Prameha and role of Pathya : A Review

Abstract

Ahara is an inevitable part of life along with air and water. Food is anything that is consumed and nourishes body, including medicine. As mentioned by Acharya Kashyapa consuming food in appropriate quantity, following all the rules and regulation is considered to cure disease; further improper method of consumption of food is said manifest disease. It is also mentioned that the food is the life of the living beings and clear complexion, good voice, life, ability, happiness, nourishment, built, strength, intellect is all dependent on the food one consumes. Therefore, food is considered as one among Trayopasthamba. In Yogaratnakara, it is said that for the treatment of diseases etiology, drug treatment and Pathya (wholesome) are three important factors which should be studied thoroughly before starting the treatment. Judicious planning of treatment by proper understanding of these three factors always yields a successful eradication of disease. Prameha is considered as a type of Santarpanajanya Vikara. Charaka in Nidanasthana gives the detailed explanation of Nidana and other Samprapti Ghataka in detail. Prameha is frequently correlated with diabetes mellitus type 2 based on clinical manifestations. Pathya – Apathya plays supportive role in the management of Yapya Vyadhi especially like that of Prameha. Acharyas indicated the importance of Pathya Ahara by stating that if a patient take wholesome food then there is no need of medicine and if a patient continuously consumes unwholesome food then also there is no need of medicine.