AGNI
Agni is the force of intelligence within each cell, each tissue, and every system within the body. Ultimately, it is the discernment of agni that determines which substances enter our cells and tissues, and which substances should be removed as waste.
The Functions of Agni
Agni governs:1
Transformation
Digestion, absorption, assimilation
The creation of digestive enzymes
All metabolic activities
Strength and vitality
Tissue nutrition
Skin color, complexion, glow, and luster
The maintenance of body temperature
Mental clarity
Intelligence
Sensory perception (especially visual perception)
Flow of cellular communication
Alertness, affection, and enthusiasm for life
Courage and confidence
Joy, laughter, and contentment
Discrimination, reason, and logic
Patience, stability, and longevity
Healthy Agni
When agni is balanced, it tends to support strong immunity, and a long, healthy life.1 Balanced agni also adds a certain fragrance to our lives—a zest for living that makes the whole experience more enjoyable.1
The cardinal signs of balanced agni include:5
Normal appetite (Note: healthy hunger involves lightness, clarity, and a pleasant anticipation of food, but not an urgent need to eat)
Clean tongue (no coating)
Proper appreciation of taste
Good digestion, balanced metabolism
Can digest a reasonable quantity of any food without issue
Proper (and regular) elimination
Complete absence of nausea (or suppressed appetite)
Easily maintains homeostasis
Stable health
Steady weight
Normal blood pressure
Good immunity
Sound sleep
High energy, strong vitality
Calm mind
Clear perception
Courage, lucidity, and intelligence
Cheerfulness, optimism, and enthusiasm
Love of life
Natural longevity
Impaired Agni
The strength of agni is inevitably affected when its qualities are muted by a poor diet, improper food combinations, an unsupportive lifestyle, emotional disturbances, or even damp, rainy weather.5 If we can learn to recognize and address imbalances with agni relatively quickly, the effects need not be long lasting. Otherwise, they will undoubtedly lead to ill health and disease.
Here are some important warning signs that agni is not operating at full strength.5, 4
Emotional disturbances, with an increased tendency toward fear, anxiety, anger, confusion, lethargy, or depression.
Low energy, weakness, or fatigue
Suppressed or over-active appetite
Indigestion: gas, bloating, constipation, nausea, hyperacidity, loose stools, a sense of heaviness, feeling tired or mentally foggy after meals.
A tendency toward congestion in the sinuses, the lymph, or even the mind.
While these disturbances can be short-lived or chronic, the impaired digestive process inevitably leads to the accumulation of wastes, the vitiation of the doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha), and the stagnation of emotions. Unfortunately, these are all causative factors in the formation of ama, a toxic residue that is capable of completely disrupting our health and well-being.4, 5 )
