Do you know your digestion goes through the phases of high and lows as the weather transitions happens from autumn to winters. As the autumn season ripens, everything in the nature begins to become gold, orange and rust, drying up the juiciness in the nature.
This is the time to slowly begin to turn the focus inwards and ensuring the internal system functions well. Optimal digestion is the source of light & wellbeing within us. Physically, the impact of digestion shows everywhere on our skin, energy, moods, state of mind in the state of body tissues.
It is all the more important to strengthen the agni in October season as the body tissues feel the impact of seasonal transition moving towards dryness. A strong state of agni can help you cope up with these seasonal transitions. When agni is efficient, foods digest well, and nutrients get absorbed properly while the leftover waste of metabolic processes is eliminated well, keeping the system free flowing. When the agni is weak, ama (undigested food toxins) accumulate in the system causing havoc on both body and mind.
Digestive processes need hydration and lubrication of tissues to function well and the season of October brings along cool, dry and too much movement with the impact of winds showing up in the body as well. It is the vata energy that begins to take control that can easily disturb digestion!
For a smooth internal transition, it is important to pay attention to the quality of agni and enhancing its power to create a solid foundation for great health.
Importance of Digestion in Ayurveda
Do you ever feel cloudy, anxious or feeling low for no reason as the cold season strikes in? It's the subtle or energetic impact of seasonal transition showing up not just in your body but mind as well!
In Ayurveda, digestion is not just physical, its equally mental and emotional! Agni is not just the digestive power, it is the power of transformation similar to how this fire transforms foods into nutrients. Similarly, strong agni helps us process and transform emotions, sensory inputs and life experiences. As weak state of agni created indigestion of both foods and emotions. Thoughts may feel heavy, brain may feel clouded and you may experience a loss of clarity if the agni is compromised.
Signs that Indicate Strong Agni?
- Clear Skin without any breakouts
- Ample energy
- Balanced appetite
- No cravings
- Spark in the eyes
- Proper elimination
- Calm and focused mind
Signs of Weak Agni?
- Skin breakouts and dull skin
- Bloating
- Lathery and sluggish body
- Digestive troubles including constipation, gas and acidity
- Irritability and mood swings
Ayurveda Practices to Support Digestion
Strengthening agni is not about adding or eliminating any specific food item from diet. It is a mindful and consistent process of abiding by rituals that constantly keep supporting digestion without letting the system get impacted by external environment.
Tongue Cleaning
It is through the tongue that the foods enter our digestive system. Therefore, managing agni begins with the tongue! Scraping the tongue first thing in the morning removes ama and the bacteria from the tongue that accumulate overnight. This practice also stimulates the taste buds enhancing digestion. Use a copper or a silver tongue scrapper for tongue cleaning practice.
Consume Warm Water Throughout the Day
Sipping warm water through the day is considered highly medicinal practice in Ayurveda. It helps keep the internal system hydrated without taxing the kidneys. Starting day with warm water stimulates the digestive tract and supports elimination and enhances agni.
Consume Spiced Teas
Ginger, CCF (cumin, coriender and fennel) tea are the top charting Ayurveda spices to enhance digestion, strengthen the agni and create movement & flow within the body. Infuse ginger in water & sip it 3 times a day before meals. Consume 2 cups of CCF tea by infusing equal quantity of each in boiling water, to strengthen agni and dissolve ama.