| Agni is a core concept in Ayurveda, representing the vital force behind digestion and metabolism. It converts food into energy, powering all essential body functions. According to Ayurveda, All diseases arise due to Mandagni. Agni governs Paka (digestion, transformation) and ensures that ingested food is digested, absorbed, and assimilated for the sustenance of life. Classical texts equate Pitta with Agni, although there are debates regarding this concept. Agni is considered ubiquitous, present in every Parmanu (atom) of the body. Its classification into 13 types - 1-Jatharagni, 5-Bhutagni, and 7- Dhatvagni shows its diverse functions. Jatharagni, the most crucial type, digests four kinds of food and nourishes the Bhutas in the body. Dhatvagni acts on respective Dhatus (tissues), breaking them into Prasad (essence) and Kitta (excreta). The Prasad nourishes the body, while Kitta is excreted [1]. The balance of Agni ensures health, while its imbalance (whether excessive or insufficient) leads to the development of disease (Vyadhi). |