Conceptual study of bhojana-jala sambandha

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Conceptual study of bhojana-jala sambandha
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Author:

Vd. Priyanka Jaywant Shinde, Vd. Rajkumar B. Bobade and Vd. Aarti Firke


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Conceptual study of bhojana-jala sambandha

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20211-19385

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This paper presents a conceptual study on "Bhojana-Jala Sambandha," focusing on the Ayurvedic principles concerning water consumption in relation to meals. The significance of water, referred to as "Jala" in Ayurveda, is underscored through its vital role in human health and physiological functions. The study bases its findings primarily on ancient Ayurvedic texts, emphasizing the need for proper water intake practices to maintain health and avoid dietary-related complications.

The Role of Water in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic literature categorizes water as one of the five fundamental elements (Panchamahabhutas) essential for health and wellness. It is highlighted that various qualities of water can influence bodily functions, acting as a nourishing agent that assists in digestion and dispelling toxins. The texts explain that water is seen as "Jeeva" (life) and holds various attributes such as being sweet, cold, and flavorful, incorporating all six tastes. An essential aspect discussed is how water, when consumed in proper quantities and contexts, can elevate health, while improper consumption may lead to indigestion and other health issues.

Impact of Timing on Water Consumption

A significant concept outlined is the impact of timing regarding water intake before, during, and after meals. According to classical texts like Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya, drinking water before a meal can weaken digestion (Apana Vata) and lead to emaciation. Consuming water after eating can lead to obesity due to the accumulation of Kapha Dosha, especially when the stomach is full. Conversely, drinking water during meals is shown to support the maintenance of tissue balance (Dhatusamyata) and promote effective digestion.

Balancing Water Intake for Good Health

The study also touches on the intricate balance required in water consumption as it relates to the seasons and individual needs. For optimal health, Ayurveda suggests adhering to the principle of "Matra" or quantity when consuming water. Excessive or insufficient water intake disrupts digestive fire (Agni) and can produce "Ama," which is an undigested substance detrimental to health. Thus, individuals are encouraged to be mindful of their thirst and the characteristics of water consumed, including its temperature.

Conclusion

The exploration of Bhojana-Jala Sambandha underscores the essential relationship between water consumption practices and overall health as outlined in Ayurvedic texts. Given the current trends and fads regarding hydration, it is crucial to cultivate awareness about traditional Ayurvedic wisdom concerning water intake. Proper hydration practices, taking into consideration the timing, quantity, and quality of water consumed, can lead to better health outcomes and longevity. Emphasizing the standards of ancient texts can guide individuals in achieving equilibrium and maintaining their well-being effectively.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is bhojana-jala sambandha in Ayurveda?

Bhojana-jala sambandha refers to the relationship between food and water intake during meals, emphasizing proper drinking habits to maintain health and digestion according to Ayurvedic principles.

How does water intake affect digestion according to Ayurveda?

Drinking water before meals can weaken digestion, while drinking after can cause obesity. Water consumed during meals supports digestion and maintains tissue health.

What are the consequences of improper water consumption?

Incorrect water intake can lead to various health issues, such as digestive problems, emaciation, or obesity due to improper functioning of Agni (digestive fire).

What does Ayurveda recommend about drinking water during meals?

Ayurveda suggests drinking water in moderation during meals to help digestion, while avoiding excessive consumption before or after meals to prevent health issues.

What role does Jala (water) play in Ayurveda?

Jala is considered essential for life, aiding in digestion, hydration, and overall health, characterized by its diverse qualities and beneficial effects on the body.

Why is it important to understand traditional water intake practices?

Understanding traditional water intake practices helps prevent misconceptions and promotes healthier drinking habits consistent with Ayurvedic teachings, ultimately supporting well-being.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Conceptual study of bhojana-jala sambandha”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Water:
Water, or 'Jala' in Ayurvedic terminology, is essential for various bodily functions. It is considered a critical component in the digestive process and overall health. The Ayurvedic texts stress its importance, indicating that proper consumption correlates with well-being, serving as a natural elixir when taken in the right quantity and timing.

2) Food:
Food, referred to as 'Aahar' in Ayurveda, represents not only sustenance but also nourishment for the body and spirit. The texts dictate that the manner of consumption, including pairings with water, greatly affects digestion, metabolism, and health, emphasizing the connection between food quality and individual well-being.

3) Samhita:
Samhitas are foundational texts in Ayurveda, compiling wisdom regarding health, medicine, and wellness. They serve as authoritative references for practitioners, detailing dietary recommendations, herbal treatments, and philosophical concepts that guide Ayurvedic healing and health maintenance.

4) Jala:
Jala, or water, is seen as a life-giving element in Ayurveda. Its qualities make it a versatile substance, and it is frequently cited in dietary regulations. Proper 'Jala' intake, according to texts, enables the body to function efficiently and supports the overall health framework prescribed in Ayurvedic practices.

5) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu refers to a lexicon or glossary of medicinal plants and substances in Ayurveda, providing classifications and therapeutic uses. These texts are essential for understanding the healing properties of ingredients used in treatments, thus contributing to the holistic health philosophy of Ayurvedic medicine.

6) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is a significant city in India, renowned as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities. It holds a prestigious place in Ayurveda and Indian culture, being a center for learning and spirituality where traditional healing practices, including Ayurveda, are deeply rooted within its historical fabric.

7) Bhojana:
'Bhojana' translates to the act of eating or consuming food. In Ayurvedic tradition, it encompasses not just the food itself but the methodology of eating, highlighting practices that ensure proper digestion and health, including the critical association with water consumption and meal timing.

8) Agni:
Agni, or digestive fire, is a central concept in Ayurveda, representing metabolic processes. Proper Agni ensures effective digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Ayurvedic texts emphasize maintaining a balanced Agni for overall health, with recommendations on food and water intake directly influencing its functioning.

9) Pune:
Pune is a major city in India, home to various educational institutions and a hub for Ayurvedic studies. Many Ayurvedic scholars and practitioners operate from Pune, making it vital for the propagation and evolution of Ayurveda, contributing to both education and healthcare practices in the region.

10) Life:
In Ayurveda, life is closely linked with the principles of balance and harmony within the body and with the environment. The wellness philosophies aim for holistic health, showing that the correct combination of water, food, and lifestyle practices is essential for sustaining life and vitality.

11) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the classical language of India and the medium of many ancient Ayurvedic texts. Understanding these texts in their original language is crucial for accurate interpretation of concepts, terminologies, and methods that define Ayurvedic medicine and philosophy.

12) Yoga:
Yoga, intertwined with Ayurveda, emphasizes physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth. It serves as a complementary practice that enhances the effects of Ayurvedic principles by promoting balance, flexibility, and overall wellness through various physical postures, meditation, and breath control.

13) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation relates to the buildup of substances within the body, often leading to imbalances. In Ayurveda, the accumulation of doshas such as Kapha can result in health issues. Proper practices around diet and water intake are prescribed to prevent such accumulation and maintain harmony.

14) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine focused on balance in bodily systems and health through lifestyle adjustments, herbal treatments, and dietary practices. It provides a comprehensive approach to health, emphasizing prevention, wellness, and the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.

15) Disease:
Diseases in Ayurveda are viewed as imbalances in bodily systems. Preventive measures, including proper diet, holistic treatments, and lifestyle modifications, are essential for reducing the risk of diseases and promoting long-term health according to Ayurvedic philosophy.

16) Yama:
Yama refers to the ethical disciplines or restraints in yoga philosophy that guide personal conduct and behavior. In the context of Ayurveda, Yama highlights the importance of ethical living, which is considered essential for maintaining health and harmony within the body and mind.

17) Kaiyadevanighantu (Kaiyadeva-nighantu):
Kaiyadeva-Nighantu is a renowned Ayurvedic text that catalogs medicinal plants. Its significance lies in its detailed descriptions and classifications, providing crucial insights into the uses and benefits of various botanical ingredients used in Ayurvedic treatments.

18) Rajanighantu (Raja-nighantu, Rajan-nighantu):
Rajanighantu is a well-known Ayurvedic literature that categorizes medicinal plants' qualities and benefits. It assists practitioners in identifying suitable herbs for treatment, thus being an essential resource within the Ayurvedic educational framework.

19) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Sutrasthana is a section within classical Ayurvedic texts, vital for understanding core principles, guidelines, and practices. It organizes Ayurvedic knowledge systematically, making it accessible for practitioners and students, thus facilitating a deeper understanding of Ayurvedic philosophy.

20) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kaphadosha refers to one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with the elements of water and earth. An imbalance in Kapha can lead to conditions like obesity or lethargy, and Ayurvedic practices aim to balance Kapha through diet, lifestyle changes, and appropriate water intake.

21) Sambandha (Sambamdha):
Sambamdha highlights the relational aspect of Ayurvedic concepts, stressing that health is a result of interconnected practices. This notion supports understanding the dynamics between food, water, and lifestyle choices that contribute to holistic wellness.

22) Mahabhuta (Maha-bhuta):
Mahabhuta translates to the five great elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) comprising all matter in the universe, including the human body. Ayurveda teaches that balance among these elements is crucial for health, with water (Jala) being one of the fundamental components affecting bodily functions.

23) Substance:
Substance in Ayurveda refers to the various materials used in medicine, primarily focused on natural components such as herbs, minerals, and compounds. Understanding each substance's properties and effects is fundamental to creating effective Ayurvedic treatments and ensuring patient safety.

24) Samgraha (Sangraha):
Samgraha refers to a comprehensive test or collection of texts that systematize Ayurvedic knowledge. These texts clarify concepts and practices, making them valuable references for practitioners who aim to integrate traditional insights into contemporary health practices.

25) Madhura:
Madhura translates to sweetness and is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda (Rasas). Each taste has specific effects on the body, and Madhura is associated with nourishment, satiety, and balancing qualities within the digestive system.

26) Indian:
Indian refers to the cultural and historical context from which Ayurveda originates. It embodies the rich traditions, practices, and philosophies tied to holistic health that have evolved over centuries in the Indian subcontinent.

27) Filling (Filled):
Filled pertains to the capacity of the stomach (Aamashaya) during meals in Ayurveda, which suggests a balanced approach to food intake. It ensures that the digestion and assimilation of nutrients are optimized while preventing discomfort or health issues related to overeating or improper consumption.

28) Vidhi:
Vidhi signifies rules or methodologies outlined in Ayurvedic texts. These guiding principles dictate the proper way to consume food and water, ensuring that practices align with natural rhythms and support optimal health outcomes.

29) Matra:
Matra means quantity in Ayurveda, emphasizing the importance of moderation. Guidelines on Matra ensure that individuals consume food and water in appropriate amounts, which is critical to maintaining balance and preventing health issues related to overconsumption or deprivation.

30) Study (Studying):
Study encompasses the academic and practical exploration of Ayurvedic principles and practices. It represents the pursuit of knowledge necessary to understand and apply Ayurvedic concepts effectively, fostering a deeper connection between theory and clinical practice in traditional medicine.

31) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasas refer to the six tastes recognized in Ayurveda, which influence digestion and health. Understanding the roles of each Rasa in diet and therapy supports practitioners in creating balanced dietary plans that align with Ayurvedic principles.

32) Guna:
Gunas represent the inherent qualities or characteristics of substances, foods, and people in Ayurveda. Recognizing these gunas helps tailor dietary and treatment choices to promote balance and health within individuals.

33) Ashtangahridaya (Astangahrdaya, Ashtanga-hridaya):
Ashtanga-Hridaya is a classical Ayurvedic text authored by Acharya Vagbhata, synthesizing principles from earlier texts and focusing on various aspects of health and medicine. It serves as a primary reference for Ayurvedic practitioners, incorporating diagnostic methods, treatments, and dietary guidelines.

34) Yogaratnakara (Yoga-ratnakara):
Yogaratnakara is an Ayurvedic text that outlines principles of yoga and its health benefits. It integrates physical, mental, and spiritual wellness, enhancing Ayurvedic philosophy by promoting balance and health through yoga practices.

35) Sharngadhara (Sarngadhara, Sharnga-dhara):
Sharngadhara refers to a significant Ayurvedic text that discusses herbs, their properties, and integrated health practices. Its contributions extend to formulating therapies in Ayurveda, enriching the understanding of medicinal plants within the ancient health system.

36) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni):
Jatharagni represents the digestive fire in Ayurveda, critical for processing food and absorbing nutrients. Maintaining a robust Jatharagni is essential for health, where practices around eating and drinking influence its strength and effectiveness in digestion.

37) Rashtriya (Rastriya):
Rashtriya pertains to the national context of Ayurveda, reflecting its significance as an integrated aspect of Indian heritage. It emphasizes the cultural importance of traditional medicine and its role in contemporary health systems across India.

38) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is an eminent figure in Ayurveda, known for authorship of influential texts like Ashtanga-Hridaya. His works continue to shape Ayurvedic education, offering insights into health, therapies, and the philosophical underpinnings of this ancient medical system.

39) Madhyama:
Madhyama refers to a state of balance or moderate health in Ayurveda. It pertains to an ideal condition where body and mind function harmoniously, emphasizing the importance of balanced practices related to diet, lifestyle, and mental well-being.

40) Sthaulya:
Sthaulya denotes obesity or excessive body weight in Ayurveda. This concept is linked to dietary habits, including improper water intake, which can lead to Kapha imbalances. Ayuvedic practices aim to regulate Sthaulya through appropriate dietary choices and lifestyle changes.

41) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Ashtanga refers to the eight limbs of yoga, which encompass ethical guidelines, physical practices, and meditative insights. These principles are foundational in yoga and work synergistically with Ayurveda in promoting overall health and well-being.

42) Medicine:
Medicine in Ayurveda is understood as the practice of healing through natural means, emphasizing holistic approaches. It involves utilizing herbs, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle adjustments to restore balance and health, setting it apart as a comprehensive health system.

43) Shitala (Sitala):
Sheetala translates to coldness in Ayurveda, often used to describe specific dietary or environmental factors that affect health. Understanding its implications aids in making informed health choices, especially regarding the temperature and quality of consumed foods and drinks.

44) Trishna (Trsna):
Trishna, or thirst, denotes a fundamental natural urge that relates closely to water intake in Ayurveda. Proper management of Trishna through appropriate water consumption is essential for maintaining health and preventing excessive accumulation of doshas within the body.

45) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
Hridaya refers to the heart or the essence of life in Ayurveda. It symbolizes emotional and spiritual dimensions, linking physical health to mental well-being, thus advocating a comprehensive approach to achieving overall wellness.

46) Sparsha (Sparsa):
Sparsha represents touch, one of the senses recognized in Ayurveda. Each sense plays a role in health, emphasizing the need for sensory experiences that harmonize with natural elements and contribute to overall well-being.

47) Snigdha:
Snigdha refers to the quality of being oily or unctuous within the Ayurvedic context. This quality influences dietary considerations, especially concerning the digestion and absorption of nutrients, significant for maintaining balance in the body.

48) Karshya (Karsya, Kashrya):
Karshya denotes emaciation or underweight, indicating a state of physical weakness in Ayurveda. It serves as a marker for imbalance in nutrition and metabolism, prompting remedial dietary and lifestyle measures to restore health.

49) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya translates to astringency, one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. It is recognized for its drying qualities, affecting bodily functions and food interactions. Its inclusion in diet plays a role in achieving balance within digestive processes.

50) Pungent:
Pungent refers to a sharp, spicy taste, one of the six Rasas recognized in Ayurveda. It possesses qualities that stimulate digestion, enhance appetite, and influence various bodily processes, highlighting the significance of taste variety in dietary practices.

51) Quality:
Quality in Ayurveda refers to the inherent characteristics of substances, foods, or herbs that determine their effects on health. Recognizing these qualities aids practitioners in selecting appropriate remedies and treatments tailored to individual needs.

52) Buddhi:
Buddhi relates to intelligence or discernment in Ayurveda. It emphasizes cognitive health and clarity, suggesting that mental well-being is integral to overall health, influencing one’s choices regarding food, lifestyle, and holistic practices.

53) Tushti (Tusti):
Tushti refers to satisfaction or contentment, particularly after eating in Ayurveda. It's essential for mental and physical health, highlighting the connection between fulfilling dietary practices and overall well-being in both body and spirit.

54) Pushti (Pusti):
Pushti signifies nourishment or strength gained from food. In the Ayurvedic context, it underscores the importance of consuming quality nutrients that promote health, vitality, and immune resilience, fostering a holistic approach to diet.

55) Alasya:
Alasya denotes lethargy or inactivity, often a symptom of imbalances within the body. Ayurveda identifies factors contributing to Alasya and emphasizes the importance of proper diet, hydration, and lifestyle practices to combat feelings of sluggishness and promote vitality.

56) Krisha (Krsa):
Krisha refers to thinness or being underweight, indicating poor health or malnutrition in Ayurveda. The term highlights the need for dietary adjustments and holistic practices to restore balance and promote healthy weight gain.

57) Jivana:
Jivana means life in Ayurveda, denoting the essence of existence. Water (Jala), as a symbol of life, is stressed for its role in sustaining health and vitality, further highlighting the interconnectedness of nature and well-being.

58) Ajirna:
Ajirna indicates indigestion or incomplete digestion within Ayurvedic terminology. It points to the significance of digestive health, with practices aimed at preventing Ajirna through proper food combination and timing of water intake.

59) Nashta (Nasta):
Nashta represents a state of being debilitated or weakened. It emphasizes the need to address both nutritional and lifestyle factors in Ayurveda that contribute to health decline, advocating for a holistic approach toward restoration.

60) Bhrama:
Bhrama denotes dizziness or disorientation. In Ayurveda, it is often linked to imbalances within the body, emphasizing the importance of maintaining equilibrium through nutrition, hydration, and adherence to Ayurvedic principles.

61) Lavana:
Lavana translates to saltiness, one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. Each taste significantly influences appetite and digestion, with Lavana known to stimulate salivation and digestive enzymes, thereby enhancing overall metabolic processes.

62) Bitter:
Bitter is one of the six Rasas in Ayurveda and is known for its detoxifying properties. Foods with a bitter taste help stimulate digestion and support liver function, highlighting the importance of diverse tastes in maintaining health.

63) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma could reference a practitioner or teacher in Ayurveda. It signifies those who impart knowledge or skills related to Ayurvedic practices, emphasizing the importance of learning and sharing wisdom for health improvement.

64) Nature:
Nature encompasses the environment and the natural laws governing health and life in Ayurveda. It reflects the holistic worldview where human health is seen as a reflection of balance with the surrounding ecological systems.

65) Silver:
Silver may refer to the quality or properties associated with medicinal uses in Ayurveda. In certain contexts, it symbolizes purity and health benefits, including using silver vessels for water storage, believed to enhance water quality.

66) Thirst:
Thirst represents the natural urge to hydrate, central to Ayurvedic principles. Proper management of thirst through mindful water consumption is vital for detecting body needs and maintaining digestive and overall health.

67) Gold (Golden):
Golden symbolizes ideal practices or principles in Ayurveda, particularly in diet and lifestyle. It represents the sought-after balance and harmony in health, guiding individuals toward optimal well-being through adherence to Ayurvedic wisdom.

68) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with water and earth qualities. Its balance is critical for health, and an excess can lead to problems such as obesity or sluggishness, necessitating careful attention to diet and lifestyle.

69) Jagat:
Jagat refers to the universe or world in Ayurvedic texts, indicating a holistic perspective where individual health reflects the greater cosmic order. It highlights the interconnection of all living beings and the environment in the understanding of wellness.

70) Nidra:
Nidra signifies sleep in Ayurveda, vital for restorative health. It emphasizes the role of adequate rest in maintaining balance, supporting mental clarity and overall well-being, crucial in the holistic framework of health outlined in Ayurvedic principles.

71) Drava:
Drava signifies liquid or fluid nature in Ayurvedic texts. It helps indicate the properties of substances and the necessity for hydration, crucial for digestion and absorption processes that support overall health and vitality.

72) Tikta:
Tikta translates to bitterness, one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. It is known for its detoxifying effects and ability to stimulate digestive processes, underscoring the importance of incorporating varying tastes for a balanced diet.

73) Purva:
Purva indicates a prior or earlier condition or phase. In Ayurveda, it may represent preliminary aspects of treatment or conditions leading to a particular health state, guiding practitioners in developing appropriate health interventions.

74) Aahar:
Aahar is the concept of food and dietary practices within Ayurveda. It encompasses all eating habits, emphasizing that proper dietary choices and eating regimens significantly influence physical health and mental well-being.

75) Honey:
Honey is regarded in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties, including its sweetness and nutrient density. It is used as a natural sweetener and is believed to possess healing qualities, contributing to a balanced diet and overall wellness.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 88]

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Samhita, Buddhi, Rasa, Alasya, Trishna, Madhyama, Ajirna, Panchamahabhuta, Matravat, Kaphadosha, Sthoulya, Jatharagnimandya, Dhatusamyata, Aamashaya.

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