Role of Agni in Nutritional Disorder w.s.r. to Karshya in Children

Abstract

Ayurveda, the science of life, suggested  many principles, one of the most important principles is the  three factors that is Aahara (vkgkj] diet), Nidra (funzk] sleep)  and Brahmacharya (c zãp;Z] celibacy). These are mentioned as  three Upastambha (miLrEHk] sub supporting pillars)  maintaining the health.1 Aahara (vkgkj) is the first pillar  which directly affects the health & mind. Changes in diet  may cause disorder related to digestive tract and other  system of body. Food is importance as nutritional source, also with therapeutic value (balance diet). Ayurveda  believes, Prevention is better than Cure, by enhancing  immunity & health of individuals can be maintained.2 Nutritional disorders are described in scattered  manner in Ayurveda texts. Acharya charka has described the  Atikrisha person (lean person) under eight despicable people (Asthaunindaniya person), Acharya  Kashyapa described Phakka roga4and Acharya Vagbhatta describes Bal-shosa.3 Agni plays a  vital role of physiological, psychological & pathological levels. Majority of the disease are  outcome of malfunctioning of Agni. Role of Agni is metabolic disorder mainly in Karshya  (nutritional disorders).