c.Combination (Samyoga):
Combination in the context of diet means combining two or more substances together. This combination exhibits special properties which none of the substances ever possessed. The new quality thus formed could be constructive or in some cases destructive to the body.
For example:
The combination of equal quantities of honey and ghee is incompatible. Honey or ghee taken alone is very good for our system but when combined in equal quantity, they become toxic. Similarly, the combination of fish and milk has a toxic effect.
d. Proper quantity of food (Rasi):
The Rasi (quantum) is the measure of the total quantity of each ingredient in our food. Rasi helps to determine the effects of the right and wrong doses of our diet. The proper quantity of the food to be taken depends upon the Agni, the digestive capacity of a person, and the nature of the food items. Heavy foods should be taken only to half our satisfaction while the light foods can be partaken a little more.However,both heavy and light food should not be taken to full satisfaction.
e. Habitat (Desa):
The Habitat is a geographic region. It is one of the important factors to be determined among the factors influencing diet. Healthy food in one country may not be healthy or suitable to another country. This is because the environmental and other factors are different from one region to another. Ayurveda propounds that the food substances produced in a country are the best suited for people belonging to that country.
f. Kala (Time):
Time is used in two senses- in the general sense and to indicate a stage. Time in the general sense is used in relation to seasonal wholesomeness while stage is used in relation to disease. Ayurveda has prescribed a diet regime for each season separately, called ‘Rutu charya’. It has also prescribed diet for each disease. Ayurveda recommends that one should take food only two times in a day, one in the morning (preferably at 11 am) and one at evening (preferably at 5 pm) before sunset. The evening food is supposed to be light.
g. Method of taking food (Upayoga samstha):
The way in which food is partaken determines the digestion and absorption of the food. There are certain dietetic rules (ahara vidhi), which need to be followed by everyone. It is acceptable that one should concentrate on the food while eating and no other deviation is suggested. If food is taken while watching TV or reading a book, it may produce adverse effect or improper digestion. Therefore, food has to be taken according to the rules prescribed by Ayurveda.
h. Wholesomeness of individual who takes it (Upayokta):
The user is the one who makes use of the food and habituation depends upon him. He has to make sure that food is taken according to his constitution and suitability. Food that is suitable and healthy for one person may not be healthy for another. The holistic approach of Ayurveda allows is to view everybody as an unique individual.
Ahara vidhi (Rules in taking the food):
According to the Ayurvedic texts, there are certain rules to be followed regarding the arrangement of food, eating habits, basic cleaning habits etc.
All these come under Upayoga samstha or the rules governing the intake of food.The dietetic rules are usually determined by the strength of digestion (Agni bala) of a person. Person should take food at a suitable place and time. Face and mouth should be well cleaned before eating.
Combination in the context of diet means combining two or more substances together. This combination exhibits special properties which none of the substances ever possessed. The new quality thus formed could be constructive or in some cases destructive to the body.
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For example:
The combination of equal quantities of honey and ghee is incompatible. Honey or ghee taken alone is very good for our system but when combined in equal quantity, they become toxic. Similarly, the combination of fish and milk has a toxic effect.
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d. Proper quantity of food (Rasi):
The Rasi (quantum) is the measure of the total quantity of each ingredient in our food. Rasi helps to determine the effects of the right and wrong doses of our diet. The proper quantity of the food to be taken depends upon the Agni, the digestive capacity of a person, and the nature of the food items. Heavy foods should be taken only to half our satisfaction while the light foods can be partaken a little more.However,both heavy and light food should not be taken to full satisfaction.
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e. Habitat (Desa):
The Habitat is a geographic region. It is one of the important factors to be determined among the factors influencing diet. Healthy food in one country may not be healthy or suitable to another country. This is because the environmental and other factors are different from one region to another. Ayurveda propounds that the food substances produced in a country are the best suited for people belonging to that country.
f. Kala (Time):
Time is used in two senses- in the general sense and to indicate a stage. Time in the general sense is used in relation to seasonal wholesomeness while stage is used in relation to disease. Ayurveda has prescribed a diet regime for each season separately, called ‘Rutu charya’. It has also prescribed diet for each disease. Ayurveda recommends that one should take food only two times in a day, one in the morning (preferably at 11 am) and one at evening (preferably at 5 pm) before sunset. The evening food is supposed to be light.
g. Method of taking food (Upayoga samstha):
The way in which food is partaken determines the digestion and absorption of the food. There are certain dietetic rules (ahara vidhi), which need to be followed by everyone. It is acceptable that one should concentrate on the food while eating and no other deviation is suggested. If food is taken while watching TV or reading a book, it may produce adverse effect or improper digestion. Therefore, food has to be taken according to the rules prescribed by Ayurveda.
h. Wholesomeness of individual who takes it (Upayokta):
The user is the one who makes use of the food and habituation depends upon him. He has to make sure that food is taken according to his constitution and suitability. Food that is suitable and healthy for one person may not be healthy for another. The holistic approach of Ayurveda allows is to view everybody as an unique individual.
Ahara vidhi (Rules in taking the food):
According to the Ayurvedic texts, there are certain rules to be followed regarding the arrangement of food, eating habits, basic cleaning habits etc.
All these come under Upayoga samstha or the rules governing the intake of food.The dietetic rules are usually determined by the strength of digestion (Agni bala) of a person. Person should take food at a suitable place and time. Face and mouth should be well cleaned before eating.
