The Digestive Fire--Agni
Agni is the fire constantly burning with our minds and bodies that
kindles all the biological processes of life; it is the fire which
powers the transformation of one substance into another. The most
obvious function of agni is to promote digestion. But for living
beings, everything depends on it--our appearance, body temperature,
auto-immunity, awareness, understanding, intelligence; our health,
our energy, our lives. Many diseases are connected directly or
indirectly to an abnormality of agni. Not only is agni responsible
for the breakdown of food substances, but also for neutralizing
toxins, bacteria, and viruses which can disrupt our immune system.
When agni is healthy there is excellent digestion, normal elimination,
proper tissue formation, good circulation, high energy, strong
immunity, good complexion, pleasant body odor and breath, intelligence,
enthusiasm, and perception.
When agni is unhealthy however, digestion is inefficient and incomplete
and all the functions mentioned above are disturbed. Most importantly,
when agni is disturbed, incompletely digested food form an internal
toxin known as ama. This substance can further putrefy and ferment
within the intestinal tract and can spread throughout the body
to cause disease. Thus, without exaggeration, the care of agni
is central to maintaining health and treating diseases.
There are thirteen forms of agni, the most important of which
is jatharagni, which regulates and contributes a part of itself
to the other agnis. Sometimes jatharagni is referred to as kosthagni
(Kostha=digestive tract) or pachakagni (Pachana=cooking). A principal
function of jatharagni is to cook the ingested food and separate
the sara (nutrients) from the kitta (waste). The sara is also
known as ahara rasa which is the substrate for the first bodily
tissue, rasadhatu.
The other twelve agnis are the dhatagnis (7) and the bhutagnis
(5), which are related to the tissues and the five subtle elements,
respectively. The dhatagnis regulate the physiological processes
in each of the seven tissues, while the bhutagnis regulate the
further digestion and assimilation of the pancha mahabhuta contained
in the ingested foods.
The Ayurvedic texts mention factors which disrupt agni. These
include eating at inappropriate times, overeating, undereating,
eating devitalized foods, eating before the previous meal has
been digested, excessive sleep, anger, grief, immoral behavior,
consumption of excess fluids, or frequent changes in dietary habits.
Agnis are classified into four categories according to how they manifest in the human being:
sharp, mild, irregular, and regular.
Tiksnagni (sharp) implies strong digestion, circulation, and immunity.
Impurities, if they accumulate, tend to do so in rasa and rakta
dhatus (plasma and formed blood cells). These people have a tendency
toward inflammations and acidity. Usually seen in pitta constitutions.
Mandagni (mild) usually manifests as slower digestion, low appetite, cravings
for heavy or sweet foods, and a tendency to carry excess body
weight. Circulation may be slow and excess secretions often form.
Usually seen in Kapha constitutions.
Visamagni (irregular) can promote irregular appetite, with intense periods
of hunger alternating with lack of interest in food. There is
often intestinal bloating, gas, constipation, or abdominal discomfort.
Immunity is often diminished, especially with regard to the nervous
system, bones, and upper respiratory tract. Not suprisingly, this
type of agni is common in vata constitutions.
Samagni (regular, balanced) occurs in individuals who are well-balanced,
eating proper amounts and kinds of foods, exercising, and resting
appropriately. One sees normal appetite, satisfaction surrounding
meals, normal bowel movements, endurance, (mental) clarity, and
(emotional) stabilty. |