Food as the Meeting Point of Healing Traditions: Perspectives from Indian Knowledge Systems, Naturopathy, and Modern Science

Dr. S. Vidyashree, Dr. Amulya Bharadwaj

Abstract: Food has long stood at the centre of human well-being. This study explores the place of food as the connecting principle among Indian Knowledge Systems, naturopathy, and modern nutrition. It examines how the ancient idea of Ahara as the source of pra?a aligns with clinical and scientific views on metabolism, circulation, and vitality. The research follows a qualitative and analytical method, drawing from classical texts such as the Caraka Samhita, institutional reports, and peer-reviewed medical studies. The findings show four shared themes: food as the regulator of internal flow, obstruction and its removal through proper combinations, restoration through cleansing and moderation, and the convergence of traditional and scientific reasoning. Evidence from naturopathic practice and modern biomedicine demonstrates that natural, plant-based, and balanced diets improve vascular health, regulate metabolism, and support emotional stability. The study concludes that food is not merely a substance for survival but the living medium through which body, mind, and environment maintain harmony. The integration of these perspectives offers a sustainable and holistic model of preventive and restorative health.

Keywords: Ahara, Prana, Indian Knowledge Systems, Naturopathy, Food and Flow

How to Cite?: Dr. S. Vidyashree, Dr. Amulya Bharadwaj, "Food as the Meeting Point of Healing Traditions: Perspectives from Indian Knowledge Systems, Naturopathy, and Modern Science", Volume 14 Issue 11, November 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1324-1327, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251110133147, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251110133147