Agni in Clinical practice- By Dr P.M Madhu & Dr Anjali Sivaram

Language: English

Agni is a physiological entity conceptualized and identified by Ayurveda.
Even though its function is decentralized, there is consolidated regulatory centre.
These locally active structures are recognized as dhatvagni, bhutahgni etc. The
principal agni, jatharagni is connoted by the term agni always. the book narrates
the basic physiology pertaining to agni. Starting from the conceptualization in
Indian philosophy, the adaptations in Ayurveda are explained. The operative
variations of agni both in normal and abnormal states are elaborated in an
elicitable manner. A major partner in all the pathological processes, Agni itself
intiates many disease processes culminating in specific clinical entities. These
diseases are well summerised in the second half of the first part. Deepana,
pachana, anulomana and sodhana are not only the certain varieties of drugs but
are treatment modalities in the management of ‘agni-dushti’. applied aspect of
the agni-vijnana. Gleaning from samhithas, authors scrutinize the role of agni in
different pathologies. Their original thought is reflected in pinpointing the six
pathological reasons behind ‘agni-samprapti. This summation makes the
treatment in a principled manner. Citied examples from jvara, udara, pandu,
arsas and athisara just validate the agni-based approach in treatment. Agni in
snehavidhi is considered in the latter part which relevant both in sodhana and
samana.In part three, parallels from the current sciences are drawn in an
intelligible manner. Function of agni is equated with digestion and metabolism of
the physiology. Especially enzymes and their role is summed up with a
pathological perspective.The last part titled as agnisameeksha, arouses the
interest of clinicians. Considering the different types of pitha as agni-es, authors
highlight their pathological significance with corrective medicines. Few case
histories are also narrated to pinnacle the agni correction in treatment