Conceptual study on Aharapaka in Ayurveda

REVIEW ARTICLE Jan-Feb 2021 Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Jan - Feb 2021 | Vol. 6 | Issue 1 249 Conceptual study on Aharapaka in Ayurveda Dr. P. Bhargav Raghusai 1 , Dr, Pratibha Kulkarni 2 , Dr. Manjunath B. Sunagar 3 1,3 Post Graduate Scholar, 2 Proffessor and HOD. Dept of Kriya Shareera, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, INDIA. I NTRODUCTION The main aim of Ayurveda is to preserve the health of a healthy person, and to treat the disease of a diseased one. Food ( Ahara ), Sleep ( Nidra ) and celibacy ( Brahmacharya ), the three pillars of life ( Trayopastambhas ) play an important role in the maintenance of health ( Swasthya ) of an individual. Food plays an important role in healthy, diseased and convalescents states. It is more important than the medicine itself. The body can be nourished and Address for correspondence: Dr. P. Bhargav Raghusai Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Kriya Shareera, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, INDIA. E-mail: pg 19110@sdmcahhassan.org Submission Date: 16/01/2021 Accepted Date: 21/02/2021 Access this article online Quick Response Code Website: www.jaims.in Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization, Vijayapur, Karnataka (Regd) under the license CCby-NC-SA maintained in good health, by adopting suitable diet and full benefits of life. Kashyapa named Ahara as Mahabhashajya. [1] Ahara in their own unique way. Shabda Kalpa Druma explains that Ahara is a substance. This is swallowed through throat after eating. Vacaspatyam states Ahara is a food [2] Dalhana states that the substance which is swallowed through Anna-Nalika is called Ahara. [3] According to Collins dictionary defined the word food, as ‘Any substances that can be ingested by a living organism and metab olized into energy and body tissue’. According to Harry Benjamin says that ‘the function of the food is to supply the body with materials necessary for the growth, maintenance, repair and efficient functions of its various organs and structures [4] Classification of Ahara (Ahara Bheda) [5-9] SN Charaka Sushruta Drava Varga 1. Sukadhanya Jala 2. Samidhanya Ksira A B S T R A C T Ayurveda is the most ancient science of life and its main aim is to maintain health of the healthy individual and prevention of disease and treatment of disease. Ayurveda considered that Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya are three main pillars of life. In them Ahara plays an important role in life of all living beings. So, for the maintenance of health, healthy food and proper digestion is needed as per Ayurveda theory, like all the universal matter our body is also made up of Pancha Mahabhutas in this Panchamahabhoutik Shareera various Paka (metabolic transformations) are going on continuously and for this transformation Agni is the key factor and this Agni transforms consumed food into energy. Ahara is the practical application of the principles of nutrition Aharapaka is the main process which does proper digestion of food in Kosta in various stages. The word Ahaara Paaka is a broad term and it includes various processes of digestion absorption assimilation and metabolism explained in modern science. As per Ayurvedic texts process of Ahaara Paaka begins from intake of food i.e., deglutition and ends at proper digestion. Not only ideal food will nourish our body but also proper digestion of the food will nourish the body and mind. Aharapaka process will helps in the formation of Dosha, Dhathu , and mala and these are the basic elements of the body. So, this present study is taken to find out importance of Aharapaka process in the maintenance of health. Key words: Ahara, Aharapaka, Avasthapaka, Nishthapaka.

Dr. P. Bhargav Raghusai et al. Conceptual study on Aharapaka in Ayurveda ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Jan-Feb 2021 Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Jan - Feb 2021 | Vol. 6 | Issue 1 250 3. Mamsa Dadhi 4. Harita Takra 5. Phala Ghrta 6. Saka Taila 7. Madya Madhu 8. Ambu Iksu 9. Gorasa Madya 10. Ikshuvikara Mutra 11. Krtanna ------------------------ 12. Aharayogi ------------------------ Table 2: Classification according to Acharya Vagbhatta [7,9] Astanga Sangraha Astanga Hrudaya Panam Annam Dravam Adravam Toyam Sukadhanyam Toyam Sukadhanyam Ksiram Simbidhanyam Ksiram Simbidhanyam Iksu Pakvannam Iksu Pakvannam Tailam Mamsam Tailum Mamsam Madyam Sakam Madyam Sakam Mutram Phalam Mutram Phalam - - - Ausadhavarga Importance of Ahara 1 Essential for life and stability [10] 2 Body maintenance [11] 3 Life span [12] 4 As medicine and complication of food deprivation [13] Aharapaaka (Process of digestion) According to Charaka Acharya Praana is responsible to bring the eaten food in the alimentary tract. Fluids included in food and digestive juices secreted in digestive tract make the food material dispersed and dissociated from bonding. Due to presence of Snigdhata of Kapha in the stomach and due to Snigdha quality of water food becomes soft. Samana Vata is responsible to induce digestive fire to act on food, which is eaten at proper time and eaten after observing all rules and regulations about ingestion of food [14] According to Astanga Hridyam food which is conveyed by Praana Vaayu is brought to Amashya. It acquires sweetness and foaminess though ingested food contains all Shad Rasas . It acquires burning quality when Samana Vayu conveys into Grahani . In Grahani it turns Katu due to fire present there. If digested properly it is transformed into Rasa , if not digested properly get transformed into Ama. [15] According to Sushrutha Praana, Apana , Samana when are located in their own place, working normally, play important role in general digestion, hence these three types of vayu are taken care off, should be looked after properly and should be looked after properly and should be replenished [16] According to Sarangadhara difference is that Grahani by its name it’s mentioned. It is located between Amashya and Pakwashya. Hence it can be considered as addition [17] Stages of Aharapaka Avasthapaka Ingested Ahara Dravya passes through different stages of Pakakriy a. In other word digestion of the food stuff in the Kostha in various stages is called Avasthapaka. Acarya Charaka has described two terms, Prapaka and Vipaka . Prapaka has been defined as Prathama Paka i.e., first outcome of Paka or chemical actions. Vipaka has been defined as the outcome of the actions of Jatharagni on the Ahara which has already subjected to the Prathama Paka . This Vipaka is judged from the Rasa assumed by the end products of Gastro-intestinal digestion viz. Madhura, Amla, Katu. All Dravya have been described to be Pancabhautika in their origin; it is the number in which the different kinds of Bhuta Paramanu. Avasthapaka has three types are there [18] Madhura Avastha Paka As soon as the food enters the mouth, it comes into contact with the Bodhaka Kapha which leads to the perception of taste, the property of Bodhaka Kapha,

Dr. P. Bhargav Raghusai et al. Conceptual study on Aharapaka in Ayurveda ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Jan-Feb 2021 Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Jan - Feb 2021 | Vol. 6 | Issue 1 251 which is mainly fluid, is to dissolve substances, otherwise the sensation of taste cannot be noticeable. In this stage insoluble Madhura portion of food sufficiently soluble and mixed up with the Kledaka Kapha present in the Urdhwa Amasaya [19] The fraction of Ahara Dravya which is meant to undergo Amlabhava remains in this stage up to mixed with Kledaka Kapha particles. Thus, Aharadravya of all kinds attain Madhurabhava , as soon as they reach Adho Amashaya [19] This stage can be compared with digestion of carbohydrate as when we consumed food, firstly digestion of carbohydrate occurs and even it starts in oral cavity itself by salivary amylase, and end products of carbohydrate digestion are monosaccharide’s i.e., glucose, fructose and galactose and these are sweet in taste. Amla Avastha Paka It is the second stage or step of Avasthapaka . This is brought about by the secrection of Accha Pitta in the Adho Amashaya . Acarya Caraka stated this stage as Vidagdha Avastha. Acarya Cakrapani interpreted this term as Pakvapakvama or Kincidpakvama. The Ahara in this stage is not yet fit absorption and utilization for Bhutagni Paka or Dhatvagni Paka. [20] This stage can be compared with digestion of proteins as when we consume food, after formation of bolus, it becomes acidify and breakdown into minute particles by the action of HCL and when chime reaches further in second part of duodenum, pancreatic juices and bile juice mixes here and complete digestion of proteins and fats [21] Most of the amino acids i.e. end product of protein digestion have PH around 6 means they are slightly acidic, [22] can be compare with acidic chyme. Katu Avastha Paka When the food reaches Pakvashaya it dries by the heat of Jatharagni and renders it in the form of lumps. In this stage, the Ahaara assumes Katubhava and formation of Vayu takes place. Acharya Chakrapani commented on the above clearly as in the words ‘ Paripindita Pakvashaya’ . This aspect relates to the acid and pungent nature of reactions that occur in the large intestine during formation of faces. All three stages of Avasthapaaka reveals complete digestion of carbohydrate, proteins and fat and formation of faces in its last stage [23] Nistha Paka Even though the clear definition of this is not mentioned in Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita but detailed description is there. By the word Vipaka itself means it is different from other Pakas-Visista Paka Vipakha . Acarya Vagbhata in Astanga Hrudaya has explained that the Rasa which is converted into another Rasa after Jatharagni Paka is called as Vipaka. [24] Rasa Vipaka Madhura, Lavana Madhura Amla Amla Katu , Tikta, Kashaya Katu Ahara → Influence of Jatarangi → Transformation of Rasa → Final transformation is called Vipaka/Nistapaka DISCUSSION Concept of Aharapaaka is basic fundamental physiological process that occurs in body by the action of Prana Vayu, Samana Vayu, Bodhaka Kapha, Kledaka Kapha and Paachaka Pitta. Ingested food is to be digested, absorbed and assimilated which is unavoidable for the maintenance of life and that occurs under the process of Ahaara Paaka . Similar to description of chapter of digestion and metabolism, in Ayurvedic texts description of Ahara Paaka is given in detailed stage by stage. Ingested food is to be digested, absorbed and assimilated which is unavoidable for the maintenance of life and that occurs under the process of Ahaara Paaka . Similar description of chapter of digestion and metabolism, in Ayurveda texts description of Ahaara Paka is given so beautifully divided into stage by stage. Each stage has complete correlation with modern texts such as Avasthapaak is the stage of conversion of food form

Dr. P. Bhargav Raghusai et al. Conceptual study on Aharapaka in Ayurveda ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Jan-Feb 2021 Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Jan - Feb 2021 | Vol. 6 | Issue 1 252 i.e., similar to digestion i.e., conversion of macro and non-suitable form of absorption into micro and suitable form of absorption, Similar to stages of carbohydrate, protein and fat digestion CONCLUSION Ahara is that substance which is swallowed through throat; hence even Ausadha (medicine) can be considered as Ahara and the norms for Ahara can be applicable to Ausadha also. The Ayurvedic description of Ahara according to Gunas, Satmya, Dosa, Kala etc. seems to be more logical & scientific as compared to the modern aspect. Every factor described in Ahara Vidhi Vidhana has a functional logic and is responsible for maintaining health. The Ahaara Paaka is basic fundamental physiological process that occurs in body by the action of Prana Vayu, Samana Vayu, Bodhaka Kapha , Kledaka Kapha and Paachak Pitta. Ingested food is to be digested, absorbed and assimilated which is unavoidable for the maintenance of life and that occurs under the process of Ahaara Paaka. Similar to description of chapter of digestion and metabolism, in Ayurvedic texts description of Ahaara Paka is given so beautifully divided into stage by stage. Here each stage of Ahaara Paaka has clinical importance. If people consume balance diet at proper timing there will be proper digestion and he will live healthy life. So, for maintain healthy status of healthy living being its compulsory to have a normal functioning Jathragni, Bhutagni and Dhaatwagni. As when these Agni will be normal functioning, process of Ahaara Paaka will be proper and all Dosha, Dhatus will be formed properly and nutrition of basic Bhoutika element will be proper and Mala will also be formed and excreted at proper time from body. REFERENCES 1 Acharya J T. Charaka samhita by Agnivesa with Ayurveda deepika teeka of Chakrapanidatta. Reprint ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharathi Prakashan; 2011.p.135 2 Deva RK. Shabadakalpadruma. 3 rd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit series office; vol 2, p.232 3 Taber’s Cyclopedia meical dictionary, jaypee brothers, new delhi, 2006. 4 C.C Chatterjee, Human physiology, published by medical Allied Agency, Calcutta, 1994. 5 P.K Sharma, Bhagwan das, Caraka Samhita (English translation), Chaukhamba, Sanskrit Series, Varanasi, 6 th edition. 2003. 6 Dr Brahmanand Tripati, Charaka Samhita vol.1, Vol.2, Chaukhamha. Surbharti Prakashan, Varanasi, reprint 2011. 7 Brahmanand Tripati, Ashtanga Hridyam, Chaukhamha Surbhasti Prakshan, Delhi. 8 Pt. Kashinath Sastri, Charaka Samhita, Ayurveda Dipika, commentary of Chakrapanidutta. 9 P.V Sharma, susrutha samhita, vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, reprint 2003. 10 Acharya J T. Charaka samhita by Agnivesa with Ayurveda deepika teeka of Chakrapanidatta. Reprint ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharathi Prakashan; 2011.p.117 11 Acharya J T. Charaka samhita by Agnivesa with Ayurveda deepika teeka of Chakrapanidatta. Reprint ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharathi Prakashan; 2011.p.201 12 Acharya J T. Charaka samhita by Agnivesa with Ayurveda deepika teeka of Chakrapanidatta. Reprint ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharathi Prakashan; 2011.p.286 13 Nagaraj Kamath, Sarira Kriya Vijnana. 1 st ed. Varanasi:Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2017.p.116 14 Acharya J T. Charaka samhita by Agnivesa with Ayurveda deepika teeka of Chakrapanidatta. Reprint ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharathi Prakashan; 2011.p.25 15 Paradara HSS. Ashtanga Hrudaya with Sarvangasundara commentary of Arunadatta and Ayurvedarasayana commentary of Hemadri. 9 th ed. Varanasi Chaukambha Orientalia; 2011.p.38 16 Nagaraj Kamath, Sarira Kriya Vijnana. 1 st ed. Varanasi:Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2017.p.148

Dr. P. Bhargav Raghusai et al. Conceptual study on Aharapaka in Ayurveda ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Jan-Feb 2021 Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Jan - Feb 2021 | Vol. 6 | Issue 1 253 17 Nagaraj Kamath, Sarira Kriya Vijnana. 1 st ed. Varanasi:Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2017.p.158 18 Charaka. Charaka samhita, vol 2 Tirpathi.B, Editor 1 st ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharti Prakashan: 2017, Chikitsa sthana 15/10. p.551 19 Acharya J T. Charaka samhita by Agnivesa with Ayurveda deepika teeka of Chakrapanidatta. Reprint ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharathi Prakashan; 2011.p.86 20 Charaka. Charaka samhita, vol 2 Tirpathi.B, Editor 1 st ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharti Prakashan: 2017, Chikitsa sthana 15/10. p.15 21 Jain A.K Text book of physiology, vol.1 st ed. Himachal Pradesh: Avichal publishing company: 2006.p.278-279 22 Retrived from https://biology.stackexchange.om accessed on 10/02/18. 23 Charaka. Charaka samhita, vol 2 Tirpathi.B, Editor 1 st ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharti Prakashan: 2017, Chikitsa sthana 15/10. p.522 24 Vagbhata. Astanga hrdyam Tirpathi.B, Editor 1 st ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharti Prakashan: 2009, Chikitsa sthana 15/10. p.154 25 Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci, A conceptual study of ahaara pakka with its clinical importance. vol.7, no.5 (2018) pg.77-83 ******************************* How to cite this article: Dr. P. Bhargav Raghusai, Dr, Pratibha Kulkarni, Dr. Manjunath B. Sunagar. Conceptual study on Aharapaka in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci 2021;1:249-253. Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared. Copyright © 2021 The Author(s); Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization, Vijayapur (Regd). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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