AHARAMATRA

🔸AHARAMĀTRA

• Aharamātra refers to the ideal quantity of food intake suitable for an individual.

• It is a key factor in maintaining health and preventing disease.

• The concept of Trividha Kukshi (three divisions of the stomach) is pivotal in understanding Aharamātra.

• Charaka gives a qualitative description of the appropriate quantity of food, not a fixed measurable amount.

🔸 SHLOKA REFERENCE

“यावदन्नेनानुपहत्य कफपित्तानिलाशयाः।
प्रसादं यान्ति यत्रेन्द्रियाणि स मात्रावान्नमश्नुते॥”
(च. चि. १५/३)

Translation:
One who takes food in such quantity that does not disturb the seats of Kapha, Pitta, and Vata, and maintains clarity of sense organs, is said to be consuming food in the proper measure (Mātrāvān).

🔸 CONCEPT OF TRIVIDHA KUKSHI (THREE PARTS OF STOMACH)

• The stomach (Kukshi) is considered to be divided into three equal parts:

  • 1/3rd for Solid Food (अन्न)

  • 1/3rd for Liquids (पेय)

  • 1/3rd to be kept empty for the movement of Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha

🔸 SIGNIFICANCE OF EACH DIVISION

• Solid Portion (अन्न):

  • Represents the main bulk of the diet.

  • Helps in satiating hunger and provides energy.

• Liquid Portion (पेय):

  • Includes water, buttermilk, soups, etc.

  • Helps in digestion, transportation of nutrients, and lubrication of the tract.

• Empty Portion:

  • Essential for the movement and activity of Doshas.

  • Prevents overloading, which could lead to Ama formation and indigestion.

🔸 IMPORTANCE OF AHARAMĀTRA (QUANTITY OF FOOD)

• Helps in optimal digestion and absorption.

• Prevents:

  • Agnimandya (weak digestive fire)

  • Amadosha (undigested material)

  • Diseases due to over or undernutrition

• Ensures proper functioning of Doshas and Indriyas.

🔸 CONSEQUENCES OF IMPROPER AHARAMĀTRA

• Ati-mātra (Overeating) leads to:

  • Ama formation

  • Agnimandya

  • Kapha aggravation

  • Heaviness, indigestion, laziness

• Hīna-mātra (Undereating) leads to:

  • Nutritional deficiencies

  • Decreased strength

  • Vata aggravation

  • Emaciation, fatigue

🔸 QUALITIES OF MĀTRĀVĀN (ONE WHO TAKES IDEAL QUANTITY OF FOOD)

• Balanced Doshas

• Active and clear Indriyas (sense organs)

• Proper functioning of Jatharagni (digestive fire)

• No discomfort like heaviness, belching, or lethargy post-meal

🔸 RELATED CONCEPTS

• Agni Deepana (stimulating digestive fire) is essential before food intake.

• Aharavidhi Vidhanam: One must consider:

  • Desha (region)

  • Kala (season)

  • Prakriti (constitution)

  • Agni bala (digestive strength)

  • Vyadhi (disease condition)

🔸 CLINICAL APPLICATION

• Used in planning diet charts in Ayurveda.

• Prevents metabolic and lifestyle disorders like:

  • Obesity

  • Diabetes

  • Hyperacidity

• Aids in Panchakarma planning and dietetic regulation during therapy.