CONCEPT OF AGNI AND ITS PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of life. Ayurveda has described Agni as an important factor of digestion and metabolism in our body. Agni determines the quantity of food to be consumed and it is responsible for longevity, health and strength. The term “Agni” is used for digestion of food and metabolism products. According to function and site of action Agni, it is classified as Jatharagni, Bhutagni and Dhatvagni. Acharya Charak has mentioned that if the Agni of an individual is Sama, then that person would be absolutely healthy and would live a long, healthy and happy life. The diseased state of body is due to vitiation of Agni. So the concept of Agni becomes important to understand healthy and diseased state.