Abstract

ANALYTICAL REVIEW OF AGNI (DIGESTION AND METABOLISM) IN AYURVEDA

*Mukti Manki Mita Singh, Satveer and Shailza Bhatnagar

Abstract

The human body is made of five elements i.e. akasha, vayu, agni, jala and prithvi.[1] Agni as pondered upon in ayurveda is related with digestion, metabolism, assimilation & thermoregulation. All the metabolic processes leading to genesis of body tissues are the outcome of Agni. The balanced state of agni is a prime factor of health. The derangement of agni leads to production of diseases of nutrition, digestion and metabolism. The normalcy and abnormalcy of the jatharagni influences all other agnis in the body. Agni is responsible for nourishment of the body tissues, lustre and immunity, maintenance of body temperature, strength and capacity to do even difficult work, total health and vital force. So the functions of agni are mainly digestion of food, production of energy, temperature regulation and proper nourishment of body tissues.

Keywords: Jatharagni, Bhutagni, Dhatwagni, digestion, metabolism, Ayurveda.