Whenever we consult an Ayurveda doctor, the first question is “Doctor do we have to follow any Pathya? So, what is Pathya, what is its role in treatment and why should one follow it? These are a few topics you will find answers to in this article.

Ayurveda is a science that has given importance to diet and regimen as a part of its treatment. Pathya – Apathya has a major supportive role in the management of diseases. In some stages of diseases, following Pathya and avoiding Apathya is enough to cure the disease.

What is Pathya?

Pathya means belonging to the way, suitable, fit or proper, especially diet in medical science. A diet & Regimen which is not harmful to the body & body channels are called Pathya. According to Ayurveda the three Upsthambhas or ‘Pillars of life’ are ‘Ahara’, ‘Nidra’ and ‘Brahmacharya’; Or diet, Sleep and Celibacy. Acharya Vagbhatta has stated Ahara to be Maha Bheshaja, indicating that just by following a wholesome diet one can remain free of diseases.

Role of Pathya in Treatment

Practically Pathya Kalpana is advised as Ayurveda has a holistic approach to health management. It gives due importance to food in the management of disease both as a causative factor (Apathya) and as a part of therapy (Pathya). As per Ayurveda, most ailments develop due to faulty eating habits so Ayurveda deals with the Pathya Vyavastha (planning of diet and dietetics) in a very scientific way. Day-to-day activities, seasonal regimes etc. also play an important role in the maintenance of health and thus, had also been included in the concept of Pathya - Apathya by the Acharyas.

Acharya Charaka stated that when channels of circulation become hard by aggravated & vitiated Doshas, i.e., Vata, Pitta or Kapha, Pathya helps to soften these channels of circulation and bring equilibrium to the aggravated doshas.

Thus, Acharya Vagbhatta states that food nourishes the body. There is no use in taking medicines if the Pathya or diet is not proper. The treatment is complete only when the appropriate diet and regimen are followed.

Why should one follow Pathya?

Pathya is the one which keeps the person healthy, maintains normal body functions, leads to proper functioning of the organs, nourishes the mind and intellect, prevents diseases and at the same time corrects the irregularities that may occur in the body.

The concept of Pathya changes at every moment and with every individual. What is Pathya to one person may not be Pathya to another person. It even changes in the same person depending upon various components like - Age, psychological condition-, condition of Dosha, habits of the patient etc. So, considering and elaborating on the diet plan needs a lot of attention from the physician. And should be equally carefully given importance by the patient as well. Thus, everyone should understand their body, and their treatments, refrain from Apathya (unwholesome to body) and follow Pathya (wholesome to body) to live a healthy lively long life and stay away from ailments.

Dr. Parvathy Sreeram

Dr. Parvathy Sreeram graduated from Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences (Rajiv Gandhi University), Bengaluru by pursuing a 5-year degree course in Ayurveda, Bachelors in Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (BAMS) and then later pursued PG Diploma in Hospital Management from IGMPI, Delhi. She has done her residency at various clinics and hospitals including Muniyal Family Clinics, Govt. Ayurveda Hospital, Ajjarkad .She was under personal training of Dr. Indira B.Sc. B.A.M, Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala Clinic, and has also pursued training from Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala Hospital and Research center, Cochin. Before she carved the stepping stone of her long-term goal and passion of an ayurvedic multispecialty hospital and started Moksh Ayurveda.