Abstract

AYURVEDIC DIETETICS AND FOOD TECHNOLOGY: ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE FOR NUTRITION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PILES (ARSHA)

Dr. Swati Gupta*, Dr. Anjana, Dr. Krishna Kumar Mishra, Dr. Shilpi Trivedi, Dr. Gayatri Das

Abstract

In Ayurveda, hemorrhoid, or Arsha, are a common condition where the anal blood vessels swell, leading to pain, discomfort, and bleeding.[1,2] Ayurveda uses a more natural and holistic approach, whereas modern medicine often employs surgery to cure severe conditions. focusing on only treating the symptoms, it aims to identify and deal with the root of the issue.[6] Ayurveda states that when the body's natural balance (dosh) is disturbed, digestion (agni) is impaired, and toxins (am) accumulate, then arsha occurs. Bad eating habits, such as eating too hot, oily, or heavy foods, or eating foods that don't go together, are often the culprit. Ayurveda provides nutritional guidance that helps create balance in the body. This paper looks at how traditional Ayurvedic food wisdom can be combined with modern food technology to create healthier, easy-to-eat, and culturally appropriate food products. These would be free from harmful preservatives and designed to suit different body types (doshas).[8] Study shows that when patients follow a proper diet and take Ayurvedic medicines like Triphala Guggulu.[11] Along with treatments like Kshara Basti (a type of enema therapy), they experience fewer recurrences and an overall better quality of life.[7] This highlights how we treat hemorrhoids—focusing more on diet and natural methods rather than surgery or temporary relief.

Keywords: Arsha, Virudha ahar, Pathya, Apathya, Vata-Pitta-Kapha, Agni, Kshara basti.