A Critical Review of Charaka Samhita in Reference to Varnya - Ahara, Vihara, Aushdha Evum Karam

Abstract

Beauty has been admired since time immemorial. From the ancient Indian and Egyptian cultures to the present, through all the cultures and through the span of centuries, mankind has been giving great importance to beauty and physical appearance. Ayurveda is considered as one of the ancient sciences of health and medicine. Acharya Charaka has mentioned the aim of Ayurveda as to protect health of an individual and alleviate disorders in the diseased. This definition of complete health includes cosmetic aspects as well. Beauty is more than just skin deep according to Ayurveda. It is the most obvious external manifestation of overall well-being. Skin is a mirror to your physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Varna in Ayurveda is a broad term comprises of various parameters like color, lustre, texture, radiance etc. In this review article an effort has been made to recollect the various Varnya Ahara, Vihara, Aushdha Evum Karam quoted by Acharya Charaka in Charaka Samhita.