REVIEW ON HOLISTIC AYURVEDA APPROACH TO POSHANA (NUTRITION)

Poshana is derived from Pus Dhatu and Ana meaning to bringing up, to nourishing, supporting, maintaining. Poshana is a complete biological process by which a living being utilises Ahara to support its life system. It starts with Ahara paka, Dhatupaka, Dhatu Poshana, and the creation of Sara and Kitta. Poshana is increasingly recognised as an essential indicator of development at the national and international levels. Malnutrition in children has emerged as a silent national emergency and accounts for 68% of all infant mortality in India. India also lags on nutritional indicators, with high levels of anaemia in women of reproductive age. The Poshana can be classified as 1. Poshana for Malnutrition, 2. Poshana for obesity, 3. Poshana for healthy living, and 4. Poshana for diseases. Ayurveda emphasises diversified aspects of dietetics and nutrition: quality, quantity, processing methods, the rationale of a combination of food articles, emotional elements, the nature of the consumer, and geographical and environmental conditions. Holistic Ayurveda science considers three crucial factors when dealing with nutrition: Aushadha (drugs & therapies), Ahara (food, diet), and Vihara (lifestyle practices). Among these, Ahara plays an essential role, as recounted by major Ayurvedic literature.