Concept of Hitahara with Special Reference to Sushruta Samhita

Abstract

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated over three million years ago that offers extensive insight about food and health, based on certain unique conceptual as well as practical or therapeutic utility. According to Ayurveda, food is not only a complicated amalgam of all the fundamental components, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and fats, but also something that provides energy for the body, soul, and mind. Ahara, Nidra and Bramhacharya are three main principles for healthy life. Diet and dietetics have a direct impact on one's health; poor dietary choices can lead to disease. A person who wants to be free from disease should eat Hitakar Ahara in adequate amount on appropriate time as per state of digestive fire. The inclusion of Aahara in Trayopasthambha speaks about its prime importance in life stating the wide classification of Ahara in all brhatrayis; hence an attempt has been made here to enlighten the concept of Hitahara in accordance with Sushruta Samhita Hitahitiya Adhyaya.