Bhasmaka Roga in Ayurveda: When Excessive Hunger Signals an Imbalance

CAUSES

• Aharaja Nidana (Dietary Causes) –

1. Ati-Katu Ahara (Excessively Pungent/Spicy Foods) : Excessive intake of green and red chillies, pepper, raw mustard, raw garlic, dry ginger etc.
2. Ati-Amla Ahara (Excessively Sour Foods) : Consumption of unriped mangoes, lemons, limes, tamarind, sour grapes on empty-stomach or in excess. Intake of pure synthetic vinegar, heavily fermented soy sauce and sour kimchi.
3. Ati-Lavana Ahara (Excessively Salty Foods) : Intake of processed snacks like highly salted potato chips, salted nuts. Consumption of preserved foods like Pickles preserved in heavy salt and oil, dried salted fish. Taking Sauces such as high-sodium soy sauces, Tomato sauces, and commercial salad dressings.
4. Vidahi Ahara (Foods Causing Internal Burning) : Frequent consumption of deep fried foods such as french fries, fried chicken, samosas, pakodas fried in reused, oxidized oils. Intake of bakery products like refined flour (Maida) items combined with yeast, such as white bread, pizza crusts, and stale pastries. Consumption of overly fermented and sour batters of idli or dosa.
5. Tikshna-Ushna Ahara (Sharp, Penetrating, and Piping-Hot Items) : Drinking boiling hot black coffee, tea. Consuming Energy drinks and Alcohol Intake of drugs having hot potency like Mustard, Horsegram etc.
6. Viruddha Ahara (Incompatible Food Combinations) : Milk consumed alongside fish, intake of Milkshakes, Drinking ice-cold water immediately after consuming steaming hot soup etc.

 

• Viharaja Nidana (Lifestyle Causes)–

1. Ati-Atapa Sevana : Excessive, prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight and heat.
2. Ati-Vyayama : Over-exercising and working out beyond physical capability, which intensely elevates Vata.
3. Vegasandharana : Habitually suppressing natural bodily urges (like hunger, thirst, or sleep), leading to systemic neurological and metabolic chaos.
4. Ratri-Jagarana : Staying awake late into the night, which depletes Kapha and Ojas while increasing
5. Ati-Parishrama : Extreme, unmitigated physical exhaustion.
6. Ati-Vyavaya : Excessive indulgence in the inter-course.

• Vrutti Nidana (Occupational Causes)–

1. Agni-Sannikarsha : Occupations requiring close, prolonged contact with fire, furnaces, or intense heat.

Example – chefs, blacksmiths, foundry workers.

2. Adhva-Gamana : Jobs that require extensive, walking, or commuting under the hot sun.

Example – sales, delivery personnel.

3. Ati-Yana : Occupations that involve excessive travelling.

Example – Drivers.

4. Ati-Bhashana : Professions demanding constant speaking or shouting.

Example – Teachers, lecturers, street vendors.

 

• Manasika Nidana (Psychological Causes)–

1. Krodha : Chronic anger or explosive temper tantrums.
2. Bhaya : Deep-rooted fear or living in a state of high stress/panic.
3. Lobha / Irshya : Pathological greed, extreme jealousy, or constant professional envy.
4. Udvega : Constant Anxiety.