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International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Ayurveda & Yoga

An Analytical Study Of Annarasa To Maintain Sharira Dhatu by Agni

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhatnagar1 Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Kumar Sharma2 Dr. Dinesh Chandra Sharma3

ICV-70.44-ISRA 1.318 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 4

1. M.D.Scholar (Dpt. Of Kriya Sharir), DSRRAU JODHPUR 2. Professor & HOD (P.G. Dpt. Of Kriya Sharir), DSRRAU JODHPUR 3. Asso. Prof. (P.G. Dpt. Of Kriya Sharir), DSRRAU JODHPUR

Corresponding Author :- Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhatnagar, M.D. Scholar (Dpt. Of Kriya Sharir), [email protected] DSRRAU JODHPUR

Article received on 2nd March 2021 Article Accepted 20th April 2021 Article published 30th April 2021

ABSTRACT: - According to Ayurveda "Sarvamdravyam Panchabhautikam" i.e all creation arises out of five great elements known as Mahabhutas. As per Ayurvedic theory, like all the universal matter our body is also formed by the Pancha Mahabhutas. In this Panchabautika Sharira Various Paka (metabolic transformations) are going on continuously. [1] Agni is the invariable agent in the process of Paka (digestion, transformation). Ingested food is to be digested, absorbed and assimilated, which is unavoidable for the maintenance of life, and is performed by the Agni. Different examples are available in our classics to indicate that Pitta is the same as Agni, but some doubt arises behind this concept, that Pitta is Agni. Agni is innumerable because of its presence in each and every Paramanu of the body. But, the enumeration of the number of Agni varies in various classical Ayurvedic texts. According to the functions and site of action, Agni has been divided into 13 types, i.e.one Jatharagni, five Bhutagni and seven Dhatvagni. Jatharagni is the most important one, which digests four types of food and transforms it into Rasa and Mala. [2] In these sequences, the term Agni comprehends various factors which participates and regulate the course of digestion and metabolism. The paper tries to validate this theory scientifically.

Keywords: Ayurveda,Agni, Aahar-pachan, Annarasa, Dhatu-poshan.

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This work is licensed under a creative attribution -Non-commercial-No derivatives 4.0 International License commons

How to cite this article: - Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bhatnagar,Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Kumar Sharma Dr. Dinesh Chandra Sharma “An Analytical Study Of Annarasa To Maintain Sharira Dhatu By Agni” IRJAY, April: 2021, Vol-4, Issue-4;114-121 ; Doi: https://doi.org/10.47223/IRJAY.2021.4413

INTRODUCTION transformation) provides an extensive field of Ayurveda has described an important factor of research in the present day. [9] digestion and metabolism in our body as Agni. Ingested food is to be digested, absorbed and AIMS AND OBJECTIVES assimilated, which is unavoidable for the maintenance of life, and is performed by Agni. 1. To emphasize and discuss the Concept of Agni In Ayurveda, the term “Agni” is used in the and their types in Ayurvedic classical literature sense of digestion of food and metabolic and modern review. products. Agni converts food in the form of 2. Review of Analysis of Annarasa to maintain energy, which is responsible for all the vital Sharira Dhatu in in Ayurvedic classical functions of our body. Therefore, Ayurveda literature and modern review. considers that Dehagni is the cause of life, complexion, strength, health, nourishment, AGNI REVIEW lustre, Oja, Teja (energy) and Prana (life The definitions from Vachaspatyam, [1] energy). Sabdakalpadruma, Unadikosha, Agni has been About the importance of Agni, Acharya Charak described as the one who carries everything, has mentioned that after stoppage of the moves everywhere, which can meta morphoses function of Agni, the individual dies, and when substances, which can bring transformation in the Agni of an individual is Sama, then that substances, assimilates, which gives and takes, person would be absolutely healthy and would which has the capacity to enter into minute lead a long, happy, healthy life. But, if the Agni channels, which burns, which glows etc. [13] All of a person is vitiated, the whole metabolism in these definitions of Agni clearly states that Agni his body would be disturbed, resulting in ill is the important key factor for transformation. health and disease. Hence, Agni is said to be the Agni is key factor in transformation of [3] base (Mool) of life. consumed Ahara Viharadi Dravyas Of Vijatiya In Sushruta, we can see how the “Avayavaas” origin to Sajatiya nature. Agni is derivative of are formed from “various dhatus” Thus, based Tejas (fire) Mahabhuta, it carries metabolic on Charaka and Sushruta, the above cells can transformations in which the inherent feature is be considered as “Dhatu-Paramanus.” For change. Agni is having 13 categories. these constant processes in all cells, a Jatharagni (1type) looks after the functions of biological energy is constantly essential, food digestion and absorption. Bhutagni without which the survival of our body will be (5types) turns all the Vijatiya Panchabhautika quite impossible. The Doshas and Dhatus, etc., Dravyas consumed to Sajatiya Panchabhautika get nourished by Prasada part (nutrients). Kitta Dravyas, i.e., conversion of heterogonous to part (metabolic waste) is to be excreted from homogenous. Dhatvagni (7 types) performs the body in different forms. In Ayurveda the Synthesis and breakdown of tissues. [10] concept of Agni And Aharapaka (Metabolic

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Jatharagni Paka: The Panchabhoutika Sharira is to be Jatharagni Paka (Gastro intestinal digestion) is maintained and nourished with the Bahya described as Avasthapaka in Ayurveda. Panchaboutika Amshas. To convert such alien Avasthapaka is the change in the state of food Amshas (part) to part of the body there exists a substance in the Amashaya (stomach) and process of Paka (Metabolic transformation), Pakwasaya (large intestine) in the course of which is attributed to Bhutagni. The five digestive process. In Avastha Paka there are Bhutagnis digest their own part of the element two phases called Prapaka And Vipaka. present in the food materials. After the Prapaka phase contains three phases, Madhura digestion of food by the Bhutagni, digested Bhava, Amla Bhava and Katu Bhava. [3] materials containing the elements and qualities similar to each Bhutas nourish their own Vipaka: specific Bhoutika elements of the body. So, all Post-Digestive Effect The ultimate change in the exogenous substances must be subjected to the Ahara Rasa (digestive food) that occurs at Bhutagnipaka to become endogenous. Thus, the end of digestion of Jatharagni paka is cause appropriate nourishment of tissues. [10] called as Vipaka(Post-Digestive Effect). In the modern physiological perspective, the According to Acharya Charaka, the six rasas action of the Bhutagni paka can be equated with yield three kinds of Vipaka. Madhura and the conversion of digested materials in the Lavana rasa yield Madhura vipaka (sweet). liver. The Vitamins, Essential amino acids, Amla Rasa to Amla Vipaka (sour). Katu, Tikta, Essential fatty acids are to be supplemented Kasaya Rasa to Katu Vipaka (acrid, pungent). essentially through the food for the conversion [9] of concerned molecules in to the body tissues on to yield energy. Thus, the essential factors Secondary Digestion – Metabolism: supplemented through food for the synthesis of The Bhutagnipaka and Dhatvagnipaka comes this Panchabhoutika Sharira can be considered under Secondary Digestion and Metabolism. as Bhutagni amshaas, i.e. Vitamins, Essential amino acids, Essential fatty acids. Bhutagni Paka: The process of Bhutagni paka should start Bhutagni is the one that is present in a basic immediately after digestive process in GIT. element (Bhutas). There are five Agnis in each According to the physiology of Ayurveda, of the five basic elements, namely, Parthiva Bhutagni paka follows Jatharagni Paka and it (earth), Apya (water), Tejas (Agni), Vayavya completes the process of intestinal digestion. (vayu) and Nabhasa (Akash). Each and every After completion of Bhutagni paka only, the cell in our body is composed of the five formation of Ahararasa (digestive food) is Mahabhutas (Panchabhoutika). Each cell completed and Rasa absorption is possible. [13] (Dhatu Paramanu) consists of these five Bhutagni also. All the nutrients in this world Dhatvagni Paka – Tissue metabolism: that we eat also consist of the same five basic That which promotes the growth of sharira elements with their respective Agni. Thus, they (body) is dhatu. Dhatus are seven in number, are completely similar with respect to the five Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majjaand basic elements with their Bhutagni in our body Shukra. Sapta dhatus get nourishment from cells as well in the entire outside nutrient that ahara rasa or the chyle. chyle is the end we ingest for the nutrition of our body. [2] product of digestion. Each dhatu is of two kinds, Asthayi (mobile or nonstatic) or poshaka

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(meant to nourish) and Sthayi (fixed, sthira, dhatus, through srotas (channels), specific to static, already formed and existing) or poshya. each such sthayi dhatu for being built up as part Srotamsi do not transport Sthayi stable- of the latter. [2] (poshya) dhatus. Dhatus are formed These Srotas (channels) are known as consecutively, one after another, from the Dhatuvaha Srotamsi. These Srotas are seven Poshaka or asthayi dhatus. Dhatvagnis are (Rasavaha Srotas, Raktavaha Srotas, seven (Rasagni, Raktagni, Mamsavaha Srotas, Medovaha Srotas, Mamsagni,Medogni, Asthyagni, Majjagni, Asthivaha Srotas, Majjavaha Srotas, Shukragni), located in its own dhatus (tissues). Shukravaha Srotas) in number. The nutrient After Jatharagni paka and Bhutagni paka fraction of Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Medo dhatus adyaahara rasa (chyle) circulates in the body helps in formation of Upadhatus (subsidiary to reach all tissues. [9] tissue). The circulating constituents of ahararasa were selected by dhatu (tissue) through khale Agni and Pitta: kapotha nyaya (law of selectivity - analogy of Pitta is the factor, which regulates all the the pigeons carrying grains from a thrashing thermo dynamics, Chemo dynamic activities in field and flying out in different directions). the body, in which function of Agni(digestive Hence if Dhatvagni gets more vruddhi, tissue fire) are a part. Agni within the body delivers more action and there by more represented by heat of the pitta. [10] catabolic activity (Dhatu kshaya). If Dhatvagni In normal state it brings proper digestion, is of low profile only tissue synthesis takes Vision, joy, happiness, maintains normal place resulting in dhatuvruddhi. [4] bodily heat and normal complexion. In Functions of Dhatvagnis are mainly two - One abnormal state it brings indigestion, loss of is synthesis of new tissue. Second is to yield vision, fear, anger, bewilderment, abnormal energy for the function of tissue. If Dhatvagni bodily heat and abnormal complexion. is impaired both of these will impair. Seven Agni and pitta both have few similarities and categories of agnis, &dhatus undergo dissimilarities. The similarities of Agni metabolic transformation in two different ways (digestive fire) and Pitta are Dahana (burning for the sustainers of the body. One is sensation), Pachana Karmas(digestion) and Prasadapaka and another is kittapaka. The similar response to Sheetala (cold), Ushna Prasadapaka is stated to yield the seven kinds (hot). Both are possessing moieties of Agni of poshaka or Asthayi dhatus. Kittapaka is the Mahabhoota. The Dissimilarities are, Agni is waste products. The nutrient fraction of rasa Sushka (dry) and Ruksha (rough) in nature, (plasma) provides nourishment to rakta Pitta is drava (liquid) and snigda (blood), that of rakta (blood) to mamsa (muscle (unctuousness). Agni maintains Pakadi tissue), that of mamsa to medas (fat), that of Karmas but pitta maintains Dhi (retention medas to asthi (bone), that of asthi to majja power), Buddhi (intellect), body maintenance (bone marrow), and the nutrient fraction of in addition to Pakadi Karmas. Ghrita (ghee) majja provides nourishment to shukra. The causes Agni Vruddhi and Pitta Shamana. Pitta foetus (garbha) is the product of nutrient has got wider aspect of functions apart from fraction of Shukra. [2] Agni functions. Agni has got similar function to Each one of the seven kinds of poshaka or that of pitta in aspects of digestion and Asthayi dhatus is stated to be transported, as it metabolism. [9] is formed, to the respective poshya (sthayi)

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Dhatu Poshana Nyaya’s Dhatu, gets nutrition from Ahar Rasa (digested food), Then Rakta Dhatu(blood) gets nutrition

from the rest of Ahar Rasa and likewise up to 1) Kshira Dadhi Nyaya : Shukra Dhatu(semen). Kedari Kulya Nyaya or Also known as the Law of Transformation, or microcirculation and tissue perfusion. This the Sarvatmana Parinama Paksha, the Ksheera nyaya states that the living body is provided dadhi Nyaya has been the first of the theories with innumerable micro vascular channels placed forward towards the understanding of (srotas) which carry nourishment to the the Dhatu Poshana (nourishment of tissues). respective sites in Dhatus (tissues). The cells According to this Nyaya, the one Dhatu and tissues are literally perfused with nutrient transforms into the other successive Dhatu just plasma but mere tissue perfusion is not enough as the milk transforms into the curd so is the to complete the process of nourishment. This term “Ksheera Dadhi Nyaya.” As per this needs the complementary play of the Nyaya, and maintaining them. The term Dhatu subsequent two nyayas. [8] pertain to nutrients also in transit and not only 3) Ek Kala Dhatu Poshan Nyaya : to tissue that already exist such as bones, muscles, blood etc. [7] The implications of this Rasa (including rakta) is always, everywhere, theory have been sought to be explained in continuously and simultaneously thrown (into terms of three different hypotheses. These circulation) in the body by the Vyana Vata theories regarding the nourishment of the performing the function. Rasa (plasma) while Dhatus are termed as “Dhatu Poshana Nyaya.” in circulation if sticks somewhere due to One Dhatu becomes the nutrient for the other. morbidity in channel, it causes disorder there This implies the transformation of the Rasa into like cloud in the sky causing rain. Dohsa also Rakta, Rakta into Mamsa, and Mamsa into get aggravated in localized parts in the same Meda and so on. Thus, the previous Dhatu acts way. The site of Rasa Dhatu(plasma) is as a substratum for the successive one. The time Hridaya (heart), but it circulates throughout the taken for transformation of Rasa into the body. Even though separate sites have been Shukra as per this Nyaya is explained in various stated for the seven dhatus, they are present ways by the seers of yore. As per the strength throughout the body. Therefore the Ahara of the Dhatavagni and the Bhootagni, the Rasa Rasa, which circulates quickly in the body is Dhatu undergoes transformation into the stated to nourish all dhatus at the same time. successive Dhatus. [8] This method of utilisation of the nutrients derived from the food indicates only 2) Kedari Kulya Nyaya : nourishment of Sthayi Dhatus. According to According to this theory, the process of Acharya Charaka, the nutrient homology of nourishment of tissues can be compared to the Dhatus is circulating in the body continuously irrigation of different fields by water from a like a rotating wheel. In the event of the canal. Crops in a field get irrigated by creating strength of the Agni is good, the Dhatu poshana Kuliya (drains) and Kedar (small pieces of is conducted faster, if they are in decreased land). The Kedar (small pieces of land) get state, the Dhatu poshana is slow. According to irrigated one by one through Kuliya (drains) in Acharya Sushruta, rasa develops from the diet sequence. In the same way, different Dhatus of in one day. The circulating fluid i.e. the rasa the body get nutrition one by one in sequence Dhatu transporting the nutrients stays in each through Srotasa (vessels). The 1st dhatu; Rasa one of the remaining six dhatus for a period of

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3015 kalas. Therefore, it takes for the rasa one acidified chyme formation in Urdhva month to be formed into Shukra (semen)in the amashaya (fundus of stomach) and pylorus of case of men and Artava (menstrual blood) in stomach. In the third stage of digestion the women. The total time taken for the conversion absorption of nutrients occurs in the large of rasa into the seven Dhatus is 18090 kalas. intestine and formation of feces with According to above rasa says in each Dhatu for production of pungent Vayu (Katu bhava) 5 days and Dhatu poshana completes in a occur. month that is till the Shukra (semen) is • The Ahara Rasa (digestive juice) which is nourished. [4] having Madhura and Lavana rasa gets 4) Khale Kapot Nyaya : Madhura vipaka, amla rasa gets Amla Vipaka, Katu, Tikta, Kasaya rasa gets Katu Vipaka. Khale Kapot Nyaya refers to the selective Bhutagni, ignited by Jatharagni transforms the uptake of nutrients by respective cells and Vijatiya Annarasa into Sajatiya Poshaka tissues in the same way as the birds of different dhatus (organism specific). After Jatharagni species pickup selective grains and cereals paka and Bhutagni paka adyaahara rasa from common harvesting ground because the (chyle) circulates in the body to reach all Kedari Kulya Nyaya provides a total pool of tissues. Dhatus that are formed consecutively, nutrients at the site of all tissues but the one after another, from the Prasadabhaga as different tissues require different specific Poshaka or asthayi dhatus. Kittabhaga is nutrients and hence there is a need of active eliminated out as metabolic waste product. selective uptake. As an example the bone tissue • Each Dhatvagni or the bioenergy present in will only take the amino acids and minerals like each Dhatu synthesizes and transforms the Calcium Phosphorus, while the blood tissue essential Rasa Dhatu required for that will uptake specifically the nutrients like Iron particular Dhatu or cell from the basic nutrients etc. which is necessary for formation of blood. present in the Anna Rasa or essence of the diet [3] that we consume. Each Dhatvagni has got a speciality to synthesize and transform the DISSCUSSION constituents suitable to its particular Dhatu. • Agni is the invariable agent in the process of This action is a sort of selective action. [1] Aharapaka (metabolic transformations). • According to physiology Acharya Charaka • Ingested food is to be digested, absorbed and states about tissue nutrition in a series of verse assimilated, which is unavoidable for the in Grahani Chikitsa which is elaborated by maintenance of life, and is performed by the Principles of Nyayas. It can be understand and Agni. Agni means it is a substance responsible co-relate nearly with digestion, Absorption, for digestion and metabolism. [13] metabolism and energy transformation. • In the first stage of digestion Madhura Bhava • Very first Principle Ksheer Dadhi Nyaya is first (sweet essence) is manifested by the action of stage of digestion in which if you want the final salivary amylase on starch, digestion of product of Ksheer (Ghrita), it should convert carbohydrates occurs into simpler forms first in Dadhi (Digestion process product). (glucose) rendering it fit for absorption. In the Charaka clearly states that food nourishes second stage of digestion amla bhava is dhatus, ojas, strength, complexion etc. depends manifested by release of Accha pitta on Agni because rasa can’t be produced by (bile/pancreatic secretions) resulting into undigested food. [2]

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• The second principle of tissue nutrition Kedari Amla Vipaka (post digestive effect), Kulya Nyaya is directly related to the Katu(bitter), Tikta(pungent), Kasaya rasa absorption process of digestion which is mostly (astringent)gets Katu Vipaka. [13] occur through the intestinal wall and into the • Dhatus that are formed consecutively, one after general circulation. another, from the Prasadabhaga as Poshaka or • The third principle in this way is Khale kapota Asthayi dhatus. Kitta bhaga is eliminated out as nyaya which resembles with different tissues metabolic waste product. require different specific nutrients for Dhatu • According to physiology Acharya Charaka Poshana (nourishment)like Mamsa dhatu states about tissue nutrition in a series of verse (muscle Tissue) need protein, bones need in Grahani Chikitsa which is elaborated by Calcium supplements and other micronutrients. Principles of Nyayas. It can be understanding • Fourth and last Nayaya is Ek Kala Poshana and co-relate nearly with digestion, Absorption, means “at a time Rasa nourish all the relative metabolism and energy transformation. [10] dhatus.” This is a continuous process of ATP synthesis in a pathway, runs in different types Acknowledgment: Nil. of tissue to nourish the organ cells. Even a man does not eat the energy stored by liver and Financial Support: Nil. transformation the energy when body needs it. Conflict of Interest: Nil [4]

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International Research Journal of Ayurveda & 10. PriaVrat Sharma, Susruta Samhita Sutra Yoga, (2021) 4(1), 211-216. sthanam with English Translation of text and 6. Ramarao A.V.S: A Text book of Biochemistry, Dalhana's commentary along with critical UBS PD, London, 7th edition. notes. 21/9, Vol.I, Edited &translated 7. R. k. Sharma Agnivesa's Charaka samhita, Chowkhamba Visvabharati Oriental Vimana Sthana 5/3, text with English Publishrt& Distributors 2009,pp-865 translation volume III, Published by 11. R. k. Sharma Agnivesa's Charaka samhita, Chowkhamba Sanskrit series, Varanasi. 2009 Sutra Sthana 5/9, text with English translation ,pp-453 volume III, Published by Chowkhamba 8. R. k. Sharma Agnivesa's Charaka samhita, Sanskrit series, Varanasi. 2009 ,pp-453 CikitsaSthana 8/13, text with English 12. Shukla M, Sharma RK, Sharma DC. translation volume III, Published by Physiology of Dhatu Poshan (Tissue Nutrition). Chowkhamba Sanskrit series, Varanasi. 2009 J Adv Res Ayur Yoga Unani SiddHomeo2020; ,pp-234 7(1&2): 6-11. 9. PriaVrat Sharma, Susruta Samhita Sutra 13. Goverdhanam Vani, J. S. R. A. Prasad; Concept sthanam with English Translation of text and of Agni and Aharapaka ( Metabolic Dalhana's commentary along with critical Transformation) in Ayurveda : Volume 1; Issue notes. 21/5, Vol.I, Edited &translated 4; July – Aug 2013,90-104. Chowkhamba Visvabharati Oriental Publishrt& Distributors 2009, pp-765

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