada. Ayurveda Deepika Commentary. Chakrapanidatta. Acharya Vd. Yadavji Trikamji (edt). Choukhambha Prakashan. Varanasi; 2011.

6. Agnivesha. Charaka. Charaka Samhitha. Sutrasthana 25th chapter. Ayurveda Deepika Commentary. Chakrapanidatta. Acharya Vd. Yadavji Trikamji (edt). Choukhambha Prakashan. Varanasi; 2011.

7. Vagbhataachrya. Astanga Hrudayam. Nidanasthana 1st Sarvanga Sundari Commentry. Arunadatta. Ayurveda Rasayana Commentary. Hemadri. Choukhamba Orienalia. Varanasi. 2005.

8. Vagbhataachrya. Astanga Hrudayam. Sutrasthana 13th Sarvanga Sundari Commentry. Arunadatta. Ayurveda Rasayana Commentary. Hemadri. Choukhamba Orienalia. Varanasi. 2005.

9. Susrutha Samhitha. Susrutha Acharya. Sutrasthana 15th chapter. Nibadhasangraha Commentary. Dalhanacharya, Nyaya Chandrika Panjika Commentary. Gayadasacharya.. Acharya Y.T, Narayan Ram Acharya(ed). Chaukambha Sanskithi Sansthan. 2010.

10. Susrutha Samhitha. Susrutha Acharya. Sutrasthana 15th chapter. Nibadhasangraha Commentary. Dalhanacharya, Nyaya Chandrika Panjika Commentary. Gayadasacharya.. Acharya Y.T, Narayan Ram Acharya(ed). Chaukambha Sanskithi Sansthan. 2010.

11. Agnivesha. Charaka. Charaka Samhitha. Sutrasthana 27th chapter. Ayurveda Deepika Commentary. Chakrapanidatta. Acharya Vd. Yadavji Trikamji (edt). Choukhambha Prakashan. Varanasi; 2011.

12. Susrutha Samhitha. Susrutha Acharya. Sutrasthana 46th chapter. Nibadhasangraha Commentary. Dalhanacharya, Nyaya Chandrika Panjika Commentary. Gayadasacharya. Acharya Y.T, Narayan Ram Acharya(ed). Chaukambha Sanskithi Sansthan. 2010.

13. Vagbhataachrya. Astanga Hrudayam. Sutrasthana 5-6th Sarvanga Sundari Commentry. Arunadatta. Ayurveda Rasayana Commentary. Hemadri. Choukhamba Orienalia. Varanasi. 2005.

14. Vagbhataachrya. Astanga Hrudayam. Sutrasthana 13th Sarvanga Sundari Commentry. Arunadatta. Ayurveda Rasayana Commentary. Hemadri. Choukhamba Orienalia. Varanasi. 2005.

15. Agnivesha. Charaka. Charaka Samhitha. Sutrasthana 25th chapter. Ayurveda Deepika Commentary. Chakrapanidatta. Acharya Vd. Yadavji Trikamji (edt). Choukhambha Prakashan. Varanasi; 2011.

16. Vagbhataachrya. Astanga Sangraha. Sutrasthana 3rd Sarvanga Sundari Commentry. Arunadatta. Ayurveda Rasayana Commentary. Hemadri. Choukhamba Orientalia. Varanasi. 2005

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Pathya and Apathya

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences