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According to Ayurveda, Agni, often translated as fire, is considered a vital force in the body and is essential for maintaining health. Agni is associated with digestion and metabolism, and when it is balanced, it allows the body to thrive. Imbalances in Agni are thought to be at the root of many health issues. Managing one's Agni is considered extremely important in maintaining health and well-being.

Agni: Ask Me Anything (AMA) Session with Dr Nambi

This article is a summary of Dr Nambi's interesting AMA session on Agni - available in YouTube.

Agni is considered to be Pitta in nature, made of all the 5 basic elements but devoid of the watery aspect. It is associated with heat and transformation. When the Agni is in its proper place, it functions correctly. But if it is displaced either upward or downward, problems occur. If Agni is displaced upward, this can cause heartburn, while if it goes downward, it can cause burning in the lower abdomen and burning while passing motions.

Maintaining a balanced Agni is therefore crucial. This involves understanding how to manage the digestive fire through diet and lifestyle choices.

There are 13 Agnis mentioned.

·              1 Jathara agni (the digestive fire)

·              5 Bhuta agni

·              7 Dhatu Agni

Managing Agni and Metabolism

One of the key principles in Ayurveda is that if you can manage your Agni well and prevent it from becoming upset, then you will be extremely healthy. Factors such as eating the wrong kinds of food, eating at the wrong times, and not allowing food to be properly digested can lead to imbalances.

Slow metabolism, according to Ayurveda, is typically seen in people who have a predominantly Kapha constitution. This does not necessarily mean that slow metabolism is unhealthy. However, during disease, when there is too much Kapha and it is difficult to digest food. This leads to a heavy feeling. The undigested bad kapha is called Ama.

2 main reasons for Ama

·              Overeating

·              Eating before the previous meal has been digested.

Resolving Ama

When Ama occurs, Ayurveda recommends the following steps:

·         Avoid taking a shower and avoid rigorous exercise. A short walk may be okay.

·         Fast and do not eat until the food is digested.

·         Use remedies to aid digestion:

o   Drink water boiled with dry ginger.

o   Take a mixture of long pepper, pepper, and dry ginger mixed with honey (Trikatu).

o   Take dry ginger mixed with honey in the morning on an empty stomach.

Questions and Answers About Agni

How to manage Agni for people with slow metabolism?

Slow metabolism is common in people with a predominantly Kapha constitution, and this is usually okay. However, if there is too much Kapha, called Ama, then it is important not to shower, avoid exercises, fast, and not eat until the food is digested. You can also use digestive remedies such as water boiled with dry ginger, or a mixture of long pepper, pepper, and dry ginger with honey (Trikatu). Dry ginger and honey on an empty stomach can also aid digestion.

How to improve Agni?

The advice given about managing a slow metabolism would also be applicable to improving Agni, as addressing Ama allows the body's digestive fire to return to its proper function. Ayurveda also recommends eating only half your stomach full, leaving a quarter for water and a quarter for air, to aid digestion.

By understanding the importance of Agni and taking appropriate measures to maintain its balance, you can enhance your overall health and well-being.

Dr. Nambi's Insights

@dr.nambi_ayurveda