Changes

While explaining the concept of [[agni]], the main form of [[agni]] is called as the “jatharagni” (pachakagni) which refers to the digestive enzymes. There are five elemental enzymes (bhutagni) which are the micro-elemental converters, and also the seven corresponding tissue building enzymes (dhatwagni). The digestive enzymes (pachakagni) control the other two kinds of [[agni]] that are acting at the level of absorption and metabolism. The term “koshthagni” is used when it deals with the digestive process in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

While explaining the concept of [[agni]], the main form of [[agni]] is called as the “jatharagni” (pachakagni) which refers to the digestive enzymes. There are five elemental enzymes (bhutagni) which are the micro-elemental converters, and also the seven corresponding tissue building enzymes (dhatwagni). The digestive enzymes (pachakagni) control the other two kinds of [[agni]] that are acting at the level of absorption and metabolism. The term “koshthagni” is used when it deals with the digestive process in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

===Agni and patterns of digestion ===

===Agni and patterns of digestion ===

When the [[agni]] is in the balanced state, it is known as “samagni”. But when it is affected by three [[dosha]], it shows three pathological variations. If there is an excess of [[kapha]] [[dosha]], it lowers the power of [[agni]] and the condition is known as “mandagni” (slow digestion). When [[pitta]] is in excess form, the [[agni]] becomes “teekshnagni” (fast/quick digestion). It can digest anything and everything and when the food is not available, it starts digesting the tissue elements ([[dhatus]]). For example, in thyrotoxicosis the hyperactivity of the thyroid gland causes high basic metabolic rate (BMR) and cachexia develops.  

When the [[agni]] is in the balanced state, it is known as “samagni”. But when it is affected by three [[dosha]], it shows three pathological variations. If there is an excess of [[kapha]] [[dosha]], it lowers the power of [[agni]] and the condition is known as “mandagni” (slow digestion). When [[pitta]] is in excess form, the [[agni]] becomes “teekshnagni” (fast/quick digestion). It can digest anything and everything and when the food is not available, it starts digesting the tissue elements ([[dhatu]]). For example, in thyrotoxicosis the hyperactivity of the thyroid gland causes high basic metabolic rate (BMR) and cachexia develops.  

When the [[agni]] is affected by vitiated [[vata]], it becomes “vishamagni” (irregular digestion). As [[vata]] has catalytic action (“yogavahi”), if it interacts with [[kapha]], it will enhance the activity of [[kapha]] and if it interacts with [[pitta]], it enhances the activities of [[pitta]].

When the [[agni]] is affected by vitiated [[vata]], it becomes “vishamagni” (irregular digestion). As [[vata]] has catalytic action (“yogavahi”), if it interacts with [[kapha]], it will enhance the activity of [[kapha]] and if it interacts with [[pitta]], it enhances the activities of [[pitta]].

Ultimately, the impairment of [[agni]] leads to improper digestion leading to the process of fermentation and putrefaction, and then, there is the production of toxic metabolites called "ama". These toxic metabolites are the main cause of all the disease conditions. All diseases arise from the lowered activity of [[agni]].i.e “mandagni” [A.Hr. Chikitsa Sthana 12/1].

Ultimately, the impairment of [[agni]] leads to improper digestion leading to the process of fermentation and putrefaction, and then, there is the production of toxic metabolites called "ama". These toxic metabolites are the main cause of all the disease conditions. All diseases arise from the lowered activity of [[agni]].i.e “mandagni” [A.Hr. Chikitsa Sthana 12/1].

So, good or bad health begins in the gut and the treatment is focused on the measures for maintaining the heath of digestive power (kayagni), thereby eliminating all the diseases of the whole body. This is the first branch of Ayurveda called “Kayachikitsa’.

So, good or bad health begins in the gut and the treatment is focused on the measures for maintaining the health of digestive power (kayagni), thereby eliminating all the diseases of the whole body. This is the first branch of Ayurveda called “Kayachikitsa’.

 

==The concept of digestion in Ayurveda==

==The concept of digestion in Ayurveda==

The whole digestive process in the gut starts right from the mouth, where there is the action of “bodhaka [[kapha]]” to start the process of digestion. Then it goes to the stomach (amashaya) where it is subjected to the action of "kledaka [[kapha]]" for adding the moisture content (kleda) to the food material. Subsequently, from the stomach (amashaya) it goes into the portion of the small intestine called "grahani" which is the seat of "pachaka [[pitta]]". The 6th internal layer  called "pittadhara kala" is also situated there. The main process of digestion occurs in this portion of the gut. It is followed by caecum (unduka) and large intestine (pakwashaya) where the separation of essence (sara) and excretory materials (kitta) occurs with the help of “samana [[vayu]]” which leads to the absorption and assimilation of nutrient portion and excretion of the waste products in the form of faeces ([[purisha]]) and urine ([[mutra]]) with the help of “apana [[vayu]]”.

The whole digestive process in the gut starts right from the mouth, where there is the action of “bodhaka [[kapha]]” to start the process of digestion. Then it goes to the stomach (amashaya) where it is subjected to the action of "kledaka [[kapha]]" for adding the moisture content (kleda) to the food material. Subsequently, from the stomach (amashaya) it goes into the portion of the small intestine called "grahani" which is the seat of "pachaka [[pitta]]". The 6th internal layer  called "pittadhara kala" is also situated there. The main process of digestion occurs in this portion of the gut. It is followed by caecum (unduka) and large intestine (pakwashaya) where the separation of essence (sara) and excretory materials (kitta) occurs with the help of “samana [[vayu]]” which leads to the absorption and assimilation of nutrient portion and excretion of the waste products in the form of faeces ([[purisha]]) and urine ([[mutra]]) with the help of “apana [[vayu]]”.