Conceptual Study of Role of Jeerne Ashneeyat in Sama Dosha Avastha
- Dr. Rashmi Bhagwatrao Kadam , B.A.M.S. M.D. (Scholar) Department of Samhita, Siddhanta Evam Sankrit, B.V.(D.U.) C. O. A. Pune.
- Dr. Savita Nilakhe , B.A.M.S., M.D.(Ayu.) Professor, Department of Samhita, Siddhanta Evam Sankrit, B.V.(D.U.) C. O. A. Pune.
- Dr. Madhuri Bhide , B.AM.S. MD Ayu, HOD, Professor, Department of Samhita, Siddhanta Evam Sankrit, B.V.(D.U.) C. O. A. Pune.
- Dr. Vasudha Asutkar , B.A.M.S., MD, Ayu, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Samhita, Siddhanta Evam Sankrit, B.V.(D.U.) C. O. A. Pune.
- Dr. Sachin Kulkarni , B.A.M.S., MD, Ayu, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Samhita, Siddhanta Evam Sankrit, B.V.(D.U.) C. O. A. Pune.
- Dr. Shruthi Salian , B.A.M.S., MD Ayu, Assistant Professor, Department of Samhita, Siddhanta Evam Sankrit, B.V.(D.U.) C. O. A. Pune.
Article Information:
Abstract:
Background: Jeerne-Ashneeyat (eating only after complete digestion of the prior meal) is foundational in Ayurveda. Neglecting this rule leads to Ama and Sama Dosha Avastha.6, 7 Methods: Single-arm study with 50 participants (30–60 years) showing ≥5 Saamata symptoms. Participants followed Jeerne-Ashneeyat for 90 days. Subjective and objective measures assessed monthly. Statistical tests included the Wilcoxon signed-rank and paired t-tests. Results: Significant reductions were observed in Balbhransh, Gaurav, Aalasya, Apakti, Nishtiv, Klam, Malsang, and Aruchi (p < 0.001). BMI and abdominal girth decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Jeerne-Ashneeyat effectively improves digestion and reduces Ama-related symptoms, proving valuable as a preventive and therapeutic Ayurvedic intervention.4, 5
Keywords:
Article :
INTRODUCTION:
Food, described as the foremost sustainer of life in Ayurveda, nourishes tissues (Dhatus), strengthens immunity, and ensures longevity. Improper dietary habits such as frequent snacking, overeating, or eating without hunger disturb digestion (Agni), leading to the formation of Ama. Ama, when combined with Doshas, produces Sama Dosha Avastha, a pathological state considered the nidus of chronic metabolic and lifestyle-related disorders. The rule of Jeerne-Ashneeyat (to eat only after complete digestion of the previous meal) is described in Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hrudaya as foundational for preventing Ama. This study evaluates the efficacy of practising Jeerne-Ashneeyat in alleviating symptoms of Sama Dosha.
Objectives
· To compile classical references of Saamata and Jeerne-Ashneeyat from Ayurvedic texts.
· To study the clinical role of Jeerne-Ashneeyat in reducing Sama Dosha symptoms.
· To statistically analyze the effect of meal-timing discipline on subjective and objective health parameters.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Materials
· Charaka Samhita with Chakrapani commentary.
· Sushruta Samhita with Dalhana commentary.
· Ashtanga Hrudaya with Arundatta commentary.
· Allied Ayurvedic literature.
Methodology (2)
· Classical references of Saamata and Jeerne-Ashneeyat compiled.
· Questionnaire on Saamata symptoms prepared, validated after pilot testing.
· 50 participants aged 30–60 years with ≥5 symptoms of Saamata included.
· Participants instructed to eat only when hungry (2–3 meals/day depending on Agni).
· Three follow-ups at monthly intervals over 3 months.
· Pre- and post-intervention assessment of subjective and objective parameters.
Diagnostic Criteria
Presence of ≥5 symptoms of Saamata (as per questionnaire: heaviness, anorexia, lethargy, indigestion, fatigue, etc.).
Inclusion Criteria
· Age 30–60 years.
· Both genders.
· Willing participants with ≥5 Saamata symptoms.
Exclusion Criteria
· Chronic diseases (cancer, renal failure, diabetes, cardiac disorders).
· Pregnant/lactating women.
· Perimenopausal/menopausal/postmenopausal women.
· Non-compliance with intervention protocol.
· Withdrawal of consent during study.
· Intervention
· Dietary rule: Participants ate only after digestion of previous food.
· Number of meals: 2–3/day, adjusted as per Agni type (Mand, Tikshna, Vishama).
· Duration: 90 days.
· No pharmacological intervention.
· Assessment Criteria
· Subjective Parameters
· Balbhransh, Gaurav, Aalasya, Apakti, Nishthiv, Malsang, Aruchi, Klam.
Table 1. Follow-up comparison of symptoms/ subjective parameters.
|
|
Follow-up |
Negative Ranks (Improved) |
Positive Ranks (Worsened) |
Ties (No Change) |
Wilcoxon Z |
p-value |
|
Balabhransh |
F1 vs F2 |
31 (63%) |
0 |
18 (37%) |
-5.568 |
<0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F3 |
38 (78%) |
0 |
11 (22%) |
-5.555 |
< 0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F4 |
38 (78%) |
0 |
11 (22%) |
-5.528 |
< 0.001 |
|
Gaurav |
F1 vs F2 |
40 (82%) |
0 |
9 (18%) |
-6.325 |
< 0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F3 |
49 (100%) |
0 |
0 |
-6.307 |
< 0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F4 |
49 (100%) |
0 |
0 |
-6.344 |
< 0.001 |
|
Aalasya |
F1 vs F2 |
37 (76%) |
0 |
12 (24%) |
-6.083 |
< 0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F3 |
46 (94%) |
0 |
3 (6%) |
-6.096 |
< 0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F4 |
46 (94%) |
0 |
3 (6%) |
-6.128 |
< 0.001 |
|
Apakti |
F1 vs F2 |
42 (86%) |
0 |
7 (14%) |
-6.481 |
< 0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F3 |
46 (94%) |
0 |
3 (6%) |
-6.164 |
< 0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F4 |
46 (94%) |
0 |
3 (6%) |
-6.094 |
< 0.001 |
|
Nishtiv |
F1 vs F2 |
9 (18%) |
0 |
40 (82%) |
-3 |
0.003 |
|
|
F1 vs F3 |
10 (20%) |
0 |
39 (80%) |
-2.879 |
0.004 |
|
|
F1 vs F4 |
10 (20%) |
0 |
39 (80%) |
-2.972 |
0.003 |
|
Malasang |
F1 vs F2 |
36 (73%) |
0 |
13 (27%) |
-6 |
<0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F3 |
44 (90%) |
0 |
5 (10%) |
-5.964 |
< 0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F4 |
44 (90%) |
0 |
5 (10%) |
-5.947 |
< 0.001 |
|
Aruchi |
F1 vs F2 |
34 (69%) |
0 |
15 (31%) |
-5.831 |
< 0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F3 |
39 (80%) |
0 |
10 (20%) |
-5.617 |
< 0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F4 |
39 (80%) |
0 |
10 (20%) |
-5.807 |
< 0.001 |
|
Klam |
F1 vs F2 |
15 (31%) |
0 |
34 (69%) |
-3.873 |
<0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F3 |
22 (45%) |
0 |
27 (55%) |
-4.231 |
< 0.001 |
|
|
F1 vs F4 |
22 (45%) |
0 |
27 (55%) |
-4.315 |
< 0.001 |
(F1 – Day Zero, F2 – 30th Day, F3 – 60th Day, F4 – 90th Day)
Objective Parameters
BMI
Abdominal girth
Statistical Analysis
· Wilcoxon signed-rank test for non-parametric symptom scores.
· Paired t-test for BMI and abdominal girth changes.
· p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
· Results and Observations
· Agni Distribution
· Mand Agni: 48%
· Visham Agni: 30%
· Tikshna Agni: 22%
· Symptom Improvement (Wilcoxon Test)
· Significant improvements observed in Balbhransh, Gaurav, Aalasya, Apakti, Malsang, and Aruchi (p < 0.001).
· Moderate improvements in Klam and Nishthiv.
· Objective Measures (Paired t-Test)
Table 2. Paired t-Test Analysis of Abdominal Girth (Abd girth)
|
Comparison |
Mean (F1) |
Mean (Follow-up) |
Mean Difference |
Std. Deviation |
t-value |
df |
p-value |
|
Abd Girth F1 vs F2 |
98.10 |
97.76 |
0.34 |
0.52 |
4.65 |
48 |
< 0.001 |
|
Abd Girth F1 vs F3 |
98.10 |
97.00 |
1.10 |
0.74 |
10.38 |
48 |
< 0.001 |
|
Abd Girth F1 vs F4 |
98.10 |
95.92 |
2.18 |
1.05 |
14.50 |
48 |
< 0.001 |
(F1 – Day Zero, F2 – 30th Day, F3 – 60th Day, F4 – 90th Day)
Table 3. Paired t-Test Analysis of BMI (Body Mass Index)
|
Comparison |
Mean (F1) |
Mean (Follow-up) |
Mean Difference |
Std. Deviation |
t-value |
df |
p-value |
|
BMI F1 vs F2 |
25.92 |
25.80 |
0.12 |
0.17 |
5.03 |
48 |
< 0.001 |
|
BMI F1 vs F3 |
25.92 |
25.53 |
0.39 |
0.15 |
17.74 |
48 |
< 0.001 |
|
BMI F1 vs F4 |
25.92 |
25.00 |
0.93 |
0.27 |
24.16 |
48 |
< 0.001 |
(F1 – Day Zero, F2 – 30th Day, F3 – 60th Day, F4 – 90th Day)
DISCUSSION:
The intervention confirmed that following Jeerne-Ashneeyat reduces Ama-related symptoms significantly. Improvements in subjective parameters (fatigue, heaviness, anorexia, indigestion) and objective measures (BMI, abdominal girth) highlight its preventive and therapeutic role.
Modern dietary habits—irregular meals, emotional eating, and frequent snacking—overload digestion and promote Ama formation. Aligning eating habits with Ayurvedic wisdom offers a safe, accessible, and cost-free corrective strategy against lifestyle disorders.
Limitations
· Small sample size (n=50).
· Short study duration (3 months).
· Single-center design limits generalizability.
CONCLUSION:
The principle of Jeerne-Ashneeyat demonstrates significant improvements in both subjective and objective health parameters. It reduces Ama-related symptoms and improves digestion, body composition, and energy levels. As a non-pharmacological, cost-free intervention, it holds promise in preventing lifestyle disorders. (4, 5)
Way Forward
· Larger, multicentric studies with longer follow-up are recommended.
Public health campaigns should highlight the preventive significance of Jeerne-Ashneeyat.
REFERENCES:
1. Agrawal AK. Physiological aspects of Agni. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2010;1(3):176–182.
2. Singh A, Sharma V. Development and validation of self-assessment questionnaire for Agni. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2019;4(3):112–118.
3. Mishra BR. Ajirna: An Ayurvedic perspective on indigestion. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2021;5(2):43–48.
4. Kuttikrishnan M, et al. Jatharagni and Prakriti of young Indian adults. AYU J. 2018;39(2):81–86.
5. Deshmukh S, et al. Comparative study on Jeerne-Ashneeyat dietary practices. AYU J. 2022;43(1):54–61.
6. Charaka Samhita, Vimana Sthana 1/25: Jeerne-Ashneeyaat — food intake only after digestion of prior meal.
7. Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 46/489 — Classical principles of dietary discipline.