L7 Ayurveda I - Agni and Ama Flashcards
What is Agni?
The power to digest, transform, absorb, assimilate
Agni encompasses not just the digestion of food but also of sense perceptions, thoughts, and experiences.
What role does Agni play in the body?
It is the energy behind all metabolic functions
This includes cellular metabolism, enzymes, hormones, and mental assimilation.
What are some benefits of Agni?
Strong immunity, sparkle in the eyes, lustre to the skin
Agni contributes to overall health and vitality.
What is the most important type of Agni?
Jatharagni
Jatharagni is referred to as the digestive fire.
True or False: Agni only relates to the digestion of food.
False
Agni also relates to the digestion of sense perceptions, thoughts, and experiences.
What effect do aggravated Vata, Pitta, and Kapha have on Agni?
Agni changes due to their influence, becoming more hot or cold
Imbalance in doshas can disrupt digestion.
In Ayurvedic therapeutics, what is often the treatment priority?
Regulating Agni
Proper digestion is essential for nourishment and healing.
Why is it important to digest and assimilate correctly?
To ensure proper nourishment and initiate healing processes
Poor digestion can hinder recovery and overall health.
What effect does excess Vata have on digestive fire?
Makes digestive fire ‘variable’ and inconsistent
Excess Vata can lead to fluctuating digestive capacity.
List some symptoms of excess Vata.
- Erratic appetite
- Bloating
- Gas
- Constipation
- Cramps
- ‘Butterflies’ in stomach
- ‘Nervous’ gut
- Food anxiety
- Food intolerances
These symptoms indicate a disturbance in the digestive system due to excess Vata.
How can one balance excess Vata in the digestive system?
By using warm spices in moist form
Examples include slices of fresh ginger, ginger tea, mildly spiced soups, and stews.
True or False: Excess Vata can lead to food intolerances.
True
Food intolerances can manifest as a result of digestive irregularities associated with excess Vata.
What happens when there is excess Pitta?
Digestive fire becomes too ‘hot’ and ‘acidic’
Excess Pitta can lead to various digestive issues and discomfort.
What are the symptoms of excess Pitta?
- Burning sensations
- Acid reflux
- Gastritis
- Ulcers
- Diarrhoea
- Irritability
- Migraines
- Difficulty gaining weight
These symptoms indicate an imbalance related to excess Pitta.
How does excess Pitta affect nutrient absorption?
All nutrients are burnt up, making it hard to gain weight
This reflects the inefficiency of nutrient utilization in the presence of excess Pitta.
Which types of herbs can balance excess Pitta?
- Cooling moistening herbs
- Aloe vera gel
- Marshmallow
- Flaxseeds
- Cool water
- Raw fruits and vegetables / juices / smoothies
These remedies help to mitigate the effects of excess Pitta.
Fill in the blank: Excess Pitta leads to ______ sensations.
Burning
This symptom is commonly associated with Pitta imbalance.
True or False: Diarrhoea is a symptom of excess Pitta.
True
Diarrhoea is one of the digestive issues linked to excess Pitta.
What does excess Kapha do to digestive fire?
Makes digestive fire slow and inefficient
List symptoms of excess Kapha.
- Low energy
- Slow food transit
- Constant but low level of hunger
- Slow metabolism
- Weight gain
- Poor circulation
- Mucus
- Colds
- Allergies
These symptoms reflect the imbalances caused by excess Kapha in the body.
How can excess Kapha be balanced?
With hot dry spices such as:
* Dry ginger
* Cinnamon
* Black pepper
* Cloves
These spices are believed to stimulate digestive fire (agni) and counteract Kapha’s qualities.
What qualities of Kapha suppress agni?
Cold, moist, dull qualities
Agni represents the digestive fire in Ayurveda, and its suppression can lead to various health issues.
True or False: Kapha is a hot, dry, intense fire.
False
Kapha is characterized by cold, moist, and dull qualities, in contrast to agni.
Which spice blend is advised for Pitta constitution?
Coriander, fennel, cumin
These spices help maintain healthy digestive fire for individuals with Pitta constitution.
