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Satiety is one of the subjective parameters to assess the ingestion capacity of a person. The maximum ingestion capacity of a person should be divided into three parts. One-third part of food intake should be consumed in solid form and one third part as liquid diet, remaining one third part of total capacity should be kept empty for movement of [[vata]], [[pitta]] and [[kapha]]. This is the indicator of satiety. This means once the two third part of stomach will be filled, a person will have the feeling of satisfaction [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]25/40]. At this point the person should stop eating. If this limit is crossed, the excess food stuff will occupy the third part of stomach which interrupts the process of digestion, causing extra burden on [[agni]] (digestive power) and may result indigestion. The divisions of stomach (aamashaya) are not in equal proportion, but it is in accordance with user’s suitability and the adaptive pattern of food consumption [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]2/3]. Power of ingestion (abhyavaharana shakti) is different for every individual and it depends upon the strength of digestive capacity (jatharagni).  The proper quantity of food (aahara matra) to be consumed is subjected to power of ingestion and consistency of food articles i.e. solid and liquid.

Satiety is one of the subjective parameters to assess the ingestion capacity of a person. The maximum ingestion capacity of a person should be divided into three parts. One-third part of food intake should be consumed in solid form and one third part as liquid diet, remaining one third part of total capacity should be kept empty for movement of [[vata]], [[pitta]] and [[kapha]]. This is the indicator of satiety. This means once the two third part of stomach will be filled, a person will have the feeling of satisfaction [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]25/40]. At this point the person should stop eating. If this limit is crossed, the excess food stuff will occupy the third part of stomach which interrupts the process of digestion, causing extra burden on [[agni]] (digestive power) and may result indigestion. The divisions of stomach (aamashaya) are not in equal proportion, but it is in accordance with user’s suitability and the adaptive pattern of food consumption [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]2/3]. Power of ingestion (abhyavaharana shakti) is different for every individual and it depends upon the strength of digestive capacity (jatharagni).  The proper quantity of food (aahara matra) to be consumed is subjected to power of ingestion and consistency of food articles i.e. solid and liquid.

===Classification of food===

=== Classification of food ===

Depending on the consistency, the food articles are classified into four categories: drinkable, likable, eatable, and chewable. These four types are further abbreviated under two classes as liquid foods and solid foods respectively. Thus both type of food shall be consumed till half of it satiety or till feeling of satiety. This quantity will definitely be digested in due time, without disturbing [[dosha]] physiology ([[prakriti]]), thus indicates proper qunatity (aahara matra). Subjective parameters shall be observed carefully to decide the proper quantity of food. [Cha. Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/6] Food consumed in the appropriate quantity enhances strength, complexion, and nourishment of tissues.  

Depending on the consistency, the food articles are classified into four categories: drinkable, likable, eatable, and chewable. These four types are further abbreviated under two classes as liquid foods and solid foods respectively. Thus both type of food shall be consumed till half of it satiety or till feeling of satiety. This quantity will definitely be digested in due time, without disturbing [[dosha]] physiology ([[prakriti]]), thus indicates proper qunatity (aahara matra). Subjective parameters shall be observed carefully to decide the proper quantity of food. [Cha. Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/6] Food consumed in the appropriate quantity enhances strength, complexion, and nourishment of tissues.  

Excessive eating is one of the etiological factors for non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes mellitus which are more prevalent in society. Excess intake of calorie food which is not processed properly by digestive power (jatharagni) and further utilized by dhatvagni (type of [[agni]] present at tissue level) leads to obesity and related disorders.  

Excessive eating is one of the etiological factors for non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes mellitus which are more prevalent in society. Excess intake of calorie food which is not processed properly by digestive power (jatharagni) and further utilized by dhatvagni (type of [[agni]] present at tissue level) leads to obesity and related disorders.  

=== Concept of Ama ===

=== Concept of Ama ===

==== Causes of [[ama]] formation ====

==== Causes of [[ama]] formation ====

[[Langhana]] (measures of fasting) and [[pachana]] (digestive) is the foremost treatment used to treat ama disorders [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/95]. Fasting helps to digest ama and kindles digestive fire.  Absolute fasting or liquid light food is advised considering state of ama. Agni is responsible for digestion of food; kindled digestive fire in absence of food will digest increased doshas or leftover ama in the body [A. Hr. Chikitsa Sthana 10/91].

[[Langhana]] (measures of fasting) and [[pachana]] (digestive) is the foremost treatment used to treat ama disorders [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/95]. Fasting helps to digest ama and kindles digestive fire.  Absolute fasting or liquid light food is advised considering state of ama. Agni is responsible for digestion of food; kindled digestive fire in absence of food will digest increased doshas or leftover ama in the body [A. Hr. Chikitsa Sthana 10/91].

When the food has undergone digestion, but yet patient experience fullness and heaviness of the stomach, medicines are to be given which bring about the breakdown of the leftover doshas and increase digestive fire. After langhana and pachana, patient should be advised to follow peyadi-sansarjan-kram (special dictum of dietary regimen) to ignite digestive fire. Fasting reduces the aggravated dosha, kindles digestive fire, restores appetite, and renders lightness to the body. Fasting should be performed to that extent which will not hamper the vitality or strength of an individual. The aim of all these measures is to regain the health which also depends on the physical, mental and spiritual well being [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/140-142]. When patient is relieved from excessive morbidity of ama; the doshas are get rid of ama state (pakava avastha) and once digestive fire is kindled; oil embrocation (abhyanga), internal unction (snehapana), corrective and unctuous enema (asthapana and anuvasana types of basti) should administer. Sama doshas which are spread all over the body, which  remain latent/dissolved in tissues (dhatus) and are not dislodged should not be expelled out by eliminative (shodhana) therapy as it can lead to destruction of the substratum, similar to the extraction of juice from an unripe fruit [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/147-149]. Therapeutic elimination procedures should commence once person will get rid of ama state. Stool mixed with ama (sama mala) sinks into the water due to heaviness property of ama whereas stool without ama (pakva or nirama mala) floats over the water; provided the stools consistency is not watery or not very compact and if not vitiated by cold (sheeta) property of [[kapha]] [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/94]. Patient should first be evaluated for presence or absence of ama and then appropriately be treated with pachana etc. treatment. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/94-95]

When the food has undergone digestion, but yet patient experience fullness and heaviness of the stomach, medicines are to be given which bring about the breakdown of the leftover doshas and increase digestive fire. After langhana and pachana, patient should be advised to follow peyadi-sansarjan-kram (special dictum of dietary regimen) to ignite digestive fire. Fasting reduces the aggravated [[dosha]], kindles digestive power, restores appetite, and renders lightness to the body. Fasting should be performed to that extent which will not hamper the vitality or strength of an individual. The aim of all these measures is to regain the health which also depends on the physical, mental and spiritual well being. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/140-142]  

When patient is relieved from excessive morbidity of [[ama]]; the [[dosha]] are free from [[ama]] state (pakava avastha) and once digestive fire is kindled; oil embrocation ([[abhyanga]]), internal unction ([[snehapana]]), corrective and unctuous enema ([[asthapana]] and [[anuvasana]] types of [[basti]]) should be administered.  

 

Saama dosha which are spread all over the body, which  remain latent/dissolved in tissues ([[dhatu]]) and are not dislodged should not be expelled out by eliminative ([[shodhana]]) therapy as it can lead to destruction of the substratum, similar to the extraction of juice from an unripe fruit. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/147-149] Therapeutic elimination procedures should commence once person is free from [[ama]] state.  

 

Stool mixed with [[ama]] (saama mala) sinks into the water due to heaviness property of [[ama]]; whereas stool without [[ama]] (pakva or niraama mala) floats over the water; provided the stools consistency is not watery or not very compact and if not vitiated by cold (sheeta) property of [[kapha]]. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/94] Patient should first be evaluated for presence or absence of [[ama]] and then appropriately be treated with [[pachana]] etc. treatment. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/94-95]

'''Understanding of Amashaya-'''

==== Understanding of Amashaya ====

Amashaya described here is in physiological consideration where digestion of food is taking place. Surface anatomy describes amashaya as the organ situated between the umbilicus and the breast. All that is eaten, masticated, drunk and licked up is digested. All the food articles are fully digested after reaching the amashaya. Once the digestion is completed, the digested essence of food reaches all the body organs by means of vessels. Amashaya is also considered as seat of [[pitta dosha]] and [[kapha dosha]] [Cha. Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 20/8]. There observes predominance of [[kapha]] and [[vata dosha]] in manifestation of hiccough and asthama (shvasa). These disorders originate at the site of [[pitta]] [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]17/8]. In this context, Chakrapani has mentioned the two segments of amashaya as upper segment (urdhva amashaya) and the lower segment (adho-amashaya). Seat of [[pitta]] refers lower segment (adho amashaya) which clearly differentiates from the upper segment of [[kapha dosha]]. Anatomically Stomach can be considered as upper segment of amashaya and small intestine along with liver and pancreas can be considered as the lower segment of amashaya. Aamashaya rooted disorders are specifically grouped as the disorders having a predominance of [[kapha]] and [[pitta dosha]].[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 6/3]   

Amashaya described here is in physiological consideration where digestion of food is taking place. Surface anatomy describes amashaya as the organ situated between the umbilicus and the breast. All that is eaten, masticated, drunk and licked up is digested. All the food articles are fully digested after reaching the amashaya. Once the digestion is completed, the digested essence of food reaches all the body organs by means of vessels. Amashaya is also considered as seat of [[pitta dosha]] and [[kapha dosha]] [Cha. Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 20/8]. There observes predominance of [[kapha]] and [[vata dosha]] in manifestation of hiccough and asthama (shvasa). These disorders originate at the site of [[pitta]] [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]17/8]. In this context, Chakrapani has mentioned the two segments of amashaya as upper segment (urdhva amashaya) and the lower segment (adho-amashaya). Seat of [[pitta]] refers lower segment (adho amashaya) which clearly differentiates from the upper segment of [[kapha dosha]]. Anatomically Stomach can be considered as upper segment of amashaya and small intestine along with liver and pancreas can be considered as the lower segment of amashaya. Aamashaya rooted disorders are specifically grouped as the disorders having a predominance of [[kapha]] and [[pitta dosha]].[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 6/3]   

   

   

'''Updates and views of other Ayurveda classics helpful to understand the content '''

==== Updates and views of other Ayurveda classics ====

Some Ayurveda scholars have divided ingestion capacity of amashaya in four parts and advised to take two parts with solid food, one part with liquids and rest one fourth part to be left empty for doshas (as a normal physiology of digestion) [A.Hr.[[Sutra Sthana]]8/46-47]. Arundutta, commentator of Vagbhata has considered this capacity of amashaya as the measurement of satiety.

Some Ayurveda scholars have divided ingestion capacity of amashaya in four parts and advised to take two parts with solid food, one part with liquids and rest one fourth part to be left empty for doshas (as a normal physiology of digestion) [A.Hr.[[Sutra Sthana]]8/46-47]. Arundutta, commentator of Vagbhata has considered this capacity of amashaya as the measurement of satiety.

'''Management principles of Ama explored in other Ayurveda Classics-'''

==== Management principles of ama explored in other Ayurveda Classics ====

Due to impairment of agni, the ingested food will not be digested properly and this undigested food material is termed as ama. This ama, which is inert (alasak), is to be expelled out by means of emesis with use of lukewarm saline water. If it is not achieved properly, use of strong emetics like Madanphala (randia dumetorum)), Pippali (Piper longum), Nagadanti (Croton oblongifolius Roxb) and paste of Siddharthaka (Brassica campestris Linn.) is also advised [A.S. Sutra Sthana 11/17]. After emesis to expel the feces and flatus and to restore the downward movement of apana vayu rectal suppository plays significant role. Sudation therapy is effective to remove obstruction and to pacify vata dosha. After complete elimination of food toxins, to breakdown the leftover doshas and to ignite the digestive fire, Hingvadi powder (compound formulation of herbs) and Mustadi decoction is effective [A.S.Sutra Sthana 11/20-21]. A paste prepared from barley powder and yavakshar (alkali prepared from the ashes of burnt green barley-corns) mixed with butter milk is very effective to cure abdominal pain caused due to indigestion.

Due to impairment of agni, the ingested food will not be digested properly and this undigested food material is termed as ama. This ama, which is inert (alasak), is to be expelled out by means of emesis with use of lukewarm saline water. If it is not achieved properly, use of strong emetics like Madanphala (randia dumetorum)), Pippali (Piper longum), Nagadanti (Croton oblongifolius Roxb) and paste of Siddharthaka (Brassica campestris Linn.) is also advised [A.S. Sutra Sthana 11/17]. After emesis to expel the feces and flatus and to restore the downward movement of apana vayu rectal suppository plays significant role. Sudation therapy is effective to remove obstruction and to pacify vata dosha. After complete elimination of food toxins, to breakdown the leftover doshas and to ignite the digestive fire, Hingvadi powder (compound formulation of herbs) and Mustadi decoction is effective [A.S.Sutra Sthana 11/20-21]. A paste prepared from barley powder and yavakshar (alkali prepared from the ashes of burnt green barley-corns) mixed with butter milk is very effective to cure abdominal pain caused due to indigestion.

'''Cauterization treatment on heels in case of Visuchika :''' In severe cases of visuchika (indigestion with vomiting and diarrhea), cauterization on the heels is recommended [A.S. Sutra Sthana 11/26].  

'''Cauterization treatment on heels in case of Visuchika :''' In severe cases of visuchika (indigestion with vomiting and diarrhea), cauterization on the heels is recommended [A.S. Sutra Sthana 11/26].  

'''Signs of complete digestion -''' Clear belching (udgar shuddhi), enthusiasm (utsaha), timely evacuation of feces and urine (vegotsarga), lightness of body (laghuta), filling of hunger and thrust (kshut-pipaasa) are essential to know while treating indigestion.[A.S.Sutra Sthana 11/58].

'''Signs of complete digestion ''' Clear belching (udgar shuddhi), enthusiasm (utsaha), timely evacuation of feces and urine (vegotsarga), lightness of body (laghuta), filling of hunger and thrust (kshut-pipaasa) are essential to know while treating indigestion.[A.S.Sutra Sthana 11/58].

Take food twice only - Ayurveda prohibits the ingestion of food during night time. Hence, during day two meal times are suggested for health maintenance: in the morning and at the close of the day (before sunset) [Indu on A.S.Sutra Sthana 11/54). Depending on the predominance of afflicted Doshas, four types of digestive fires (jatharagni) are described: Samagni (Normal state of metabolic fire), Vishamagni (irregular state of digestive fire), Tikshagni (sharp or intense state of digestive fire) and Mandagni (mild or weak state of digestive fire). Samagni needs 12 hours (4 yama) for complete digestion of food, and 6 hours (2 yama) for proper digestion of medicine [A.S. Sutra Sthana 11/53].  

Take food twice only - Ayurveda prohibits the ingestion of food during night time. Hence, during day two meal times are suggested for health maintenance: in the morning and at the close of the day (before sunset) [Indu on A.S.Sutra Sthana 11/54). Depending on the predominance of afflicted Doshas, four types of digestive fires (jatharagni) are described: Samagni (Normal state of metabolic fire), Vishamagni (irregular state of digestive fire), Tikshagni (sharp or intense state of digestive fire) and Mandagni (mild or weak state of digestive fire). Samagni needs 12 hours (4 yama) for complete digestion of food, and 6 hours (2 yama) for proper digestion of medicine [A.S. Sutra Sthana 11/53].  

'''CONTEMPORARY VIEWS AND RESEARCH UPDATES-'''

 

==== Understanding proper quantity of food (Sauhitya Matra):physiological mechanism of satiation-

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The process that leads to the termination of eating, which may be accompanied by a feeling of satisfaction.

The process that leads to the termination of eating, which may be accompanied by a feeling of satisfaction.