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''Swasthachatushka'' , the health tetrad, deals with the preservation of health and prevention of diseases. The first chapter of this tetrad, entitled [[Matrashiteeya Adhyaya]], covers two topics viz. various aspects of the proper quantity and quality of diet and various daily regimens that should be followed by a person for healthy living. The tenets of personal hygiene, oral hygiene and hygiene of sense organs are described in this chapter. The routine procedures to preserve health like abhyanga (massage), nasya (nasal errhines), kavala (mouth wash), gandusha (gargling), karnapurana (applying oil in ears), anjana (collyrium) etc. are described in this chapter with their methods of administration and positive health benefits.  

''Swasthachatushka'' , the health tetrad, deals with the preservation of health and prevention of diseases. The first chapter of this tetrad, entitled [[Matrashiteeya Adhyaya]], covers two topics viz. various aspects of the proper quantity and quality of diet and various daily regimens that should be followed by a person for healthy living. The tenets of personal hygiene, oral hygiene and hygiene of sense organs are described in this chapter. The routine procedures to preserve health like abhyanga (massage), nasya (nasal errhines), kavala (mouth wash), gandusha (gargling), karnapurana (applying oil in ears), anjana (collyrium) etc. are described in this chapter with their methods of administration and positive health benefits.  

Keywords Aharamatra, Dinacharya, Abhyanga, Nasya, Kavala, Gandusha, Anutaila, Anjana. personal hygiene, oral health, gargling, nasal errhines, massage, collyrium, mouth wash, health of sense organs.  

'''Keywords''': Aharamatra, Dinacharya, Abhyanga, Nasya, Kavala, Gandusha, Anutaila, Anjana. personal hygiene, oral health, gargling, nasal errhines, massage, collyrium, mouth wash, health of sense organs.  

Introduction

 

=== Introduction ===

 

A wholesome diet is essential for good health and prevention of disease. Considering the importance of  quantity of diet, this tetrad dealing with health commences with the chapter Matrashitiyam. Two topics are explained in this chapter: - the concept of proper quantity of diet and the details of daily regimen. Charaka dedicated an entire tetrad (Annapana chatushkam) for explaining dietetics later in this section of [[Sutra Sthana]]. Important aspects of food have also been dealt with in the first and the second chapters of [[Vimana Sthana]]. Diet, is the only factor which is responsible for normal health as well as disease[ ]. How and what food should be taken is assessed by eight factors. These factors are collectively designated as aharavidhiviseshayatana[ ]( considerations for diet and dietary habits).  

A wholesome diet is essential for good health and prevention of disease. Considering the importance of  quantity of diet, this tetrad dealing with health commences with the chapter Matrashitiyam. Two topics are explained in this chapter: - the concept of proper quantity of diet and the details of daily regimen. Charaka dedicated an entire tetrad (Annapana chatushkam) for explaining dietetics later in this section of [[Sutra Sthana]]. Important aspects of food have also been dealt with in the first and the second chapters of [[Vimana Sthana]]. Diet, is the only factor which is responsible for normal health as well as disease[ ]. How and what food should be taken is assessed by eight factors. These factors are collectively designated as aharavidhiviseshayatana[ ]( considerations for diet and dietary habits).  

In relation to food, the present chapter explains the ideal quantity of food articles and determination of measurement of food articles with reference to their heaviness and lightness. Such food articles whose habitual use is recommended and/or prohibited include eye-salves, herbal cigar smoking, and three varieties of medicated cigars. The chapter also enumerates the advantages of herbal smoking, frequency and time of smoking, dosage, proper method, details about preparation of smoking pipe, complications, its remedies and contra-indications. The benefits of nasya (nasal drug administration), their procedures, types, time of administration, and methods are explained.  The details of tooth-cleaning twig, properties and use of different twigs, the list of mouthwash liquids and their benefits, and advantages of oil gargling are mentioned for oral health. The benefits of applying oil on the head, applying oil into the ears, anointing the feet, body-massage, bath, wearing clean clothes, perfumes and jwel-ornaments, ablutions, clipping and trimming of hair, wearing footwear, and to carry umbrella and staff are described in this chapter.  

In relation to food, the present chapter explains the ideal quantity of food articles and determination of measurement of food articles with reference to their heaviness and lightness. Such food articles whose habitual use is recommended and/or prohibited include eye-salves, herbal cigar smoking, and three varieties of medicated cigars. The chapter also enumerates the advantages of herbal smoking, frequency and time of smoking, dosage, proper method, details about preparation of smoking pipe, complications, its remedies and contra-indications. The benefits of nasya (nasal drug administration), their procedures, types, time of administration, and methods are explained.  The details of tooth-cleaning twig, properties and use of different twigs, the list of mouthwash liquids and their benefits, and advantages of oil gargling are mentioned for oral health. The benefits of applying oil on the head, applying oil into the ears, anointing the feet, body-massage, bath, wearing clean clothes, perfumes and jwel-ornaments, ablutions, clipping and trimming of hair, wearing footwear, and to carry umbrella and staff are described in this chapter.