Charak Samhita – Sutrasthana – Chapter 28 (Vividhashitapitiya Adhaya)

Abstract

Vividhashitapitiya Adhyaya, described in the Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 28, explains the relationship between diet, digestion, tissue nourishment, and disease development according to Ayurvedic principles. The chapter emphasizes the importance of Agni (digestive and metabolic capacity) in the digestion and transformation of food into nourishing components and waste products. It describes the role of Ahara Rasa in nourishing the seven Dhatus, maintaining Ojas, and supporting the normal functions of the body. The text also discusses diseases associated with the vitiation of different Dhatus, factors influencing individual susceptibility to disease, and the movement of Doshas between Koshtha (gastrointestinal tract) and Shakha (peripheral tissues). Furthermore, it highlights the significance of wholesome dietary practices, appropriate lifestyle choices, and sound judgment in maintaining health. The chapter provides an integrated Ayurvedic perspective on nutrition, disease causation, prevention, and therapeutic management.

Introduction

Ayurveda considers Ahara (food) one of the fundamental pillars of life and an essential factor in maintaining health and preventing disease. The quality, quantity, preparation, and timing of food influence digestion, tissue nourishment, physical strength, and overall well-being. According to Ayurvedic principles, properly digested and assimilated food supports the formation and maintenance of bodily tissues, whereas inappropriate dietary practices may disturb physiological balance and contribute to disease development. Therefore, understanding the relationship between food and health is an important aspect of Ayurvedic medicine. Vividhashitapitiya Adhyaya, the twenty-eighth chapter of the Sutra Sthana of the Charaka Samhita, elaborates on the effects of different types of food and beverages on the human body. Lord Atreya explains how food consumed in various forms, including eatables, drinkables, lickables, and chewables, undergoes digestion and contributes to tissue nourishment. The chapter describes the formation of Ahara Rasa, the production of waste materials, and the nourishment of the seven Dhatus, namely Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, and Shukra. It also emphasizes the importance of bodily channels in transporting nutrients and maintaining normal physiological function

अथातो विविधाशितपीतीयमध्यायं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||
इति ह स्माह भगवानात्रेयः||२||

Now we are  expound the chapter "Vividhashitapitiya" (Sequential effects of food and beverages). Thus said Lord Atreya. [1]

Digestion Process And Its Effects

विविधमशितं पीतं लीढं खादितं जन्तोर्हितमन्तरग्निसन्धुक्षितबलेन यथास्वेनोष्मणा सम्यग्विपच्यमानंकालवदनवस्थितसर्वधातुपाकमनुपहतसर्वधातूष्ममारुतस्रोतः केवलं शरीरमुपचयबलवर्णसुखायुषा योजयति शरीरधातूनूर्जयतिच| धातवो हि धात्वाहाराः प्रकृतिमनुवर्तन्ते||३||

Wholesome foods consumed as eatables, drinkables, lickables, and masticables stimulate antaragni (digestive fire) and undergo digestion through bhutagni according to their elemental composition. Subsequently, dhatvagni (tissue-specific metabolic activity), along with Vata, particularly Vyana Vayu, facilitates the transformation and distribution of nutrients to the body tissues through the circulatory channels. This process supports tissue nourishment and promotes body mass, strength, complexion, overall health, and longevity. The tissues are maintained through the continuous supply of nutrients provided by poshaka dhatu.

Metabolism, Excretion, And Homeostasis

तत्राहारप्रसादाख्यो रसः किट्टं च मलाख्यमभिनिर्वर्तते|
किट्टात् स्वेदमूत्रपुरीषवातपित्तश्लेष्माणः कर्णाक्षिनासिकास्यलोमकूपप्रजननमलाः केशश्मश्रुलोमनखादयश्चावयवाःपुष्यन्ति|
पुष्यन्ति त्वाहाररसाद्रसरुधिरमांसमेदोस्थिमज्जशुक्रौजांसि पञ्चेन्द्रियद्रव्याणि धातुप्रसादसञ्ज्ञकानिशरीरसन्धिबन्धपिच्छादयश्चावयवाः|
ते सर्व एव धातवो मलाख्याः प्रसादाख्याश्च रसमलाभ्यां पुष्यन्तः स्वं मानमनुवर्तन्ते यथावयःशरीरम्|
एवं रसमलौ स्वप्रमाणावस्थितावाश्रयस्य समधातोर्धातुसाम्यमनुवर्तयतः|
निमित्ततस्तु क्षीणवृद्धानां प्रसादाख्यानां धातूनां वृद्धिक्षयाभ्यामाहारमूलाभ्यां रसः साम्यमुत्पादयत्यारोग्याय, किट्टं चमलानामेवमेव|
स्वमानातिरिक्ताः पुनरुत्सर्गिणः शीतोष्णपर्यायगुणैश्चोपचर्यमाणा मलाः शरीर धातुसाम्यकराः समुपलभ्यन्ते||४||

After digestion, food is divided into two components: prasada (the nutritive essence, known as ahara rasa) and kitta (the waste fraction). The pitta portion contributes to the formation of bodily waste products, including urine, feces, sweat, Vata, Pitta, Kapha, and excretions from the ears, nose, mouth, skin, and genital organs, as well as hair and nails. In contrast, ahara rasa nourishes the seven dhatus—Rasa (body fluids), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle tissue), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (bone marrow), and Shukra (reproductive tissue)—along with Ojas, sensory organs, joints, ligaments, tendons, and other body components. Thus, the nutritive and waste fractions maintain the body’s tissues and excretory products according to its needs, age, and condition. Any increase or decrease in dhatus or malas may be corrected through appropriate dietary measures and therapeutic interventions with opposing properties, such as hot or cold treatments, to restore physiological balance.

Channels For The Nourishment Of Tissues

तेषां तु मलप्रसादाख्यानां धातूनां स्रोतांस्ययनमुखानि|
तानि यथाविभागेन यथास्वं धातूनापूरयन्ति|
एवमिदं शरीरमशितपीतलीढखादितप्रभवम्|
अशितपीतलीढखादितप्रभवाश्चास्मिञ् शरीरे व्याधयो भवन्ति|
हिताहितोपयोगविशेषास्त्वत्र शुभाशुभविशेषकरा भवन्तीति||५||

Nutrients and waste products are transported through their respective bodily channels, supporting tissue nourishment and normal physiological functions. The body is sustained by nutrients obtained from foods consumed in various forms, including eatables, drinkables, linctuses, and chewables. However, dietary habits can also contribute to the development of diseases. Consuming wholesome food promotes health, whereas the intake of unwholesome food may lead to illness.

Query Of Agnivesha

एवंवादिनं भगवन्तमात्रेयमग्निवेश उवाच-दृश्यन्ते हि भगवन्! हितसमाख्यातमप्याहारमुपयुञ्जाना व्याधिमन्तश्चागदाश्च,तथैवाहितसमाख्यातम्; एवं दुष्टे कथं हिताहितोपयोगविशेषात्मकं शुभाशुभविशेषमुपलभामह इति||६||

After listening to Lord Atreya’s explanation, Agnivesha raised a question regarding the relationship between diet and health. He observed that some individuals develop diseases despite consuming wholesome food, whereas others remain healthy even after eating unwholesome food. He therefore asked how the influence of wholesome and unwholesome diets on health and disease could be understood.

Answer By Atreya About Causative Factors Of Disease And Immunity

तमुवाच भगवानात्रेयः- न हिताहारोपयोगिनामग्निवेश! तन्निमित्ता व्याधयो जायन्ते, न च केवलं हिताहारोपयोगादेवसर्वव्याधिभयमतिक्रान्तं भवति, सन्ति ह्यृतेऽप्यहिताहारोपयोगादन्या रोगप्रकृतयः, तद्यथा- कालविपर्ययः, प्रज्ञापराधः,शब्दस्पर्शरूपरसगन्धाश्चासात्म्या इति|
ताश्च रोगप्रकृतयो रसान् सम्यगुपयुञ्जानमपि पुरुषमशुभेनोपपादयन्ति; तस्माद्धिताहारोपयोगिनोऽपि दृश्यन्तेव्याधिमन्तः|
अहिताहारोपयोगिनां पुनः कारणतो न सद्यो दोषवान् भवत्यपचारः|
न हि सर्वाण्यपथ्यानि तुल्यदोषाणि, न च सर्वे दोषास्तुल्यबलाः, न च सर्वाणि शरीराणि व्याधिक्षमत्वे समर्थानि भवन्ति|
तदेव ह्यपथ्यं देशकालसंयोगवीर्यप्रमाणातियोगाद्भूयस्तरमपथ्यं सम्पद्यते|
स एव दोषः संसृष्टयोनिर्विरुद्धोपक्रमो गम्भीरानुगतश्चिरस्थितः प्राणायतनसमुत्थो मर्मोपघाती कष्टतमः क्षिप्रकारितमश्चसम्पद्यते|
शरीराणि चातिस्थूलान्यतिकृशान्यनिविष्टमांसशोणितास्थीनि दुर्बलान्यसात्म्याहारोपचितान्यल्पाहाराण्यल्पसत्त्वानि चभवन्त्यव्याधिसहानि, विपरीतानि पुनर्व्याधिसहानि|
एभ्यश्चैवापथ्याहारदोषशरीरविशेषेभ्यो व्याधयो मृदवो दारुणाः क्षिप्रसमुत्थाश्चिरकारिणश्च भवन्ति|
त एव वातपित्तश्लेष्माणः स्थानविशेषे प्रकुपिता व्याधिविशेषानभिनिर्वर्तयन्त्यग्निवेश!||७||

Lord Atreya explained that consuming wholesome food does not guarantee complete protection against diseases, as health is influenced by several factors beyond diet. These include seasonal changes, errors of judgment (prajnaparadha), and improper or excessive use of the sensory faculties, such as hearing, touch, sight, taste, and smell. Such factors may contribute to illness even in individuals who follow a balanced diet.Consuming unhealthy food does not necessarily cause immediate illness, as its effects vary according to factors such as geographical location, season, food combinations, potency, and the amount consumed.The severity of disease also depends on the condition of the doshas and their association with multiple causative factors. Disorders become more difficult to manage when they are aggravated by inappropriate treatment, deeply established, chronic, or involve vital organs and structures known as marma. Individuals who are excessively obese or emaciated, have depleted muscles, blood, or bones, possess low physical strength, habitually consume unhealthy food, eat insufficient quantities, or have poor mental resilience are more susceptible to disease. Conversely, individuals with better physical strength, balanced tissues, and greater mental resilience are generally more capable of resisting illness. Thus, dietary habits, the state of the doshas, and individual bodily constitution collectively influence the onset, severity, and duration of diseases

Description Of Diseases Affecting Various Dhatu (Tissue)

तत्र रसादिषु स्थानेषु प्रकुपितानां दोषाणां यस्मिन् स्थाने ये ये व्याधयः सम्भवन्ति तांस्तान् यथावदनुव्याख्यास्यामः||८||

Diseases arising from dosha aggravation in Rasa, Rakta, and other dhatu will be discussed in detail in the following sections.

Diseases Due To Vitiation Of Rasa Dhatu

अश्रद्धा चारुचिश्चास्यवैरस्यमरसज्ञता| हृल्लासो गौरवं तन्द्रा साङ्गमर्दो ज्वरस्तमः ||९||
पाण्डुत्वं स्रोतसां रोधः क्लैब्यं सादः कृशाङ्गता| नाशोऽग्नेरयथाकालं वलयः पलितानि च||१०||
रसप्रदोषजा रोगा,…|११|

Rasa dhatu vitiation may lead to symptoms such as food aversion, loss of appetite, altered taste perception, inability to recognize tastes, nausea, bodily heaviness, drowsiness, body aches, fever, fainting, anemia, channel obstruction, impotence, fatigue, emaciation, impaired digestive fire (Agni), and premature aging, including skin wrinkling and graying of hair.

Diseases Due To Vitiation Of Rakta Dhatu

…वक्ष्यन्ते रक्तदोषजाः| कुष्ठवीसर्पपिडका रक्तपित्तमसृग्दरः||११||
गुदमेढ्रास्यपाकश्च प्लीहा गुल्मोऽथ विद्रधिः| नीलिका कामला व्यङ्गः पिप्प्लवस्तिलकालकाः||१२||
दद्रुश्चर्मदलं श्वित्रं पामा कोठास्रमण्डलम्| रक्तप्रदोषाज्जायन्ते,…|१3|

Rakta dhatu vitiation may result in various disorders, including skin diseases such as Kushtha, Visarpa, boils (Pidaka), Dadru, Charmadala, Svitra, Pama, Kotha, and Asra Mandala. Rakta dhatu vitiation may also contribute to bleeding disorders (Raktapitta), excessive menstrual bleeding (Asrugdara), inflammation of the anus, penis, and oral cavity, splenic disorders (Pliha), abdominal masses (Gulma), and abscess formation (Vidradhi)., jaundice (Kamala), blue moles (Nilika), freckles and facial blemishes (Vyanga), port-wine marks (Piplu), and sesame-sized black spots (Tilakalaka).

Diseases Due To Vitiation Of Mamsa Dhatu

…शृणु मांसप्रदोषजान्||१३||
अधिमांसार्बुदं कीलं गलशालूकशुण्डिके| पूतिमांसालजीगण्डगण्डमालोपजिह्विकाः||१४||
विद्यान्मांसाश्रयान्,…|१५|

Vitiation of Mamsa dhatu may lead to various conditions, including Adhimamsa (abnormal tissue growth), Arbuda (tumorous growth), Kilas (piles), Galashaluka (uvular inflammation), Galashundika (tonsillitis), Putimamsa (gangrene), Alaji (boils), Ganda (goiter), Gandamala (cervical lymph node enlargement), and Upajihvika (inflammation of the epiglottis).

Diseases Due To Vitiation Of Meda Dhatu

.. मेदःसंश्रयांस्तु प्रचक्ष्महे| निन्दितानि प्रमेहाणां पूर्वरूपाणि यानि च||१५||

Vitiation of Meda dhatu may cause early symptoms of chronic urinary disorders, including diabetes mellitus, as well as the eight undesirable body constitutions previously described in Chapter 21 (Ashta Nindita), which are considered socially undesirable.

Diseases Due To Vitiation Of Asthi Dhatu

अध्यस्थिदन्तौ दन्तास्थिभेदशूलं विवर्णता| केशलोमनखश्मश्रुदोषाश्चास्थिप्रदोषजाः||१६||

Asthi dhatu vitiation may lead to excessive growth of bones and teeth, tooth splitting, severe bone and dental pain, discoloration, and abnormalities affecting body hair, nails, and beard.

Diseases Due To Vitiation Of Majja Dhatu

रुक् पर्वणां भ्रमो मूर्च्छा दर्शनं तमसस्तथा| अरुषां स्थूलमूलानां पर्वजानां च दर्शनम्||१७||
मज्जप्रदोषात्, …|१८|

Vitiation of Majja dhatu may result in joint pain, dizziness, loss of consciousness, fainting episodes, and deep-seated abscesses affecting the joints, seeing darkness in front of eyes.

Diseases Due To Vitiation Of Shukra Dhatu

…शुक्रस्य दोषात् क्लैब्यमहर्षणम्| रोगि वा क्लीबमल्पायुर्विरूपं वा प्रजायते||१८||
न चास्य जायते गर्भः पतति प्रस्रवत्यपि| शुक्रं हि दुष्टं सापत्यं सदारं बाधते नरम्||१९||

Vitiation of Shukra dhatu may lead to sexual dysfunction, including impotence and difficulty with penetration despite an erection (Aharshana). It may also be associated with infertility, failure to conceive, recurrent pregnancy loss, and adverse reproductive outcomes, such as congenital abnormalities or reduced offspring survival. These conditions can cause considerable distress for the individual and their family.

Disease Of Sense Organs

इन्द्रियाणि समाश्रित्य प्रकुप्यन्ति यदा मलाः| उपघातोपतापाभ्यां योजयन्तीन्द्रियाणि ते||२०||

Indriya(sense organ)are either totally or partially destroyed when doshas get vitiated and lodge in them.

Diseases Of Ligaments, Vessels, And Tendons

स्नायौ सिराकण्डराभ्यो दुष्टाः क्लिश्नन्ति मानवम्| स्तम्भसङ्कोचखल्लीभिर्ग्रन्थिस्फुरणसुप्तिभिः||२१||

Vitiation of Doshas in the Snayu (ligaments), Sira (blood vessels), and Kandara (tendons) may cause neuralgic pain in the upper and lower limbs, stiffness, restricted movement, swelling or lump formation, throbbing sensations, and numbness.

Vitiation Of Mala By Dosha

मलानाश्रित्य कुपिता भेदशोषप्रदूषणम्| दोषा मलानां कुर्वन्ति सङ्गोत्सर्गावतीव च|

Vitiation of doshas affecting the body’s waste products may cause excessive elimination, as seen in diarrhea, reduced excretion, dryness, or changes in their normal color, odor, and consistency. These disturbances may result in either retention or excessive discharge of waste materials.

Management Principles

विविधादशितात् पीतादहिताल्लीढखादितात्| भवन्त्येते मनुष्याणां विकारा य उदाहृताः||२३||
तेषामिच्छन्ननुत्पत्तिं सेवेत मतिमान् सदा| हितान्येवाशितादीनि न स्युस्तज्जास्तथाऽऽमयाः||२४||
रसजानां विकाराणां सर्वं लङ्घनमौषधम्| विधिशोणितिकेऽध्याये रक्तजानां भिषग्जितम्||२५||
मांसजानां तु संशुद्धिः शस्त्रक्षाराग्निकर्म च| अष्टौनिन्दितिकेऽध्याये मेदोजानां चिकित्सितम्||२६||
अस्थ्याश्रयाणां व्याधीनां पञ्चकर्माणि भेषजम्| बस्त्यः क्षीरसर्पींषि तिक्तकोपहितानि च||२७||
मज्जशुक्रसमुत्थानामौषधं स्वादुतिक्तकम्| अन्नं व्यवायव्यायामौ शुद्धिः काले च मात्रया||२८||
शान्तिरिन्द्रियजानां तु त्रिमर्मीये प्रवक्ष्यते| स्नाय्वादिजानां प्रशमो वक्ष्यते वातरोगिके||२९||
नवेगान्धारणेऽध्याये चिकित्सासङ्ग्रहः कृतः| मलजानां विकाराणां सिद्धिश्चोक्ता क्वचित्क्वचित्||३०||

Various diseases arising from the consumption of unwholesome foods, including eatables, drinkables, linctuses, and chewables, have been described. To prevent such conditions, individuals should follow a wholesome diet. In Ayurveda, Langhana (lightening therapy) is recommended for disorders associated with Rasa dhatu, while the management of Rakta dhatu disorders is discussed in Vidhishonitiya Adhyaya (Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 24). Mamsa dhatu disorders may require purification procedures, surgery, alkaline treatments, and Agnikarma (therapeutic cauterization). The treatment of Meda dhatu disorders is described in Ashtauninditiya Adhyaya (Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 21). Asthi dhatu disorders are managed through Panchakarma, particularly Basti (medicated enema) prepared with bitter herbs, milk, and ghee. Disorders involving Majja and Shukra dhatu may be addressed through diets with sweet and bitter tastes, sexual activity, exercise, and appropriate purification therapies. The management of sensory organ disorders is explained in Trimarmiya Chikitsa (Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 26), while disorders affecting ligaments, blood vessels, and tendons are discussed in Vatavyadhi Chikitsa (Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 28). Treatment approaches for disorders of bodily waste products are described in Naveganadharaniya Adhyaya (Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 7) and other relevant sections.

Movement Of Dosha From Koshtha (Gut) To Shakha (Periphery)

व्यायामादूष्मणस्तैक्ष्ण्याद्धितस्यानवचारणात्| कोष्ठाच्छाखा मला यान्ति द्रुतत्वान्मारुतस्य च||३१||
तत्रस्थाश्च विलम्बन्ते कदाचिन्न समीरिताः| नादेशकाले कुप्यन्ति भूयो हेतुप्रतीक्षिणः||३२||

As described earlier, aggravated doshas can migrate from the gastrointestinal tract (Koshtha) to peripheral tissues (Shakha), including the skin and other dhatus such as Rakta. This movement may be triggered by factors such as excessive physical activity, exposure to heat, unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits, and the forceful movement of Vata. After reaching the peripheral tissues, the doshas may remain inactive without producing noticeable symptoms. Disease may develop when favorable conditions, such as specific seasonal changes ,stimulate their activity.

Movement Of Dosha From Shakha To Koshtha

वृद्ध्या विष्यन्दनात् पाकात् स्रोतोमुखविशोधनात्| शाखा मुक्त्वा मलाः कोष्ठं यान्ति वायोश्च निग्रहात्||३३||

The aggravated doshas move from the peripheral tissues (Shakha) to the gastrointestinal tract (Koshtha) when they undergo increased aggravation, liquefaction, or suppuration, when obstructions at the openings of bodily channels are removed, or when Vata becomes pacified.

Prevention Of Diseases

अजातानामनुत्पत्तौ जातानां विनिवृत्तये| रोगाणां यो विधिर्दृष्टः सुखार्थी तं समाचरेत्||३४||
सुखार्थाः सर्वभूतानां मताः सर्वाः प्रवृत्तयः| ज्ञानाज्ञानविशेषात्तु मार्गामार्गप्रवृत्तयः||३५||

Anyone who seeks a healthy and fulfilling life should adopt the principles described in this treatise to prevent illness and manage diseases when they occur. Every living being naturally strives for well-being, but the choices and actions pursued to achieve it vary according to an individual’s knowledge, understanding, and level of awareness.

Benefits And Harms Of Observing And Non-Observance Of Regimen

हितमेवानुरुध्यन्ते प्रपरीक्ष्य परीक्षकाः| रजोमोहावृतात्मानः प्रियमेव तु लौकिकाः||३६||
श्रुतं बुद्धिः स्मृतिर्दाक्ष्यं धृतिर्हितनिषेवणम्| वाग्विशुद्धिः शमो धैर्यमाश्रयन्ति परीक्षकम्||३७||
लौकिकं नाश्रयन्त्येते गुणा मोहरजःश्रितम् | तन्मूला बहवो यन्ति रोगाः शारीरमानसाः||३८||

An intelligent individual follows an appropriate regimen after thoroughly evaluating the disease, its causative factors, and their own Prakriti (individual constitution). In contrast, an individual whose mental faculties are dominated by Rajas and Tamas may follow a regimen that provides sensory pleasure without considering their condition, the treatment, or their constitution. An intelligent person possesses qualities such as obedience, intelligence, memory, stability, capability, purity of speech, tranquility, and courage, and follows a wholesome regimen. Individuals lacking these qualities may be influenced by Moha (attachment and delusion) and Rajas, which can contribute to various physical and mental disorders.

प्रज्ञापराधाद्ध्यहितानर्थान् पञ्च निषेवते| सन्धारयति वेगांश्च सेवते साहसानि च||३९||
तदात्वसुखसञ्ज्ञेषु भावेष्वज्ञोऽनुरज्यते| रज्यते न तु विज्ञाता विज्ञाने ह्यमलीकृते||४०||

An ignorant individual, due to errors in judgment, engages in unhealthy activities involving the five sense organs, suppresses natural urges, and acts recklessly. Such actions may provide temporary pleasure but can lead to suffering over time. A wise person, guided by clarity of mind and awareness, avoids these harmful activities and maintains well-being.

The Importance Of Food

न रागान्नाप्यविज्ञानादाहारानुपयोजयेत्| परीक्ष्य हितमश्नीयाद्देहो ह्याहारसम्भवः||४१||

Food should not be consumed excessively or without proper understanding of its effects on the body. One should choose and eat nutritious, wholesome food mindfully, considering its suitability and quantity, because proper nutrition plays a fundamental role in the growth, strength, and maintenance of the body.

आहारस्य विधावष्टौ विशेषा हेतुसञ्ज्ञकाः| शुभाशुभसमुत्पत्तौ तान् परीक्ष्य प्रयोजयेत्||४२||

Eight  factors should be considered before consuming food, as they influence its effects on the body and overall health.

परिहार्याण्यपथ्यानि सदा परिहरन्नरः| भवत्यनृणतां प्राप्तः साधूनामिह पण्डितः||४३||
यत्तु रोगसमुत्थानमशक्यमिह केनचित्| परिहर्तुं न तत् प्राप्य शोचितव्यं मनीषिभिः||४४|

The wise person who always avoids the intake of unwholesome foods is unavoidable and will become free from discussion of sadhu(sages).a wise person should not worry about diseases,which cannot be cured by any measure.

Summary

तत्र श्लोकाः- आहारसम्भवं वस्तु रोगाश्चाहारसम्भवाः| हिताहितविशेषाच्च विशेषः सुखदुःखयोः||४५||
सहत्वे चासहत्वे च दुःखानां देहसत्त्वयोः | विशेषो रोगसङ्घाश्च धातुजा ये पृथक्पृथक्||४६||
तेषां चैव प्रशमनं कोष्ठाच्छाखा उपेत्य च| दोषा यथा प्रकुप्यन्ति शाखाभ्यः कोष्ठमेत्य च||४७||
प्राज्ञाज्ञयोर्विशेषश्च स्वस्थातुरहितं च यत्| विविधाशितपीतीये तत् सर्वं सम्प्रकाशितम्||४८||

Food plays an essential role in the development of life and the occurrence of diseases. Wholesome and unwholesome dietary choices influence health and well-being, contributing to happiness or suffering. According to Ayurveda, diet also affects the body’s ability to withstand and manage physical and mental disorders.

Vividhashitapitiya Adhyaya discusses diseases affecting different Dhatus and their treatments, the movement of Doshas between the Koshtha (gastrointestinal tract) and Shakha (peripheral tissues, including the skin and other Dhatus), the characteristics of wise and ignorant individuals, and appropriate dietary practices for healthy individuals and patients.