A critical appraisal on dynamic interrelationship of Ahara and Agni

Abstract

Introduction: In Taittiriya Upanishad it is written that purush (living beings) are evolved from anna. Anna (food) acts as prana in living being. Ahara (food) is the prime cause for the formation of the body as well as for manifestation of disease. Ahara is transformed to body entities by action of agni.  Proper function of agni – jarana shakti of an individual primarily depends on quality and quantity of ingested food –abhyavaharan shakti. So it clears that between ahara and agni there is a relation.  Materials and Methods: The references related to ahara and agni has been searched and collected from Ayurvedic texts, different indexed journals, research articles etc. The references mainly related with correlations between ahara, agni have been studied, critically analyzed. Description: Properly ingested ahara get transformed ahara rasa and subsequently different bio entities like bala (strength), varna (complexion), ojas, sausvarya (prominent voice) etc. by proper action of agni. The intake capacity of ahara of an individual is termed as abhyvaharana shakti which also follows different dietetic rules and regulations. Agni of an individual – jaran shakti should be proportionate to abhyavaharana shakti of an individual. Discussion: Agni acts at three level- jatharagni, dhvatagni and bhutagni. Among these jathagni is the prime one and controls others.  If abhyvaharana shakti is greater than jarana shakti, this condition leads to various ama pradoshaja diseases and the reverse situation leads to various dhatu kshayaja (due to depleted state of dhatus) diseases. Balanced proportion between abhyvaharana shakti and jarana shakti helps in maintaining health otherwise lead to diseases. Ahara acts as fuel for agni. Without agni, ahara should not be transformed to its subsequent products and without ahara, agni cannot be sustained. Conclusion: Ahara and agni are interrelated. Balanced condition between these two should be maintained.