Viruddha Ahara and Vihara in Ayurveda

Virudha ahara (Dietetic Incompatibility)

In Ayurveda, the concept of virudhahara is very much pivotal in the pathogenesis of the disease. Acharya Charaka defines virudhahara as certain diet and its combinations, which interrupts the metabolism, which inhibits the process of formation of tissue and which have opposite property to that of the tissue are called as Viruddha Anna or incompatible diet7. Virudha can be considered as diet which are having mutually contradictory properties, contradictory to tissues, diet capable of producing untoward effect on the body when processed in a particular form or proportion or those food which may produce an unwanted effect when taken at an inappropriate time. Ayurvedic literature has compiled almost 18 types of virudha ahara and has also mentioned complications ranging from skin diseases (kushta), visarpa (erysipelas), unmada (insanity) and marana (death).

Concept of Vihara (Lifestyle) in Ayurveda

The description about Dinacharya, Rtucharya, Sadvrtta and Nidra in Ayurveda clearly depicts the importance of a healthy regimen in the prevention and management of many diseases. A growing body of scientific evidence has demonstrated that lifestyle intervention is an essential component in the treatment of chronic disease that can be as effective as medication but considered to be safe without risks and side effects8. A lifestyle is a characteristic bundle of behaviours that makes sense to both others and oneself in a given time and place, including social relations consumption, entertainment and dress.

Dinacharya (Daily regimen)

Ayurveda promotes a lifestyle that’s in harmony with nature

• It is advisable to wake up during Brahma Muhurta (preferably between 4.00 a.m. to 5.30 a.m.).
• Drinking water early in the morning according to one’s capacity cleanses the body by enhancing the elimination of toxic wastes.
• One should attend the nature’s calls.
• The soft brushes made out of twigs ofKhadira, Karanja, Apamarga etc. Tongue should be cleaned by
  a long flexible strip of metal or plant twig. It not only cleanses the tongue but also stimulates appetite and digestion. Mouth should also be cleaned properly.
• Eyes should be cleaned with fresh water to prevent eye diseases and promote vision. Also wash eyes with Triphala Phanta every day.
• Chewing ofbetel leaves with small pieces of Areca nut (kramuka) and fragrant substances like cardamom, cloves, refreshes the mouth and enhance digestion.
• It is necessary to massage whole body with oil every day. Oil massage ensures softness and unctuousness of skin, free movement ofjoints and muscles, peripheral circulation and elimination of metabolic wastes.
• Regular exercise is essential for perfect health. It builds up stamina and resistance against disease, clears the channels of body (Srotas) and increases the blood circulation. It enhances efficiency of body organs, promotes appetite and digestion and prevents obesity.
• Bathing improves enthusiasm, strength, sexual vigour, appetite, span of life and removes sweat and other impurities from the body. After bath one should wear clean clothes and smear the body with perfume. One should have regular shaving, haircut, cutting of nails etc.
• Person should avoid extra marital sexual relationship and sexual intercourse with a woman during her menses, pregnancy, within one and half month after delivery, devoid of passion, older than one and suffering from disease.

Source : Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences