The Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor Program

KAA 109: Pathophysiology (Nidan Panchak)

Prakriti: Health
Physical Body
Subtle Body
Dosha, Dhatu, Mala Sattva, Rajas, Tamas

The Balance of all of

the above is called
Prakriti, or Health.

Prakriti: Health

Mana (mind) is connected on one side to

Atman (the life energy) and on the other
side to the physical body (the senses).

The mind directed inward

(Yoga) is health (Prakriti).

The mind directed outward

(Bhoga) is disease (Vikriti).

Prakriti: Health
Agni

Agni is fire, which governs all metabolic processes

Pitta is a medium, Agni is the content

Agni is hot, light, and dry

Digests food

Clears thoughts and ideas

Vata kindles Agni

Destroys germs, toxins, Ama, foreign bodies

Protects flora in the digestive system

We are what we digest (condition of Agni)

Prakriti: Health
Rogaha Sarvepi Mandegnou
Disease occurs due to Manda (weak) Agni.
As long as Agni is strong, there is no aggravation of the Doshas and
there is no disease. When Agni is weak, it doesn't digest food well.
Undigested, uncooked product is called Ama. The first symptom of
Ama is heaviness and discomfort. Ama gets absorbed from the
stomach and is circulated in the whole body by Vyana Vayu. If
Dhatu Agni is strong it burns Ama but if it is weak, Ama moves into
the following Dhatu chain, creating Ama in all Dhatu layers causing
many chronic problems. So, strong Agni is essential for health.

Vikriti: Disease
Rogastu Dosha Vaishamyam

Dosha imbalance is disease

Vikaro Dhatu Vaishamyam

Dhatu imbalance is disease

Rogaha Sarvepi Mandegnou

Weak Agni is disease

Vikriti: Disease
Rogastu Dosha Vaishamyam
Dosha imbalance is disease.

Due to Nidan, (cause, etiology) Doshas go

out of balance.

This imbalance is at the root of the disease.

Unless there is imbalance internally there is

no disease.

Doshas control the functions in the body, so

when there is an imbalance of Doshas, the
physiology changes into pathology.

Vikriti: Disease
Two Types of Dosha Imbalance
Each is Quantitative (Dravya), Qualitative
(Guna) or of Action (Karma)

1. Aggravation
For Example
Distension: Quantitative aggravation of Vata
Tremors: Qualitative aggravation, Mobile
Insomnia: Due to aggravation of action of Vata

2. Depletion

Vikriti: Disease
Principles of Disease
1.

2.

3.

4.

Imbalance can occur in one location or in the whole body

e.g. Heart Palpitations are localized whereas emaciation covers the whole body
The Doshas are interconnected, the aggravation (Vriddhi) of one Dosha means the depletion (Kshaya) of
another.

e.g. Congestion is Kapha Vriddhi and Pitta Kshaya; Heartburn is Pitta Vriddhi and Kapha Kshaya.
In the disease process (Samprapti), importance is mainly given to Dosha Vriddhi (aggravation).

e.g. In heartburn we should try to lower Pitta whereas in congestion we should try to lower Kapha.
Vriddhi Samanaihi Sarvesham, Viparitaihi Viparyayha: The Doshas increase by the same quality as the
Dravyas (herb, food) we intake and decrease by their opposite qualities.

e.g. Congestion is worsened by ice-cold water and improved by warm water.

Vikriti: Disease
Vikaro Dhatu Vaishamyam
Dhatu Imbalance is Disease

The function of the Dhatus is to

hold the body and provide a site
for the Doshas to function.

In the disease process, the

aggravated Doshas move into weak
Dhatus, causing Vriddhi or Kshaya.
Therefore, in disease there is also
Dhatu Vaishamyam.

Nidan: The Cause of Disease

1. Pradnya Aparadha
2. Asatmya-Indriyarth Samyog
Overuse, non -use, or misuse use of the senses.
3.

Parinama

Kalabuddhiindryarthanam
Yogo Mithya na cha ati cha
Dvayashrayanam vyadhinam
trividho hetusangradah

Vikriti: Disease
Pradnya Aparadha
Mistaken Intellect; A Crime Against Wisdom

e.g. Following a diet plan and then going back to your

original eating habits; Cigarette smoking; Drinking
alcohol in spite of knowing its harmful effect.
Pradnya Aparadha is the main cause of disease. It is
making wrong or unhealthy choices. Actions done
without using discrimination of Buddhi. Ahankara,
(the ego) darkens the intellect and tries to take
control mind. Due to ignorance or delusion, person
goes away from right actions.

Ahankara and Manasa

Buddhi

Attachment

Detachment

Desire

No desire

Anger

Calmness

Delusion
Destruction

Tranquility
Moksha (Liberation)

Vikriti: Disease
Asatmya Indriyartha Samyoga
Improper Use of the Senses

Ayog (nonuse or less use), Atiyog (overuse), Mithyayog

(misuse) of senses .
Due to Ahankara, desire increases and causes improper use of
the senses:

Not eating oils (especially by Vata person) is non-use.

Coffee addiction is over-use.
Reading in a moving car is misuse.

Vikriti: Disease
Parinama
The Effects of Time, Seasons, Life Cycles on the Body

For Example

Kapha aggravation in spring,

Not thinking clearly when the
mind is restless.

Vikriti: Disease
In the disease process, the Doshas
aggravate and the Dhatus are
depleted (most of the time), so
many diseases show signs of Dosha
Vriddhi and Dhatu Kshaya.
Occasionally we see Vriddhi in the
Dhatus that is predominantly sitespecific.

Dosha Vriddhi: Signs

Vata Vriddhi

Piercing, cutting, colicky or squeezing pain, tingling or numbness.

Constipation, distension, retention of wastes, spasms.

Goose bumps, tremors, agitated movements, stiffness.

Dry or cold skin, dark or brown discolorations.

Thirst, desire for warm liquids, astringent taste in mouth.

Grief, anxiety, depression, confusion.

Weakness (mental or physical), palpitations, insomnia.

Loss of speech or too much speech.

Ptosis, cracking of the joints, dilation of the arteries and/or organs.

In many of these signs we see the dry (ruksha),

moving (chala) and cold (sheeta) qualities of Vata.

Dosha Vriddhi: Signs

Pitta Vriddhi

Burning sensation, redness .

Feeling hot, excessive sweating, fevers.

Yellowish skin, stools, urine and eyes.

Anger, irritability.

Desire for cold; thirst.

Pungent, sour taste in the mouth.

Lack of sleep, dizziness.

Bleeding, inflammation.

We see the hot (ushana) and

sharp (teekshna) qualities of
Pitta increase in Pitta Vriddhi.

Dosha Vriddhi: Signs

Kapha Vriddhi

Pale and cold, clammy skin; itching due to clamminess.

Congestion, cold, cough, allergies.

Heaviness, excessive sleep, laziness.

Weak agni, indigestion.

Sweet or salty taste in the mouth.

Weight gain, obesity, water retention, stiffness from swelling.

Looseness of the body.

Heavy (guru), cold (sheeta), moist

(snigdha) qualities of Kapha are
increased in Kapha Vriddhi.

Dhatu Kshaya & Vriddhi: Signs

Dhatus have three states (Sama, Vriddhi and Kshaya) like the Doshas.
Aggravated Doshas weaken the Dhatus, so in the disease process, Dhatu Kshaya
signs are addressed. Only in a few diseases are Vriddhi signs mentioned.

Causes of Dhatu Depletion (Kshaya)

Excessive exercise
Excessive fasting (e.g. anorexia, bulimia)
Worry
Grief
Excess heat
Insomnia
Excess diarrhea
Excessive diuretics

Causes of Dhatu Aggravation (Vriddhi)

Blockage
Weak Agni

Dhatu Kshaya & Vriddhi: Signs

Dhatu

Rasa

Rakta

Mamsa

Kshaya

Vriddhi
Nausea, excess salivation, lymphatic
Thirst, Palpitation, low blood pressure, Tachycardia (increased
congestion, lack of taste sensation, anorexia,
heartbeat), tightness in chest, pain in the chest, numbness in the
lethargy, swelling, anemia, candida, yeast
chest, fatigue, weakness, tiredness, aversion to loud noise, dry skin
infections, Leucorrhoea, cystic ovaries
The main function of Rasa is Dhatu nourishment. The main location is the heart, so many symptoms are related to
heart and chest.
Infections, inflammations, increased redness
Dizziness, fainting, weakness, breathlessness, darkness in front
in the body, Jaundice, enlarged liver and
eyes, hands and feet get cold, desire for sour taste, numbness,
spleen (increased RBCs), bleeding through
paresis, paralysis, thirst, burning, pale skin, death
nose, intestine, increased hemoglobin in
blood
Tumors, myomas, enlarged glands, muscle
Loss of muscles on the body, weakness, sunken cheeks, emaciation,
growth, polyps, tonsillitis, dizziness,
dry skin (Upadhatu of Mamsa), weak joints, wasting of body
insecurity, fear

Dhatu Kshaya & Vriddhi: Signs

Dhatu

Kshaya

Vriddhi

Meda

Thinness, weakness, cracking of the joints, displaced spleen

Excessive thirst, sweating, obesity, diabetes,

clammy skin

Asthi

Weak & brittle bones, hair loss, weak nails, teeth, gum and joints,
lack of stamina and fractures

Bone tumors, enlargement of the bones and

teeth, extra teeth, spurs

Majja

Weak & dry bones, sciatica, osteoporosis, confusion, darkness in

front of the eyes, dizziness, vertigo and epilepsy

Heaviness in the eyes & body, tumors of the

nerves and brain

Less quantity of semen, premature ejaculation, impotence

Prostatic calculi, excessive sex

Amenorrhea (absence of period), Oligomenorrhea (less bleeding),

menstrual cramps

Menorrhegia, Endometriosis

Shukra

Artava

Mala Kshaya & Vriddhi: Signs

Mala

Kshaya

Vriddhi

Mutra

Scanty, acidic urine, painful micturition, blood in urine, pain

in the bladder area, thirst

Excessive urination, diabetes

Purisha

Scanty feces, pain in the lower abdomen, distension,

gurgling

Loose, watery stools, mineral nutrient

loss

Sweda

Absent or minimal sweat, dry or red skin

Excessive sweat, foul smell to the body

Nidan Panchak
Before treatment, the disease must be diagnosed properly. Without
proper diagnose, you cant treat a disease. In Ayurveda it is done by

Nidan Panchak: A five-step disease diagnosis technique.

Nidan is the cause of disease responsible

for the imbalance of the Doshas.

Nidan Panchak
Why is Nidan Important?

The symptoms are manifestations of different qualities of

the Doshas. So we have to find out the cause: Dosha
involvement.
It is important to know if the disease is acute or chronic.
In an acute disease the Nidan may be happening for a
short duration but in chronic disease, Nidan is happening
for a few months or even years.


For Example: Going out in a cold weather for few
days may cause congestion (Acute Nidan); smoking
for years may cause bronchitis (chronic Nidan).

Nidan Panchak
Why is Nidan Important? (Contd)
The first step of treatment
Parivarjana: Avoiding the cause.

is

Nidan

Unless we know what is causing the disease, how can

we avoid it?
Many times we hear Doctors say I dont know what
the cause is, but I have the medicine.
This hit or miss medicine never works, because the
cause is never addressed.

Nidan Panchak
Poorvaroop: The Warning Signs of Disease
The prodromal, or warning signs. If these warning signs are paid attention to and
measures taken, further symptoms may be prevented and the disease process
halted.
Purvaroopas are important in disease diagnosis. Purvaroopas are experienced at the
beginning stage of localization.
Nidan may aggravate the Doshas, but depending on where they localize (Srotas), the
diseases vary. Aggravated Kapha (in stomach - rasa) may cause fever, but (in Asthi)
may cause swollen painful joints. So these signs indicate the site of the disease.
If you take measures at this stage, the disease process may be halted.

Nidan Panchak
Roop: The Cardinal Signs of Disease
These signs are described in the Ayurvedic texts.
Unless specific signs are present, the disease diagnosis is not complete.
Because of this, identifying the Roop of each disease is important.
For Example
Body aches may be a Purvaroop, but increased temperature is the Roop of
fever.

The Difference Between Signs and Symptoms

The signs are the doctor's finding.
The symptoms are the patient's description.

Nidan Panchak
Upashaya: The Solution
Anything that helps to eradicate the disease
is called Upashaya. It may a food, liquid,
herb, time of the day or particular geographic
area. Fasting, drinking warm water in fever is
Upashaya. Upashaya is useful especially in
diseases where the signs are common in two
diseases or in some cases if the signs are not
clear, Upashaya helps to diagnose the disease
correctly - e.g. swelling of the joints may be
due to Amavata or Sandhivata. Trikatu may
help in Amavata but not in Sandhivata.

Nidan Panchak
Samprapti: The Disease Process
Samprapti is a disease process. Unless the
involvement of particular Doshas, Dhatus, Srotas,
etc. is clearly understood, we will not know the
stage-by-stage development of the disease and it
will be difficult to diagnose the disease properly.
So, Samprapti is very important.

Nidan Panchak
Samprapti: Stages
Due to various causes, a particular Dosha begins to
accumulate in its original location. If these various causes
continues and due measures not taken, the accumulation will
rise to a stage called Aggravation. At this stage the Dosha
continues to rise and overflow and begins spreading. At this
stage, called Localization, it finds a weak Dhatu in which to
reside. Once it sets into this new location, it reacts with the
weak Dhatu and begins manifesting its qualities. This stage is
called Manifestation. After some time, it begins to
differentiate. This further stage is called Differentiation.

For
the
right
disease
diagnosis, the knowledge of
Nidan Panchak is essential.

Nidan Panchak
Sample Case: Fever
Nidan

Change of season, Indigestion, allergies

Infection, inflammation

Purvaroop
Roop
Upashaya
Samprapti

Loss of Dhatus (Dhatu Kshaya)

Malaise, uneasiness, achiness, heaviness in the body
Fever (rise in temperature), pain in the body, thirst, , loss of taste (aversion
to food).
Warm water, fasting, resting.
The Doshas aggravate due to Nidan and accumulate in the Amashaya
(Stomach), where they block the path of (Pachaka) Pitta entering in the
Stomach. Pitta mixes with Rasa and circulates in the body rising body
temperature - Due to Aggravation of Doshas, Swedavaha Srotas are blocked
preventing sweating temperature raises further causing fever.

States of Disease
When there is Agni Mandya (weak Agni), Ama is produced.

The state where Ama is present is called Saama.

The state where Ama is digested is called Nirama.

It is important to know if the disease is at a Saama or Nirama state.

The treatment will be different at both of these stages. In the Saama
state, pungent bitter herbs need to be used to digest Ama. In the Nirama
state Dhatu building herbs need to be used to strengthen the Dhatus.

States of Disease
General Signs of Saama Vyadhis

Lethargy
Heaviness
Tiredness
Lack of taste
Aversion to food

General Signs of Nirama Vyadhis

Lightness in the body

Feeling energetic
Sharpened senses
Feeling hungry
Clear bowels

States of Disease

Ama is produced either by Koshtha

Agni Mandya or Dhatu Agni Mandya.

Koshtha Agni Mandya in Small

intestine: When Pachaka Pitta is weak.
Dhatu Agni Mandya (at Dhatu level):
When Dhatu agnis are weak.

Ama is very heavy and sticky,

so stays in Amashaya (cant
pass thru Srotas), but it
ferments and produces toxins
called Ama Visha: It is liquid
and light, so it passes thru all
Srotas causing diseases in
different Dhatus.
When
particular Dhatu Agni is weak,
it produces Ama at that level,
so further Dhatus lack
nourishment.

Vikriti: Types
Sharirik
Manasic
Agantu
Nija
Sukhasadhya
Kashtasadhya
Yapya
Asadhya
Samanyaja
Nanatmaja

Physical
Mental
Due To Injuries
Due To Internal Imbalance
Easily Cured
Cured With Difficulty
Non Curable, Symptoms Can Be Relieved
Non Curable
Two Or More Doshas Are Involved In Samprapti
Only One Dosha Involved In Disease Process

80 Vata, 40 Pitta and 20

Kapha Nanatmaja
Vyadhis (diseases) are
described in the
Vedantic texts.

Kayachikitsa
Kaya
Body
Chikitsa
Preventing disease, removing the disease
producing cause or removing or destroying the
disease.
The process by which the imbalance of Vata-PittaKapha and Rajas-Tama is removed and balance
between the Dosha, Dhatus and Malas is achieved is
called Chikitsa.

The Goal of Ayurveda

Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam
Aaturasya vikara prashamanam
Preserving the health of healthy
people and curing the disease of
the patients.

Chaturvidha Chikitsa: 4 Types

Internal: Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, Raktamoksha

1. Shodhana
External: Surgery , Agnikarma (Cauterization), Poultices

2. Shamana

Herbs: Deepana, pachana herbs or balancing herbs, fasting;,

exercise, exposure to air, exposure to sun

3. Diet

Food and drinks by tastes and qualities, guidelines about

eating.

4. Lifestyle

Daily and seasonal routine, exercise, meditation.

The Uniqueness of Ayurvedic Chikitsa

1. The Emphasis is on Prevention
2. Body Constitution-Specific Chikitsa (Not Disease Specific)
Dushyam, desham, balam, kalam, analam, prakriti, vayaha, sattva, satmya, aahar

Dosha, Dhatu & Mala: Their state

Season
Patient strength, and Disease strength
Mental state
Age of the patient

The Uniqueness of Ayurvedic Chikitsa

3. The Eradication of Diseases by Samshodhana
Shodhana is better than Shamana. Shodhana eradicates imbalanced
Doshas from the body so they do not cause the disease again. When
Doshas are only palliated (Shamana) they may again aggravate
quickly by Nidana (cause).
The Advantages of Shodhana

Strengthens the Agni

Rejuvenates and revitalizes body
Slows down aging
Sharpens the senses
Clears mind and intellect

4. Mind-Body Connection

The Uniqueness of Ayurvedic Chikitsa

5. (Mostly) No Side Effects

6.

The treatment is customized or it is Prakriti specific

so no side effects
Herbs are natural, and they are special foods, so
body can digest them like foods.
Whole herbs are used, so passive ingredients in the
herbs balance active ingredients
Herbal formulas are the mixture of herbs which act
synergistically improving the efficacy and reducing
the undesirable effect

Diet Modification

The right diet is recommended for each disease.

If a patient is eating a balanced

diet, why do they need medicine?
And if he is not eating a balanced
diet, what is the use of taking
medicine?
Ayurvedic Saying

The Uniqueness of Ayurvedic Chikitsa

7.

The Emphasis on Removing the Cause of the

Disease
In any disease treatment, it is very essential to take care
of the cause first, to stop the progress of the disease.
So, removing the cause is the first and most important
basic step in any treatment.

Pradnyaparadha: Dhi, Dhriti, Smriti

Asatmya Indriya Samyog: Overuse, Misuse, non use
of senses
Parinama: Change in season or life cycle, etc.

The Uniqueness of Ayurvedic Chikitsa

8.

Rasayana Treatment
In chronic diseases, the Dhatus become weak which
might cause the recurrence of disease. In these
circumstances Rasayana treatment is given to
strengthen Dhatus and increase immunity. It is also
called as Apunrbhava Chikitsa.
e.g. In case of asthma, Vardhaman Pippali Rasayana is
given.

8.

Vajikarana Treatment
Is used to increase Shukra Dhatu and to improve the
quality of progeny. In some diseases the imbalance
affects, vitiates or reduces Ojas.
e.g. AIDs or various types of Cancers. In such cases Ojas is
increased by Sattvic diet.

Pratishyaya: Allergic Rhinitis

Nidan

Spring, fall season, dust or pollens, cold foods, prolonged stay in cold environment, sleeping
during the day

Purvaroopa

Itchy nose, headache.

Roopa

Itchy and runny nose, redness of eyes, mucus and congestion, mild fever, cough
Due to Nidan, Kapha or Vata aggravates (Kapha: Heavy, Oily, sticky qualities) (Vata: Cold,
mobile qualities) and causes all the symptoms.

Samprapti

Chikitsa

Due to Kapha the mucus is sticky, heavy and cold.

Due to Vata the mucus is watery, cold.
Shodhana, massage with warm sesame oil, steam, Nasya with warm Vacha or anu oil, ginger
paste is applied on the forehead and on the sinuses around the nose, herbs such as Trikatu,
Vasa, Turmeric, Basil, Cloves, Chitrak, Tulsi, Cinnamon, cardamom or rock sugar, formulas
such as allergone or cofix (Sitopaladi Churna).

Anaha: Constipation
Anaha is constipation: The absence of bowel
movements and/or sluggish or hard stools.
The number of bowel movements depends on
the constitution, type of diet and the general
activity of the person. Ideally, one should have
at least one bowel movement in day and the
stools should float on the water. If the stools
sink, are sticky, or have a foul smell, this
indicates the presence of Ama or toxins in the
colon.
Another meaning of Anaha is blockage of undigested food
in the Amashaya. Sticky, heavy Ama may physically block
the sphincter (the opening between the stomach and the
small intestine) and food cant pass in the small intestine.

Anaha: Constipation
Amanaha (due to Ama), Purishanaha (due to accumulation of feces).

Types

Nidan
Purvaroopa
Roopa

Samprapti

Eating Vata aggravating (cold, dry) foods, resisting urges, medicines, not exercising, eating
processed foods , eating less fiber, not drinking enough water , vata aggravating lifestyle,
weak peristalsis, obstruction in the intestine, excessive use of laxatives, coffee, soft drinks,
smoking, worry
Heaviness, pain in the abdomen, indigestion.
Constipation, distension, restlessness, gurgling sounds in the stomach, pain (mild to severe)
in the abdomen, back ache and stiffness, difficulty breathing, fainting, nausea, vomiting,
coating of tongue.
In Stomach: Due to Ama, food gets blocked in the stomach stays undigested produces gas,
and distension - causes severe pain.
In Colon: Due to Vata aggravation (dry quality) feces becomes hard block colon causes
more gas and distension severe pain in lower abdomen.

Anaha: Constipation
Chikitsa

Diet

Lifestyle

Shodhana: Snehana, Swedana, Anuvasan Basti, Niruha Basti (decoction of bala, fennel, and
cardamom with sesame oil and honey), Suppository (Guda-varti), Virechana
Herbs: Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Amalaki, Nishottar, Castor oil, Aloe, Ginger, asafetida, pippali,
black salt, flaxseed, psyllium husk, Hingwashtak Churna, Lavana Bhaskar Churna, Sukhasarak
Churna
Formulas: Trilax, Aloemin, Easylax
Warm, light foods, cooked foods, (Mung dal, rice); Add more (sesame) oil and spices in the
food; Limes, raisins, prunes; Warm water
Do not resist urges; Do Abhyanga; Exercise every day; Reduce Vata aggravating life (Flying
often, too much traveling, too much running around, cold environment); Eat at the right
times; Eat three meals; Drink plain water in the morning.
Tip: Ayurveda has advised to drink water from copper vessel. Ask the patient to fill up
copper vessel with fresh water at his bedside, and drink the same in the early morning, as
much as he can. This sets a gastrointestinal colic reflex, which in turn helps the bowels to
clean. This will have no immediate effects, but after 3 to 4 weeks the bowels should start
functioning properly.

Agnimandya: Weak Digestion

When the Agni becomes very weak, causing sluggish digestion, it is
called Agnimandya.

The Importance of Agni and Good Digestion

Health, strength, the immune system are all dependent on

Samagni (the balanced state of Jatharagni) because it
determines the quality of Panchabhut- and Dhatu-agnis.
The quality of the Doshas and Dhatus depends on Agni .
Weak Agni is compared to death.
Low Agni causes the Doshas to aggravate and the Dhatus
to deplete and cause Srotorodha.

Agnimandya: Weak Digestion

Types

Vataja, Kaphaja, Pittaja.

Weak Pachaka Pitta, poor peristaltic movement, blockage of Srotas resulting in the digestive enzymes not being able to
reach their site of action.

Nidan

Overeating; eating before previous food is digested; eating ignoring indigestion; eating heavy, dense, gas producing food;
eating uncooked or half cooked food; eating excessively sweet, sour and salty food; sleeping after meals; drinking lot of
water during meal; resisting the urges; worry, anxiety, fear.

Purvaroopa

Heaviness in the stomach, aversion to food, lethargy.

Vataja: Pain in the abdomen, distension, rumbling sound in the stomach, constipation, tension in the body, heaviness, dry
throat, pain in the chest and back, thinness, weakness.

Roopa

Pittaja: Burning sensation in chest, fainting, dizziness, perspiration.

Kaphaja: Heaviness in the whole body, sinus headaches, Nausea, sweet sour taste in the mouth, lethargy, laziness.

Agnimandya: Weak Digestion

Samprapti

Chikitsa

Kapha Aggravation weakens Agni. If a person keeps

eating Kapha aggravating foods further, it makes
Agni weaker, worsening the problem. Food stays
only partially digested and moves further in the
large intestine to be absorbed. Therefore, instead
of in the form of nutrient, the food becomes toxin
to the body. So Agnimandya is the root cause of
most of the diseases.
Nidans such as weak Agni, Kapha Aggravation or
ama formation further weaken Agni and cause
Agnimandya
Shodhana depending on Dosha aggravation;
Strengthen Agni by warming herbs and change diet
to balance Doshas; Use medicated ghee to balance
Samana Vayu; Use of herbalized ghee (with salts)
if there is constipation; Eat food in moderation

Agnimandya: Weak Digestion

If Agnimandya is due to Vata, ghee treated with warming herbs is recommended; If Agnimandya is due to Kapha, warming herb
powder, asava (cold infusion), arishta (warm decoction) are recommended; If there is distension, oil (anuvasana basti) and cleansing
(Niruha basti) enemas are recommended; If the Agni is Manda due any disease, ghee is recommended as it kindles Agni.

Chikitsa
Depending
on Certain
Conditions

Diet
Lifestyle

Vataja Agnimandya
Basti; Use of various salts (rock salt, sea salt, black salt, etc). Salts retain water in the body e.g. Lavanbhaskar Churna, Hingwashtak
Churna. Salt-treated ghee is also useful.
Pittaja Agnimandya
Virechana; Panchatikta ghee, Neem, Guduchi, Musta, Vacha
Kaphaja Agnimandya
Vamana; Heating herbs with pungent, sour, salty taste are used. e.g. Ginger, black pepper, ajwan, cloves, chitrak, pippali; Digestine,
B-lite
Light foods, rice, mung, ginger, garlic, pomegranate, limes, salt, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, buttermilk
Regular exercise kindles Agni, lightens body, burns fat; Eat only when feels hungry; Eat in moderation; Drink warm water.