A Concept of Agni in Ayurvedic System of Medicine: a Critical Review

In Ayurvedic system of medicine, Agni maximally represents digestive & metabolic fire in the body. It is the substance in the secretions of the body which are directly responsible for digestive and chemical changes in the body. Ingested food is to be digested, absorbed and assimilated, which is unavoidable for the maintenance of life, and is performed by the Agni. According to the functions and site of action, Agni has been divided into 13 types, i.e. one Jatharagni(digestive enzymes), five bhutagni and seven dhatvagni (metabolism at tissue level). Jatharagni is the chief among all types of agni’s because function of bhutagni and dhatvagni depend on this. Aggravation or diminution of jatharagni results in aggravation or diminution of bhutagni and dhatvagni. Agni provides Bala, Arogya, Ayu, Prana, Swasthyam, Varnam, Utsaha, Prabha, Ojha and Teja to the body. For understanding of disease process and prescribe of treatment is one of the important concepts of Agni.