Importance of Agni
Digestive fire
The most important concept in Ayurveda is Agni, the elemental force of transformation.
Agni is the fire element, responsible for the conversion of food, body temperature, longevity, courage & strength - which keeps the doshas in balance. Agni is the only aspect of our body that gives us courage, strength, and power to stand against injustice in life. That's why we suffer from suppressed emotions, unresolved issues, and a constant fight against digestive issues in the west.
Agni’s role is to cook the food, every function that is governed by Agni is governed by Pitta. When Pitta intelligence gets affected it will not be able to give the right direction to the Agni to perform its job. When Agni gets affected by the doshas, it will produce less nourishment and produce more ama (undigested food). Picture your Agni like a pizza oven: the ambers are all hot and blazing, if you threw water on that fire and then tried to put a pizza in the oven and cook it what would happen, it wouldn’t cook properly. Our role is to recorrect our Agni so that no state of disease will manifest and affect us.
four types of agni
SAMA AGNI | BALANCED METABOLISM
As this fire is without any imbalances it is always considered perfect. When all the dosās are in balance according to the constitution, then Agni maintains its state of equilibrium and provides a balanced metabolism. When food is eaten in the right amount, at the right times this Agni is able to digest it also at the right time. As Sama Agni helps in the nourishment of all the tissues because of its balanced functioning, it is called a perfect fire.
VISHMA AGNI | IRREGULAR METABOLISM
This type of fire is due to Vata aggravation and also occurs in Vata dominant people. It digests the food sometimes perfectly, sometimes not and even food eaten in the right proportion is sometimes not digested perfectly. Due to drastic changes that Agni undergoes this produces irregular appetite, abdominal distention, variable digestion, indigestion, gases, constipation and colicky pain. It can even lead to diarrhoea, a feeling of heaviness after eating and gurgling in the intestines.
TIKSHA AGNI | INTENSE; HYPERMETABOLISM
This fire, which can digest all types of foods such as heavy or light, and normal or abnormal quantities, is known as tiksha Agni. Due to the hot, sharp, intense attributes of pitta, Agni can become intense when pitta dosha is increased. The qualities of pitta may produce hyperacidity, gastritis, colitis, diarrhoea, hypoglycaemia, & dysentery. Pain in the liver, nausea, vomiting & various inflammatory conditions may also occur.
MANDA AGNI | DULL; HYPOMETABOLISM
This fire, which is not able to digest the normal amount of food or even less is called low fire. The qualities of Kapha being heavy, cool, and slow hinder the sharp, light and hot qualities of Agni. As a result, excess Kapha can cause Agni to become dull, leading to a slow metabolism. It is found in the Kapha type person and one with Kapha imbalance. Manda Agni creates a heaviness in the stomach, cold, congestion and cough. Can also cause loss of appetite, allergies, nausea, over-salivation and vomiting as a result. There will be lethargy, cold clammy skin, excess sleep, and generalised weakness in the body.
SIGNS OF Impaired Agni
Low energy, weakness, or fatigue
Suppressed or over-active appetite
Emotional disturbances; fear, depression, anxiety, anger, brain-fog
Digestive issues: constipation, gas, bloating, nausea, hyperacidity, loose stools, heaviness, tiredness, or fogginess after eating.
A tendency toward congestion in the sinuses, the lymph, or even the mind.
PRACTICES THAT IMPROVE & ENKINDLE AGNI:
Eating foods that are cooked and warm in temperature (limit consumption of left-overs)
Eating only after the previous meal has been digested. Never eat if you have indigestion, cramps, no appetite, or are emotional.
Eating 3 meals a day ‘limit snacking’
Eating at regular times every day
Not eating on the run
Eating wholesome pure fresh food
Cooking your own food
Understanding Ayurvedic Food Combining
Follow a consistent daily routine (Dinacharya)
SOME GENERALISED SIGNS OF SAMA AGNI
Normal appetite and thirst
Clean tongue
Proper bowel movements
Good digestion, assimilation and absorption
Balanced energy levels Steady weight
Normal blood pressure
Good circulation
Clear, calm mind
Good sleeping patterns
Healthy glow and luster
REFERENCES
Chakara Samhita
Textbook of Ayurveda - Fundamental Principles Vol 1. by Dr. Vasant Lad