Agni

 Ayurveda views Agni, the digestive fire, as the very source of life. Ayurveda teaches us that impaired agni is at the root of every imbalance and disease.  It is the source of awareness, nutrition and intelligence. It drives all types of transformation, digests thoughts and emotions and coordinates countless physiological processes—including the digestion, absorption and assimilation of foods, sensations and experiences into energy. Agni maintains the bodily tissues, overseeing their creation and renewal as well as their breakdown and destruction. It gives our skin its luster and our eyes their sparkle. Ultimately, agni is the gatekeeper of good health; balanced agni throughout the system prevents the accumulation of toxins. ​
Symptoms of Low Agni:
  • Dull appetite, slow metabolism, heaviness in the stomach, body and mind.
  • Frequent colds, congestion, coughs, allergies, edema and lymph congestion.
  • Diabetes, hypothyroid, excess weight and obesity.
  • Cold, clammy skin and generalized weakness.
  • Lethargy, attachment, excess sleep.
  • Strong craving for sharp, dry and very hot, spicy foods.

General Tips:
  • Try to eat only when hungry, gently stoking the digestive fire with small meals.
  • Try not to smother it with foods that are excessively cold, heavy or wet.
  • Do not aggravate it with excessively spicy, oily or fried foods.
Symptoms of High Agni:
  • Excess intensity in the digestive fire, insatiable appetite, desire large quantities of food on a frequent basis.
  • Hyperacidity, acid indigestion, gastritis, heartburn, hot flashes, acidic saliva and fever.
  • Dry  lips, throat and palate may feel excessively dry
  • Tongue may develop red margins, tenderness, yellow or greenish coating.
  • Hypoglycemia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, loose stools, pain in the liver, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory conditions.
  • Hives, rash, acne and many other skin conditions.
  • Anger, hate, irritability, aggressiveness, a strong desire to be in control and harsh judgment of everyone and everything.
  • Intense craving for sweets.