By Dr Partap Chauhan
Ayurveda is the science of energies. Health, as per
Ayurveda, is possible when our bodies are balanced
with the right amount of Doshas (the three
life-energies—Vata, Pitta and Kapha).
In fact, Dosha-imbalance is one of the most
important causes of disease-manifestation.
 Dosha determines the Prakriti (body
types) of human beings. It refers to the three
internal energies of Vata (space and air),
Pitta (fire) and Kapha (water and earth).
Every human usually has varying degrees of Vata,
Pitta and Kapha. The Doshas are
usually not present in equal proportions. In most
people there is a natural uneven distribution. Very
rarely, a person may have a completely even
distribution of Doshas.
What I would like to discuss this time is another
form of energy that, according to Ayurveda, is
essential for the body to digest food and give us
life. It is called Agni, which loosely
translates into fire in English. Ayurveda places
supreme importance to food and its digestion as
inappropriate food is the causative factor for all
Dosha-imbalances.
According to Ayurveda, food is not only a mixture of
basic ingredients such as proteins, vitamins, fats
and carbohydrates, but it is also something, which
serves as a prophylactic as well. Foods too have
Prana (life) in varying degrees. E.g., foods
that are eaten fresh and whole have the highest
degree of Prana, while foods that are
processed with chemicals or are preserved in
artificial conditions such as freezers are
considered without Prana. Prana in
food helps us maintain the vital life force in our
body.
After digestion, food is either converted into
Ojas or Ama, depending whether the food
consumed is pro-Ayurvedic or ante-Ayurvedic. Ojas
is the most refined product of the digestive
process—the biochemical essence that sustains life
and health. Ama is the toxin formed from
improper metabolism of the food. Therefore, the food
chosen, cooked and consumed in accordance with the
Ayurvedic principles is finally converted to Ojas
which provides vigour, strength and vitality to all
tissues (Dhatus).
Jatharagni
 Food consumed will not provide good health unless it
is digested properly. Even if the food is of high
quality and pure, it will be harmful to the body if
it is not fully digested. The digestion of food is
carried out in the stomach (Jathar) by what
is referred to metaphorically as a “fire” (Agni).
Therefore, it often called Jatharagni. In the
modern context, Jatharagni is sometimes
referred to as the enzymes that help burn the food
to produce energy required for the body. It is the
biological fire in the form of heat energy that
helps our body to turn food energy into various
other forms of energy required for our
life-processes.
In addition to the “digestive fire”—Jatharagni,
twelve other types of Agni operate in the
body with the responsibility for various metabolic
activities. There are seven Dhatwagnis for the
formation of tissues (Dhatus) and five
Bhutagnis responsible for the integration of the
Panch Mahabhutas (the five elements—space, air,
fire, water and earth).
Of the thirteen types of Agnis, the most
important is Jatharagni. The concept of the
digestive fire (Jatharagni) is significant
due to the central role of the digestive process in
the functioning and formation of nutritive fluid (Ahara
Rasa), the physical elements (Doshas),
tissues (Dhatus) and wastes (Malas).
It is vital to maintain the balanced functioning of
Jatharagni, as all the other Agnis
depend on this in order to receive proper
nourishment. Prior to starting a systematic therapy
for any disease, defects in the Agnis are
considered and investigated by the physician and
efforts are made to correct them using herbal
remedies that stimulate their functioning.
The stimulation with herbs increases the activity of
the Agnis, enhancing the formation of
tissues/Dhatus and assisting the elimination
of wastes/Mala and toxic deposits/Ama.
This stimulation of the Agnis occurs after
identifying the location of the blockage of
Srotas (channels) and determining the specific
medicine appropriate for that Agni. Once the
particular Agnis are stimulated, they become
more active and assist in the excretion of wastes.
The Four States of Agni
When Doshas are aggravated, the functions of
all the internal systems and Agnis are
affected. Four different states of Agni exist
in the body. Of these various states, three are due
to the aggravation of each Dosha respectively
(Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and the fourth state is
considered the balanced state.
Visamagni
This is an erratic and unstable Agni state,
arising due the influence of Vata. The
functioning of Agni is variable—the
Jatharagni sometimes digests food normally and
at other times slowly. This type of Agni is
often found in people with a Vata Dosha
or when Vata is aggravated. Symptoms of
Visamagni include constipation, distension or
swelling of the abdomen, dysentery, colic type pain
and wind, gas or gurgling sounds in the intestines.
Tikshagni
The function of Agni becomes too fast or
strong in this state, which is due to an aggravation
of Pitta. It is often seen in people with a
predominantly Pitta constitution or when
Pitta is disturbed. The Jatharagni
becomes hyperactive when in the Tikshagni
state and can digest even large quantities of food
in a very short amount of time, leaving the person
feeling constantly hungry. Symptoms of this state of
Agni include a dry mouth and palate, a
burning sensation in the stomach and excessive
thirst.
Mandagni
The Agni begins to function at a minimal rate
in this condition, which is often found in people
with Kapha aggravation or constitution. The
Jatharagni cannot digest even a small
quantity of food. Symptoms including nausea,
vomiting, heaviness in the stomach, laziness,
coughing, coating of the tongue and excessive
salivation may be experienced when Agni is in
this condition.
Samagni
The functioning of Agni is normal and stable
in this state, indicative of the balanced state of
the three Doshas in the body. Jatharagni
can easily digest the normal diet and extracts the
proper nourishment. All the tissues/Dhatus,
cells and organs receive sufficient nutrition and a
condition of good health is maintained.
As Samagni is the healthiest state of Agni,
we should endeavour to maintain it by taking a diet
and cultivate a lifestyle, which are in agreement
with our Doshas. For more information on how
to choose an Ayurvedic diet, you may refer to my
previous article titled
Transform Your Health with Ayurveda in the
Jiva Newsletter. Dosha-specific diet is a
surefire way to ensure a healthy and balanced life.
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