Ayurveda focus substantially on Agni , the digestive fire. Agni plays a very significant role in our body, almost all body functions, metabolism and absorption depends on Agni.
The moolamantra of Ayurveda which states the definition of Health is
“Samdosha samagnicha samadhatu malakriya
Prasanna atmaindriya manaha swastha ityabhidhiyate”
समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातुमलक्रियाः।
प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते ॥ (Su-Su 15-41)
Our agni is located within the lower stomach and small intestine which contains acids and enzymes.
The health of our digestive systems determines the health of a person. Agni enhances our digestive systems to keep us healthy.
What are the functions of Agni:
- Helps digestion and absorption of food
- Helps digestive enzymes to break down food particles.
- Enables metabolic activity
- Enhances tissue nutrition
- Helps in skin colour complexion glow and luster
- Balances the body temperature
The effectiveness of Agni depends on the quality and quantity of food we consume, which leads to the concept of balanced diet…. Not too much, not too less.
We did mention about Healthy Agni so far. What happens if Agni loses its strength and what leads to impairment of Agni.
Impaired Agni
The strength Of Digestion gets affected when the quality of Agni muted by
- Poor Diet
- Improper food combinations
- Unsupportive life style
- Emotional Disturbances
- Cloudy climate
If person can identify the imbalances and treat it intime, the health issues will not last for long time .If not addressed in time, undoubtedly leads to Ill health and diseases.
Few Important Signs of Impaired Agni
- Low energy, weakness, fatigue
- Indigestion -Gas, Constipation nausea bloating Hyperacidity, loose stools, Heaviness
- Congestion in sinuses, chest and mind
- Emotional disturbances, anxiety, Increased fear
How To keep Digestive Fire in equilibrium-Samasthiti
- Drink warm water
- Have Ayush Kwath in place of morning tea
- Regular Exercise
- Meditate frequently
- Balanced Diet
- Include 1 spoon ghee in daily food
- Keep watch on excretory system
- Never overeat-its ok to take less food
- Avoid taking stress
- Keep watch on excretory system
- Take once in 6 months Panchakarma -specially Virechana karma (Detoxification)
- Have adequate sleep at night -avoid day sleep (Diwaswapnam )
The moment you identify that your Agni- digestive system is not functioning inspite of changing your lifestyle and food habits , please consult an Ayurvedic Doctor to get guidance in bringing back a healthy Agni.
Dr Smita Kattigotur
Head of Practice and Governance
