Naturopathy and Natural Therapies World Conference 2026

Abstract

Vrana (wound) is a fundamental aspect of the surgical branch in both Ayurveda and modern medicine, as the outcome of any surgery ultimately depends on proper wound healing. Factors such as old age, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, and improper dietary habits can adversely affect the healing process, often resulting in chronic wounds that are resistant to treatment, such as diabetic wounds, venous ulcers, and arterial ulcers. Modern management typically includes dressings, medications, and nutritional supplementation; however, diet and lifestyle (Ahara and Vihara) remain under-emphasized, leading to delayed recovery and non-healing ulcers. As early as 2300 B.C., Acharya Sushruta extensively described surgical diseases and introduced the Shashti Upakrama (sixty treatment modalities) for wound management. Among these, Ahara is highlighted as a crucial component. Sushruta recommended consuming light (Laghu), warm (Ushna), unctuous (Snigdha), and appetite-stimulating (Agnisandeepana) foods in small quantities (Laghu matra). He also detailed specific dietary and lifestyle factors that influence wound healing. Pathya Ahara (wholesome diet) includes Amalaki, Ghrita, Saindhava, Mudga, Tanduliyaka, Jivanti, and Sunisannaka, all of which support healing. Apathya Ahara (unwholesome diet) includes milk, curd, buttermilk, alcohol, new paddy, black gram, sesame, pea, horse gram, and flat bean, which may delay healing. Similarly, Pathya Vihara (wholesome lifestyle) emphasizes mental calmness, cleanliness, positive attitude, and healthy social interactions, whereas Apathya Vihara includes negative emotions, night awakening, irregular sleep, excessive fasting, daytime sleep, and sexual overindulgence. Thus, Ayurveda stresses that appropriate diet and lifestyle play vital roles in promoting wound healing, ensuring faster recovery, and preventing chronic ulcers.