Agni
“Agni is the fire element, the second of the five basic elements in the body. It regulates temperature, performs digestion, absorption, and assimilation of ingested food, and transforms food into energy.”
~ Dr. Vasant Lad
From an Ayurvedic standpoint, the prevalent issue is not solely the food we consume, but rather our ability to properly digest it, regardless of how nutritious our choices may be. Our digestive fire (agni) is like the flame of a candle, powering how our body absorbs, metabolizes, and assimilates food. A balanced agni, steady and unwavering, supports gut health and contributes to sustained well-being. The focus of Ayurveda begins with the strength of the agni, as it is crucial for identifying the underlying causes of any imbalances.
Immediately following the birth of my first child during a sweltering summer, I remained indoors for a month. In my culture, there is an expectation for women to cover their heads and refrain from washing their hair during the postpartum confinement period; however, I could only adhere to this for a week before feeling utterly restless. Wearing socks for added warmth in an air-conditioned home, I indulged in clear, hot bone-based soup each day. I was recommended to refrain from consuming cold or icy substances during this time to facilitate internal healing from the strain of labor. With the arrival of my second child, I found myself less inclined to adhere to the same traditional guidelines. In hindsight, I understand that nourishing the gut back to health is the most crucial aspect of postpartum recovery. This nourishment significantly affects the nervous system and all other internal systems, ensuring the harmony of the body-mind connection. As a result, I experienced illnesses such as colds and sinusitis frequently during the postpartum stage. It required years of dedicated self-care and the gradual, balanced approaches offered by Ayurveda to restore my health. Now in my mid-forties, the wisdom conveyed by the women in my life resonates more deeply as I witness my body undergo numerous transformations.
For nearly ten years, high pitta symptoms from food allergies and poor food combinations impaired my child’s gut health and caused chronic eczema flare-ups. During this time, I initially lacked the knowledge to use effective food and lifestyle practices for her recovery. At first, we tried eliminating foods to identify triggers, but this caused more frustration. Fortunately, we followed a protocol from a trusted Eastern medicine doctor that prescribed TCM herbs to help her body use its cellular intelligence to repair and fight internal inflammation. Now, thanks to my studies in Ayurveda, I use pitta-pacifying food and spices to balance her meals and teach her how to become more attuned to her body’s needs with lifestyle practices that support her agni.
Ayurveda’s approach is to always keeping our bodies in equilibrium. This means avoiding or reducing too much of anything that is cold, heating, dry, oily, or sticky that can upset our system. Sustaining one’s health is not synonymous with following a strict regimen; rather, it encompasses the principle of moderation and allows for a degree of flexibility in choices. Your daily habits significantly influence your digestion over time. Through the principles of Ayurveda, you can initiate small changes to support your agni, and gradually observe the benefits as they unfold.
To assess the condition of your agni, pay close attention to the signals your body provides.
Signs of impaired agni but are not limited to:
Constipation or diarrhea
Gas or abdominal distension
Dry skin and mouth
Insomnia
Acid reflux or heartburn
Fluctuating weight gain or loss
Overall fatigue or sluggishness throughout the day
Frequent colds, congestion, or allergies
Irregular appetite; lack of hunger cues or over-eating
Heavy coating on the tongue
Signs of balanced agni:
Regular bowel movements, 1-2X a day
Light hunger cues before each designated mealtime
Mental clarity and a calm mind
Easily falls asleep without waking up in the middle of the night
Normal and steady weight
High energy
Clean tongue without significant coating
Strong immune system
How do I strengthen my agni?
Favor room temperature or warm water all day. Cold, bubbly, and alcoholic beverages constrict ease of flow and slow down digestion.
Eat seasonally.
e.g. During the winter season in Northern hemisphere, cook seasonal vegetables. Reduce the consumption of raw vegetables and salads that are harder to digest because of their energetically cold, hard, and fibrous qualities. Since there might be less options for locally grown fruits and vegetables during the winter, opt for a moderate consumption of what is available to you. If you live in an area where there are only two seasons, eat locally grown foods as often as you can.
Eat while relaxed and seated. The body-mind connection impacts how the food is digested. Eating while standing or when in state of anger for example, increases the likelihood of improper digestion, leading to potential complications.
Have three meals a day, with lunch as the biggest meal and a light dinner.
Whenever possible, choose fresh, organic, locally grown, whole foods over highly-processed foods.
Prioritize your quality of sleep.
Scrape your tongue when you wake up to remove the coating, otherwise known as metabolic waste.
Reduce stress by engaging in a movement activity that is suitable for your constitution.
To aid digestion, drink warm water with lemon, lime, or ginger 20-30 minutes prior to each meal.
Eat foods separately. Heavy foods first —> Lighter foods last
e.g. Meat first, then vegetables
I believe that food can be used as medicine, and as I go back to the basic habits my family used to encourage, I see that we all have a natural sense of what’s good for us. Sometimes we need guidance and gentle reminders to commit to our own healing process. Book a health consultation with me today to learn how Ayurveda practices can support your gut health. It’s never too late to start.
Nourish your health. Nourish your soul.
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