Agni is the name given in Ayurveda for the whole process of energy liberation through digestion at the level of digestive tract and metabolism at the level of tissues. Digestion, metabolism and assimilation i.e. whole process of biological conversion and utilization of energy is possible by Agni. Agni is derivative of teja (fire element).
Agni converts food in the form of energy, which is responsible for all the vital functions of our body. Therefore, Ayurveda considers that Agni is the foundation of life, complexion, strength, health, nourishment, lustre, teja (fire element) and prana (life energy).
It always gives a royal and balanced feeling when our digestion is going very well. According to Ayurveda these are the indicators which show all is well like:
- Good resistance to infection (good immunity)
- Having adequate diet and feeling nourished.
- Bowel and bladder gets evacuated on time.
- feeling Good strength (physical and mental)
- Good Skin complexion and texture.
- Feeling encouraged, Proper and balanced functioning of all sensory organ. (Ca.Chi. 15/8-9)
Mild/ moderate malfunctioning of Agni
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling lethargy
- Recurrent infection
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Incomplete evacuation of bladder or difficult micturition
- Improper functioning of sense organs
- Depression/loss of feeling of happiness.
Severe malfunctioning of Agni
- Collection of fluid in body (Ascitis, edema, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion etc.)
- Marked loss of energy and general debility
- Loss of enthusiasm
- Lack of energy
- Low appetite
- Improper sleep etc
Every second our body tries to maintain the homeostasis by balancing the input and output of energy though various ongoing physiological and chemical processes, whatever we eat or drink is just adjuvant to this process.
Malfunctioning of Agni leads to production of Ama (undigested foods that remains in tract and acts as antigens and are responsible for production of autoimmune diseases).
Production of Ama may can occur at the level of mind (leads to anxiety and depression ) Jathragni (improper digestion in G.I.T), Bhutagni (liver dysfunction) or Dhatwagni (disturbed tissue metabolism).
Some use full steps to ensuring a strong healthy Agni are;
- Don’t eat if you don’t feel hungry ,or choose very light to digest veg soup,rice water etc
- Don’t eat when you are involved in other work take time for food ,relax, be in pleasant state of mind then eat.
- Add cumin, coriander, black paper, dry ginger, garlic to your diet at 3 to 5gm in dose.
- Do not drink cold water while eating or just after food.
- Avoid cold, chilled food and drinks.
- A preparation having equal amount of three herbs namely Sunthi (Zingiber officianalis), Maricha (Piper nigrum) and Pippali (Piper longum) They are believed to intensify salivary flow and gastric juice secretion, and help in digestion.
