Significance of Digestion
Digestion is a vital biological process that encompasses the breakdown and assimilation of food, impacting health and energy levels. Different perspectives, including Ayurveda, Dharmashastra, Rasashastra, and modern science, highlight its significance. In Ayurveda, digestion ties to maintaining bodily balance and health, while Dharmashastra emphasizes its timing in spiritual practices. Science elaborates on physiological processes affecting nutrient absorption and the relationship between digestive health and various conditions. Overall, digestion is crucial for both physical and spiritual well-being across traditions.
Synonyms: Absorption, Assimilation, Processing, Metabolism
In Finnish: Ruoansulatus; In Dutch: Spijsvertering; In Spanish: ¶Ù¾±²µ±ð²õ³Ù¾±Ã³²Ô; In German: Verdauung; In Malay: Pencernaan; In Swedish: ²Ñ²¹³Ù²õ³¾Ã¤±ô³Ù²Ô¾±²Ô²µ
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Digestion'
In Hinduism, Digestion encompasses the biological breakdown of food for health, the ceremonial completion after Shraddha rituals, and its crucial role in sustaining energy levels necessary for scholarly pursuits.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The process that must be completed after eating at Shraddha before a Brahmana can resume study, marking a time frame of inactivity.[1]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) The process by which food is broken down in the body, which is supported by the medicine.[2]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) The biological process through which food is broken down and assimilated, significant for maintaining health and energy levels.[3]
The concept of Digestion in local and regional sources
Digestion, linked to the humor of bile and discussed in the context of humoral theory, is also outlined in the Yogayajnavalkya, emphasizing its process involving bodily winds, digestive fire, nutrient fluid, and waste management.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Digestion is a bodily function associated with the humor of bile, and is mentioned in the text in relation to the humoral theory.[4] (2) Digestion is a process that is described in the Yogayajnavalkya, and the process involves the role of bodily winds, digestive fire, nutrient fluid, and waste.[5]