Abstract

SIMILARITY AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AGNI AND PITTA (PACHKAGNI AND PACHAKA PITTA) IN PURVIEW OF DIGESTION AND METABOLISM AND IMPORTANCE OF THIS KNOWLEDGE IN TREATMENT

Dr. Aparna Narayan Kekan* and Dr. Jasmin Gohel

Abstract

According to Ayurveda "Sarvam dravyam Panchabhautikam" i.e all creation arises out of five great elements known as mahabhutas. As per Ayurvedic theory, like all the universal matter our body is also formed by the panca mahabhutas. In this pancabautika sharira various paka (metabolic transformations) are going on continuously. Agni is a key factor in transformation of consumed ahara viharadi dravyas of vijatiya origin to sajatiya nature and converts the food consumed and produces energy. In these sequences, the term Agni comprehends various factors which participates and regulate the course of digestion and metabolism. The paper tries to validate this theory scientifically. PachakPitta and Pachkagni are two basic components of Digestive system which work synergistically for metabo lism. The process of digestion is ascribed to Pachkagni while secretions mediating the process (digestive juices and hormones) are ascribed to PachakPitta. The pachakapitta is produced from the pittadharakala by the stimulation of samanavata, pittadharakala also known as grahani. In samhitas, Acharyas have mentioned various synonyms to the pachakapitta in the context of metabolism like Pachakagni, Koshthagni, Kayagni, Jataragni. It not only includes chemical agencies responsible for Aaharapacana in the Kostha (gastrointestinal) which leads to separation of Sarabhaga (Nutrient fraction) of Aahar (food) from the Kittabhaga (the indigestible residue of the food) but also metabolic events – energy, synthesis and maintenance of metabolism. Different comments have been given regarding Pachkagni & Pachakapitta like Sushruta has said that the direct action of Pachkagni and Pitta can be seen through Dahana - Pachana and through Anumaana pramaana.

Keywords: Agni, ahara paka, panchabhautika sharira, Digestion, Metabolism Pachakagni, Sarabhaga, Bhutagni, Pachaka Pitta, Doshas.