Abstract

Dr. Revati Fulchand Burse*, Dr. Parinita R. Kunkulol

ABSTRACT

Avasthapaka is the term associated with the three different processes of digestion as per Ayurvedic modalities, whereby food consumed is gradually changed in course of time through the action of the digestive juices. When the food consumed is completely brought to a digestible state, the Sara are then obtained after separation from the Kitta part of food, and hence become suitable for absorption into the body tissues. The whole process of Avasthapaka is divided into three parts; Madhura Avastha Paka, Amla Avastha Paka and Katu Avastha Paka, which differ in body parts involved in digestion. The Katu Avastha Paka occurs in the large intestine. At this point, the undigested substances undergo significant transformation by means of water and electrolytes absorption, involved with the intestinal microflora fermentation like the final stage of the digestion process. The process of gradual dehydration transforms the contents of the intestine into the dense substances in which process is controlled by Vata Dosha, and the last step is elimination of waste matters, Kitta. Present article emphasizes Ayurvedic description of Avasthapaka and physiology of separation of Sara and Kitta.