Āhāra-Vihāra in Swasthavṛtta as per Maulik Siddhānta

The science of Swasthavṛtta in Ayurveda centers on the preservation of health through regulated diet (Āhāra) and conduct (Vihāra), rooted deeply in the classical principles of Maulik Siddhānta. These foundational doctrines—including Tridoṣa Siddhānta, Agni Siddhānta, Srotas Siddhānta, and Prakṛti-vicāra—govern the rationale behind daily and seasonal regimens aimed at sustaining equilibrium and preventing disease. Āhāra and Vihāra, when practiced in harmony with doṣa, agni, and kāla, become vital tools for maintaining homeostasis and promoting vitality. Drawing from the Caraka Saṃhitā, Suśruta Saṃhitā, and Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, this paper elaborates on the philosophical and physiological relevance of food and behavior, highlighting their roles as preventive interventions in Swasthavṛtta. Further, it explores the personalization of these practices based on individual constitution (Prakṛti), seasonal variations (Ṛtu), and age (Vaya), and correlates them with modern preventive medicine, lifestyle epidemiology, and chrononutrition. Ultimately, this study reaffirms Āhāra-Vihāra as a timeless and dynamic model of daily self-care, applicable to modern health systems and individual wellness.