Agni is the foundation for health and well-being. It is the metabolic fire of digestion and intelligence within the body and mind. It transforms food into nutrients which ultimately become the tissues of the body. It transforms experiences into thoughts, awareness, and finally, wisdom. Yes, it’s true, what we eat becomes our energy of consciousness. The nutrients (or lack thereof) we take in directly translate to our sense of vitality. We are being shaped, reborn, and refined in each moment by Agni.

The strength and consistency of Agni is defined by an number of things. The food, liquid, and herbs we take in, daily routines, exercise, and yes, spiritual practice all affect the state of Agni.

There are many causes for imbalances in Agni. Here are a few:

• overeating
• excessive or too little water
• eating at the wrong time of day
• not eating enough (diet mentality, wrong fasting)
• poor food combining
• suppression of natural urges
• thoughts of worry overwhelm and resentment in the mind
• too much alcohol or drugs

When Agni is imbalanced, toxins build up in our tissues and channels. It creates disturbance in the mind and in the process of homeostasis. This leads to disease and discomfort. This is not our natural state. Our natural state is one of energy, vitality and healthy functionality in the world.

Healthy agni and balanced metabolism is a state when the body and mind have the following:

• Consistent, healthy appetite
• Regular daily elimination with ease
• Normal digestion
• Sleeps well
• Wakes up easily and is alert upon awakening
• Feels stable, high energy throughout the day
• Good immunity -has almost no colds, flus or congestion
• Normal weight
• Normal respiration
• Normal blood pressure
• Superficial pulse reflects stable ojas
• Calm mind
• Has clarity
• Has enthusiasm
• Feels joy and love for people and life

You don’t have to check every indicator of healthy agni to be in balance. Every day, every week and every year is an opportunity to recalibrate. We are speaking about Agni in a broad way, but behind the scenes, there is much detail. There are 40 different kinds of Agni which fulfill metabolic functions and serve as pockets of intelligence within the body and mind. It’s important to have an experienced practitioner assess your state of Agni. The practitioner brings to you their clinical knowledge base as an objective viewer. With this knowledge the practitioner is able to shine light toward each individual’s path of self-healing.