Concept of ajeerna (Indigestion)
A very common statement that I come across in my routine practice is that “My routine is very perfect. I drink a glass of water/ water+honey/ milk etc. the first thing in the morning and apart from other dietary inclusions I drink a glass of milk at night before sleep”.
Ayurveda also explains the same. Acharya Sushruth of the Sushruth Samhita says a glass of water or milk or honey early in the morning is arogyakar (healthy).
The practice a common man follows nowadays are just the derivations of the things told in Ayurveda.
But as its said half knowledge is more dangerous, what people know is drinking a glass of water early morning is healthy but what they do not know is that these things have been told in general for a Swastha purusha to maintain his health. Swastha purusha in ayurvedic literature has been defined as one who feels hunger and thirst in morning, has proper evacuation of bowels and urine and feels enthusiastic after good sleep. Now the question is how many of us are really hungry when we get up early in the morning? Todays man is busy earning money..hence he gets up early sleeps late at night ,also has dinner very late hence most of them lack good hunger in the morning..so they do not fit into the criteria of swastha purusha . so these habitual things of early morning do not prove to be fruitful for them.hence its necessary for a person to realize what are the things he actually needs to adopt as a routine..due to some wrong habits (unknowingly though)leads to ajeerna or ama formation in body which eventually leads to a disease.
Coming to the second line of the statement.milk is considered as a wholesome diet.drinking milk at night wont give any health benefits as at night means at night after dinner. Its like taking food after food which will further lead to indigestion. To get the maximum benefits of milk or any food its essential to eat or drink when hungry or thirsty hence ensuring proper digestion.
The aahar sevan kaala according to ayurveda is “jeernaashi syat”i.e. after complete digestion of previous food. Also acharya charaka of charak samhita says aahar our stomach has to be divided into 3 parts …one part to be filled with solid food,one part with liquid food,and one part to be kept empty for movement of tridoshas.
So every food substance when taken according to rules gives best benefit and when not causes ajeerna. All major body disorders have their origin through ajeerna.
To know if your routine is really healthy and suitable for your body, write to Dr. Chidanand at drchida@gmail.com for free advice.