Digestive fire is the life of a human being. The process of digestive juices which is called as Pitta in Ayurveda plays an important role in the process of digestion and metabolism. Digestive fire work at the site of duodenum which is exactly behind the umbilicus. Pitta which is hot or ushna in nature with sharp/ tikshna properties and vata which is mobile/ Chala and light/ laghu enhances digestive fire.
In the science of Ayurveda, the root of all diseases is the vitiated digestive fire or Agni. And that is why Agni plays an important role in the diagnosis of any physical, physiological and psychological disorders. The Agni in a balanced state which shows proper hunger, digestion, nourishment of body tissues and mind is called Samagni. When the Agni is vitiated with the influence of Tridosha, Vata, Pitta and kapha it is diagnosed as Vishamagni, Tikshangni, and mandagni
Vishamagani shows a pattern of irregularities in appetite pattern, weak metabolism, poor nourishment of tissues and mind showing symptoms like bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, piles, etc.
Tikshnagni provokes Agni with excess heat and sharpness which results in excess hunger, burning in the chest, hyperacidity, acid reflux, headache, etc.
Mandagni is the weak digestive fire that results in indigestion, loss of appetite, laziness, weak metabolism, weakness, dullness, obesity, etc.
Digestive fire differs or predictable as per one’s Prakruti or body type. Vata predominant prakruti has irregular or vishamagni. Pitta predominant prakruti has tikshnagni and kapha predominant prakruti has mandagni.
To analyze and understand the exact state of digestive fire is key to accurate diagnosis of any disease. Once the digestive fire is corrected with proper Ayurveda based medicines, personalized diet, sleep and exercise will help to cure the disease easily.
Everyone should maintain their digestive fire in a balanced state I.e. samagni to gain health and a long life.
Vaidya. Tejaswini Sameer Bhale
Ayurvedacharya, PGPP, MBA, DYA
Prakruti Ayurveda and Panchakarma Clinic, Pune
Nadi Pariksha domain expertise
Nadi Tarangini, Atreya Innovations Pvt Ltd. Pune