How strong is your internal fire?
Author: Linda Sinden Date Posted:17 September 2019
In pondering this question you may wonder the question...
- Is Linda asking about when I am under pressure and can get a little impatient, scratchy, a little fiery or angry?
- Is she asking about my body’s thermostat?
- Or maybe.. I didn’t realise I have an internal fire.. What does Linda mean?
The ancient physicians of Ayurveda were concerned with three key processes within the body and mind. They called them Prana, Tejas or Agni and Ojas the most refined substance from full and complete digestion.
Tell me about my internal Fire
Fire - Agni or Tejas in Sanskrit is one of the five building blocks of creation - space, air, fire, water and earth. It’s main property is heat and it provides the power to transform. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it can be converted from one form to another. We see this happening when we eat, drink, think, feel, learn or are physically active as all activity requires a spark of fire or energy to help with the process of transformation.
Agni or Fire element is the major component of Pitta Dosha which is responsible for heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body. It controls how we digest foods, how we metabolize our sensory perceptions, and how we discriminate between right and wrong. Pitta governs the important digestive "agnis" or fires of the body.
When our digestive fire ‘agni’ is burning brightly and steadily food is digested efficiently, allowing nutrients to be transported to the cells of the body effectively. Waste products are processed efficiently, preventing a build up of toxins and the end result of optimal digestion is the production of a subtle innermost vital essence called ojas.
If however, agni is weakened then digestion becomes impaired and impurities or toxins from incomplete digestion accumulate. These impurities become a toxic residue in the body and mind providing the basis for current or future discomfort or disease. So the goal is to ensure that your agni is functioning well, so ama is burnt up, healthy tissues are formed and balance is maintained in the body and mind.
What should I do if..
My digestion is quite hot, with acidity, hot flushes and maybe even impatience, intolerance and a driven desire for perfection or order. These symptoms indicate your Pitta Dosha - the fire element is aggravated or too high. Here are some things to do:
- Take Aci Balance 1-2 tablets after meals 2 x day
- Take MA 3323 1 rounded tsp morning tea, afternoon tea and bedtime
- Favour a Pitta Reducing diet>
- Reduce alcohol, coffee, stress and deadlines, red meat, hard cheese, yogurt, chilies, very salty food, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, sour cream and fried foods
- Favour plenty of sweet fruit, wholesome vegetables, vegetable juice and be sure to stop for lunch and to eat meals at a regular time
- Reduce stress and practise Transcendental Meditation regularly
My digestion is irregular or changeable. Sometimes I feel hungry, have a good appetite and afterwards feel light and comfortable. Other times, I don’t have much of an appetite and the food sits there and causes gas or bloating and I am uncomfortable. If this is your experience then Vata Dosha or the winds of the body are blowing on the fire of digestion in an irregular way, sometimes there and sometimes not. To help restore a regular digestive power:
- Take Herbal Digest 2 tablets prior meals 2-3 times a day
- Take Digest Plus 1 tablets after meals
- Take Digest Tone 2-4 tablets at bedtime
- Favour a Vata Reducing Diet
- Avoid stale food such as leftovers from yesterday and canned, frozen or packaged foods
- Only take warm food and drinks. Eat freshly cooked foods and sit to eat with full attention. Be sure to create a regular time to eat your breakfast, lunch and evening meals
- Reduce stress and practise Transcendental Meditation regularly
My digestion can be sluggish, mucus accumulates and I have a tendency to easily gain weight or to hold fluids easily. If this sounds familiar then your digestive fire is being disturbed by a Kapha imbalance causing digestive fires to become more cold, watery or in some cases barely there. To help rebuild your digestive power:
- Take Digest Tone 1 tablet and Premium Amla Berry 2 tablets prior meals 3 x day
- After meals take Digest Plus 1 tablet and Tulsi 1 tablet
- Favour a Kapha Reducing Diet
- Avoid stale food such as leftovers from yesterday and canned, frozen or packaged foods
- Only take warm food and drinks. Eat freshly cooked foods and sit to eat with full attention. Be sure to create a regular time to eat your breakfast, lunch and evening meals
- A 30 minute brisk walk daily is very important for you as it helps to stimulate the Agni or fire element. Plus you will feel more energised for the whole day!
Wishing you the bliss of a good Agni or digestive fire.
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Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our weekly Insights. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity. Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz Skype: Linda.Sinden |
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