Abstract

A PEER REVIEW ON AGNI: THE ROOT CAUSE OF ALL DISEASES

Dr. Jitendra Kumar Pradhan*, Dr. Manohar Ram and Dr. Ramnihor Tapsi Jaiswal

ABSTRACT

The Term „Agni‟ in common language means „fire‟. In Ayurveda, the term „Agni‟ represents total digestion and metabolism in the body. Agni is one of the most important aspects of the body system. Mainly, one of the Agni (Jatharagni) lies especially in Grahani (Duodenum) is responsible for digestion of the food. The activity of the Agni is controlled by the condition of Dosha, when Doshas are getting provoked they influence the process of digestion according to their character, due to predominance of Vata Dosha leads to Vishamagni, due to predominance of Pitta Dosha leads to Tikshnagni and due to predominance of Kapha Dosha leads to Mandagni. When all the three Doshas are equal, the digestion of food will be perfect and this situation called “Samagni” or the normal digestion. All three types of abnormal digestion could produce many diseases. Hence one should try to maintain the status of the Samagni. Agni is said to be the base (mool) of life. According to Acharya Vagbhatta root cause of all diseases is Mandagni. And Samagni is for health. There are a variety of systemic and psycho-somatic illnesses developed due to loss of Agni. Alleviation and aggravation of all doshas are dependent upon Agni. That‟s why it is always necessary to maintain Agni and to avoid factors responsible for the vitiation of Agni.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Agni, Jatharagni, Samagni , Mandagni, Disease