Pathya-Apathya- A Peculiarity of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is not merely a medical science. It is a complete life science. The first aim of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of a healthy person so that no diseases should manifest. Treatment of diseases is the second aim of Ayurveda. To maintain the health of a healthy person Acharyas had described various dos and don’ts such as Ritucharya (seasonal regime), Dinacharya (diurnal regime) etc. The concept of Pathya (wholesome)and Apathaya (unwholesome) is one such concept. Apart from being a part of regime of healthy living, Ācharyas had also extended the concept of Pathya (wholesome)and Apathaya (unwholesome) as a part of the treatment of the diseases. This indicates the importance of Pathya (wholesome)and Apathaya (unwholesome) in Ayurveda. The concept of Pathya (wholesome)and Apathaya (unwholesome) is the peculiarity of Ayurveda.