Changes

|title=Agni

|title=Agni

|titlemode=append

|titlemode=append

|keywords=Agni, Agni Meaning, panchamahabhuta, Grahani Chikitsa, Pitta dosha, Jatharagni, Bhutagni, Dhatvagni, Charak Samhita, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation

|keywords=Agni, Agni Meaning, concept of agni, digestion in ayurveda, metabolism, factors affecting digestion, digestive health, panchamahabhuta, Grahani Chikitsa, Pitta dosha, Jatharagni, Bhutagni, Dhatvagni, Charak Samhita, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, Indian system of medicine, alternative medicine

|description=Agni includes digestive or metabolic factors.

|description=Agni includes digestive or metabolic factors.

|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

}}

}}

‘Agni’ literally means fire.  In Ayurveda biology, agni denotes all factors responsible for digestion and metabolism/transformation. (Code:SAT-B.488)<ref>National AYUSH Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies Electronic Portal by Ministry of AYUSH Available on http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat</ref>  It is the heat (ushma) generated from [[pitta dosha]] in the body. Therefore, all functions of agni are similar to [[pitta dosha]].   

‘Agni’ literally means fire.  In [[Ayurveda]] biology, agni denotes all factors responsible for digestion and metabolism/transformation. (Code:SAT-B.488)<ref>National AYUSH Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies Electronic Portal by Ministry of AYUSH Available on http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat</ref>  It is the heat (ushma) generated from [[pitta dosha]] in the body. Therefore, all functions of agni are similar to [[pitta dosha]].   

 

In [[panchamahabhuta]] (five fundamental elements), [[agni mahabhuta]] is the fire element. It is responsible for the transformation or change in the form of an element.  This [[agni mahabhuta]] in macrocosm is represented by agni in microcosm of human body.

In [[panchamahabhuta]] (five fundamental elements), [[agni mahabhuta]] is the fire element. It is responsible for the transformation or change in the form of an element.  This [[agni mahabhuta]] in macrocosm is represented by agni in microcosm of human body.

   

   

The small portions of agni are present in each [[dhatu]].  The increase or decrease of these agni leads to depletion or overproduction of [[dhatu]] respectively. [A.Hri. Sutra Sthana 11/24] This suggests the negative feedback and autoregulatory mechanism of agni.   

The small portions of agni are present in each [[dhatu]].  The increase or decrease of these agni leads to depletion or overproduction of [[dhatu]] respectively. [A.Hri. Sutra Sthana 11/24] This suggests the negative feedback and autoregulatory mechanism of agni.   

All hormones (such as insulin, growth hormone, thyroid hormones, testosterone etc.) that promote the transportation of various nutrients into the cells, along with the enzymes participating in the Kreb’s cycle, are to be included under the term dhatvagni. 4

All hormones (such as insulin, growth hormone, thyroid hormones, testosterone etc.) that promote the transportation of various nutrients into the cells, along with the enzymes participating in the Kreb’s cycle, are to be included under the term dhatvagni.  

All three classes with thirteen agni are interconnected and interdependent. The energy mechanism takes place in every body cell. This shows agni is present in every cell. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. The release of adenocine tri phosphate (ATP) to give energy is an example of agni working at cellular level.

All three classes with thirteen agni are interconnected and interdependent. The energy mechanism takes place in every body cell. This shows agni is present in every cell. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. The release of adenocine tri phosphate (ATP) to give energy is an example of agni working at cellular level.

== Location ==

== Location ==

   

   

The jatharagni is located in the the gastrointestinal tract (koshtha). The lower part of the stomach and duodenum (grahani) is the main site where the initial digestive process occurs. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/56-57], [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/10], [A.Hr.Sha.3/50] The bhutagni mainly works in the liver and hepato-biliary system. Dhatvagni are located and work at their respective abodes of body tissues.   

The jatharagni is located in the the gastrointestinal tract (koshtha). The lower part of the stomach and duodenum (grahani) is the main site where the initial digestive process occurs. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/56-57], [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/10], [A.Hr.Sharira Sthana 3/50] The bhutagni mainly works in the liver and hepato-biliary system. Dhatvagni are located and work at their respective abodes of body tissues.   

== Properties ==

== Properties ==

== Functions of agni ==

== Functions of agni ==

The important function of agni is digestion and transformation of ingested food substance to biologically acceptable form.  Agni produces the essence or useful part of the food (anna rasa) and the waste part of the food (kitta bhaga). [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]]28/4] The essence of food is then circulated further for processing by bhutagni and dhatvagni. The waste part leads to formation of excretory products (mala) including stool (purisha), urine (mutra) and sweat (sweda).  

The important function of agni is digestion and transformation of ingested food substance to biologically acceptable form.  Agni produces the essence or useful part of the food (anna rasa) and the waste part of the food (kitta bhaga). [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]]28/4] The essence of food is then circulated further for processing by bhutagni and dhatvagni. The waste part leads to formation of excretory products ([[mala]]) including stool (purisha), urine ([[mutra]]) and sweat (sweda).  

The bhutagni acts for selective uptake of their corresponding components of food. Similarly, dhatvagni acts for selective transformation of food component into the respective body tissues. The waste products formed in this process lead to formation of metabolic wastes (dhatu mala) at various levels. Thus, agni plays vital role in formation and nourishment of body tissues.     

The bhutagni acts for selective uptake of their corresponding components of food. Similarly, dhatvagni acts for selective transformation of food component into the respective body tissues. The waste products formed in this process lead to formation of metabolic wastes (dhatu mala) at various levels. Thus, agni plays vital role in formation and nourishment of body tissues.     

== Physiological factors supporting agni ==

== Physiological factors supporting agni ==

Dosha are the main functional unit of human physiology. Dosha also govern the physiology of digestion. Samana vayu acts on jatharagni (the digestive factors) and kindles agni. [Cha.Chi.28/8] Prana vayu and apana vayu support the functions of agni. Pachaka pitta, devoid of liquid property, is responsible for digestion.[A. Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/10-11]<ref>Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Edited by Harishastri Paradkar Vaidya. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy;2000.</ref> Kledaka kapha is responsible for moistening the ingested food. Thus, the process of digestion is driven by dosha. Factors responsible for the complete transformation and absorption of food (ahara parinamakara bhava) explain this phenomenon in-depth. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 6/14], [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/6-8]. The vitiated dosha leads to the formation of ama.  

[[Dosha]] are the main functional unit of human physiology. [[Dosha]] also govern the physiology of digestion. Samana vayu acts on jatharagni (the digestive factors) and kindles agni. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/8] Prana [[Vata dosha|vayu]] and apana [[Vata dosha|vayu]] support the functions of agni. Pachaka [[Pitta dosha|pitta]], devoid of liquid property, is responsible for digestion. [A. Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/10-11]<ref>Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Edited by Harishastri Paradkar Vaidya. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy;2000.</ref> Kledaka [[Kapha dosha|kapha]] is responsible for moistening the ingested food. Thus, the process of digestion is driven by [[dosha]]. Factors responsible for the complete transformation and absorption of food (ahara parinamakara bhava) explain this phenomenon in-depth. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 6/14], [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/6-8]. The vitiated [[dosha]] leads to the formation of [[ama]].  

Some researchers include the following factors under categories of physiological factors of Ayurveda<ref>Chandola H.M. Acid Peptic diseases. Available from https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Acid_peptic_diseases#Agni_and_patterns_of_digestion cited on 07/09/2021 </ref> :  

Some researchers include the following factors under categories of physiological factors of [[Ayurveda]]<ref>Chandola H.M. Acid Peptic diseases. Available from https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Acid_peptic_diseases#Agni_and_patterns_of_digestion cited on 07/09/2021 </ref> :  

'''Kledaka kapha:''' Mucin  

'''Kledaka [[Kapha dosha|kapha]]:''' Mucin  

   

   

'''Pachaka pitta:''' Various digestive enzymes like trypsin, chymotrypsin, pancreatic amylase,  pancreatic lipase, cholesterol esterase, maltase, pepsin etc.

'''Pachaka [[Pitta dosha|pitta]]:''' Various digestive enzymes like trypsin, chymotrypsin, pancreatic amylase,  pancreatic lipase, cholesterol esterase, maltase, pepsin etc.

'''Samana vayu:''' Enteric nervous system, sympathetic & parasympathetic supply of Autonomous nervous system.

'''Samana [[Vata dosha|vayu]]:''' Enteric nervous system, sympathetic & parasympathetic supply of Autonomous nervous system.

== Factors influencing agni ==  

== Factors influencing agni ==  

Different types of wholesome foods ingested in the form of eatable, drinkable, lickable and masticable stimulate the antaragni (digestive process). [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/3]

Different types of wholesome foods ingested in the form of eatable, drinkable, lickable and masticable stimulate the antaragni (digestive process). [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/3]

==== 4. Oleation therapy or fats ====

==== 4. [[Snehana (unction therapy)|Oleation therapy]] or fats ====

   

   

The unctuous or fat portion of food enhances taste, stimulates and expedites digestion. [Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 1/25.2] The oleation theapy (snehana) is prescribed before purification process to correct digestion. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 13] Administration of fat in moderate quantity is advised to kindle digestion in low digestive process. It is contraindicated in persons with polyphagia or aggravated pitta.

The unctuous or fat portion of food enhances taste, stimulates and expedites digestion. [Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 1/25.2] The oleation theapy (snehana) is prescribed before purification process to correct digestion. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 13] Administration of fat in moderate quantity is advised to kindle digestion in low digestive process. It is contraindicated in persons with polyphagia or aggravated pitta.

==== 5. Status of pitta dosha ====

==== 5. Status of pitta dosha ====

   

   

Individuals with highly aggravated pitta dosha in duodenum have excessive digestive strength. Therefore, are able to digest and metabolize fats easily. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/70]  The circadian variation of pitta dosha may also influence the status of agni.  

Individuals with highly aggravated [[pitta dosha]] in duodenum have excessive digestive strength. Therefore, are able to digest and metabolize fats easily. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/70]  The circadian variation of [[pitta dosha]] may also influence the status of agni.  

==== 6. Purification procedures ====

==== 6. Purification procedures ====

==== 7. Excess fat deposition or corpulence (aavarana of vata dosha by meda) ====

==== 7. Excess fat deposition or corpulence (aavarana of vata dosha by meda) ====

    

    

Due to the obstruction of body channels by medas, the movement of vata is specially confined to koshtha (gut). This results in stimulation of agni and rapid digestion of food. Hence, the person quickly feels hunger pains and suffers from voracious appetite. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 21/5-6]

Due to the obstruction of body channels by [[Meda dhatu|medas]], the movement of [[vata dosha]] is specially confined to koshtha (gut). This results in stimulation of agni and rapid digestion of food. Hence, the person quickly feels hunger pains and suffers from voracious appetite. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 21/5-6]

==== 8. Exercise ====

==== 8. Exercise ====

=== Psychological causes ===

=== Psychological causes ===

* Eating food with negative emotions like worries, grief, fear, anger [Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]]2/9]

* Eating food with negative emotions like worries, grief, fear, anger [Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 2/9]

=== Other causes ===

=== Other causes ===

== Clinical features ==

== Clinical features ==

The vitiation of agni leads to improper digestion and metabolism. It forms a toxic metabolic product called ‘ama visha’. This leads to a state of indigestion and its clinical features.  It leads to disorders of digestive system (grahani), if not treated on time. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/44-45]

The vitiation of agni leads to improper digestion and metabolism. It forms a toxic metabolic product called ‘[[Ama|ama visha]]’. This leads to a state of indigestion and its clinical features.  It leads to disorders of digestive system (grahani), if not treated on time. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/44-45]

The vitiation of agni is observed in various diseases as follows:  

The vitiation of agni is observed in various diseases as follows:  

* Depletion of agni (agni sada) in disorders of vitiation of blood (rakta dhatu) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 24/13]

* Depletion of agni (agni sada) in disorders of vitiation of blood ([[rakta dhatu]]) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 24/13]

* Impaired functions of agni (upahata agni) in jwara(fever and associated diseases) [ Cha.Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]]1/23] [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/102]

* Impaired functions of agni (upahata agni) in [[jwara]] (fever and associated diseases) [ Cha.Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]]1/23] [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/102]

* Irregular pattern of agni (agni vaishmya) is seen in gulma [ Cha.Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 3/15]

* Irregular pattern of agni (agni vaishmya) is seen in [[Gulma Nidana|gulma]] [ Cha.Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 3/15]

* Impaired agni is observed in rajayakshma (tuberculosis) [ Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/41], udara (abdominal diseases including ascites) [ Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 13/9] hemorrhoids (arsha) [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/244-246], diarrhoea (atisara) [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/7], morbid thirst (trishna) [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 21/63] and obstruction of udana vata by apana vata [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/210]

* Impaired agni is observed in [[Rajayakshma Chikitsa|rajayakshma]] (tuberculosis) [ Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/41], udara (abdominal diseases including ascites) [ Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 13/9] hemorrhoids (arsha) [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/244-246], diarrhoea (atisara) [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/7], morbid thirst (trishna) [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 21/63] and obstruction of udana vata by apana vata [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/210]

* Various disorders due to ama dosha like enteritis (visuchika) and sluggish bowel (alasaka) are caused due to low digestion by agni [Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 2/10]

* Various disorders due to ama dosha like enteritis (visuchika) and sluggish bowel (alasaka) are caused due to low digestion by agni [Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 2/10]

* Ghee [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/231]

* Ghee [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/231]

* Meat of common quail (lava bird) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/69]  

* Meat of common quail (lava bird) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/69]  

* Fresh ginger (zingiber officinalis) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/166], powder of dried ginger [ Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/296]

* Fresh ginger (zingiber officinale) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/166], powder of dried ginger [ Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/296]

* lemon/ jambira (Citrus limon (Linn.) Burm.F) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/167]

* lemon/ jambira (Citrus limon (Linn.) Burm.F) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/167]

* Varieties of wines like arishta (prepared from medicinal decoction), pakwarasa( prepared from sugarcane juice), gauda( prepared from jaggery) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/179-195]  

* Varieties of wines like arishta (prepared from medicinal decoction), pakwarasa( prepared from sugarcane juice), gauda( prepared from jaggery) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/179-195]  

[[Grahani Chikitsa Adhyaya]], [[Trividhakukshiya Vimana Adhyaya]], [[Ahara vidhi]]

[[Grahani Chikitsa Adhyaya]], [[Trividhakukshiya Vimana Adhyaya]], [[Ahara vidhi]]

 

==References==

==References==