Bhasmak roga is also known as Bhasmagni. The term Agni stands for the biological fire. Agni is significant both, physiologically and pathologically. Just as we require food-stuffs to obtain optimal nutrition, the so called Agni (digestive fire) needs constant feeding in order to perform an array of physiological pathways inside the human-body.
Physiological Significance
The majority of the diseases arises from abnormal functioning of the digestive fire, which rightly central to health. Digestive fire plays, plays vital role in the absorption of macro and micronutrients. It is needed for is destructive of pathogens. The food that in not digested in a proper fashion is referred as “ama” in Ayurveda. Ama is a toxin responsible for the pathogenesis of diseases.
Proper functioning of digestive fire can be seen from proper tone of the gastrointestinal system, heart and blood circulation, strong immunity against diseases, optimal tissue growth, and above all, the complexion of the face. This description throws light on the significance of the digestive fire at physiological levels.
Pathological Significance
If digestive fire is not functioning optimally, one can encounter poor digestion, poor blood-circulation and complexion, flatulence, low energy levels, poor immunity against diseases and poor immunity against diseases. According to Ayurvedic principles, promotion of optimal function of the digestive fire is absolutely essential for the treatment the root cause of the diseases.
Types of Agni
In Ayurvedic medicine, four distinct classes of the digestive fire have been described.
1. Vishamagni (Variable)
Here the digestive fire is effected aggravation by vata, the biological air.
Chief Features are:-
- Abdominal tumour
- Cholera
- Colic
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Enlarged spleen
- Episodes of alternating cycles of strong appetite
- Flatulence
- Forgetfulness to consume foods
- Gaseous-distension of the abdomen
- Wind and eructation.
2. Tikshagni (High)
Here the digestive fire is effected aggravation by pitta, the biological fire. In these cases, agni is abnormally high as both pitta and agni share identical properties.
Chief Features are:-
- Abdominal colic
- Anemia
- Bleeding-diathesis
- Burning sensation
- Diarrhea
- Episodes excessive appetites
- Hemophilia
- Hemorrhage
- Hepatitis
- Hepatomegaly
- Hyperacidity
- Jaundice
- Pain
- Pyuria
- Sour belching
- Toxaemia (toxins in the blood)
- Tuberculosis
- Urine diseases
- Vertigo
- Yellow skin.
3. Mandagni (Low)
Here the digestive fire is effected aggravation by kapha, the biological water.
Chief Features are:-
- Bronchial asthma
- Bronchitis
- Cough
- Episodes of poor appetite
- Excessive mucus production
- Excessive salivation from the mouth
- Fatigue
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Poor blood circulation
- Sluggish metabolism
- Tendency to weight gain.
4. Samagni (Normal)
Samagni is largely responsible for human body nutrition and building a strong foundation of seven tissues.
Normal Digestive Fire has Following Characteristics:-
- Strong and appealing appetite.
- Digestive functions are proper
- No episodes of gas, colic and constipation.
Bhasamak Roga in Ayurvedic Texts
- Sushruta, the great Indian surgeon, is of the opinion that when food stuffs undergo digestion in a quick fashion, this represents tikshna (sharp) stage of the digestive fire. When the digestive-power rises from normal state to above a normal state, food undergoes digestion quickly and produces repeated desire for food (polyphagia). When food undergoes digestion, the mucosal linning of the mouth cavity, lips and the throat, are rendered dry with a burning sensation. This disease is known as “Bhasmak Roga” in Ayurvedic system of medicine.
- According to Harita Samhita, even after eating optimal food, the person is not satiated and there is the constant desire of consuming more food. If the eyes of the patient assume the yellow colouration, there is a sensation of burning syndrome and the body feels weak and exhausted. When vata, the biological air becomes weak and pitta, the biological fire becomes acute and strong, the condition is referred to as Bhasmak.
Pathogenesis
Bhasmak rog refers to the condition of insatiable appetite. According to the Ayurvedic system of medicine, here vata and kapha becomes weak and pitta becomes very strong.
Complications of Bhasmak Roga
- Anaemia
- Burning
- Colic
- Diarrhoea
- Haemophilia
- Hematomasis
- Haemorrhage
- Hepatitis
- Hepatomegaly
- Hyperacidity
- Inflammation in urination
- Jaundice
- Pain
- Sour eructation
- The body is emaciated and weak
- Tuberculosis
- Unconsciousness
- Urine anomalies
- Vertigo
- Yellow skin.
Herbal Remedies
- Planet Ayurveda’s Digestion Support Pack (Agnitundi vati and Digestion Support caspules) contains time-tested Ayurvedic herbs with significant appetite-restoring properties.
- Planet Ayurveda’s Colon Cleanse Pack (containing Yaktiplihantal churna, Triphala capsules and Kumarisaar) is highly efficacious in alleviating clinical symptoms associated with excessive appetite.
- Planet Ayurveda’s Vara (Triphala churana) is the best remedy for cleansing action. One teaspoonful (5 g) of the formulation is best taken while going to bed with milk milk or water. Planet Ayurveda’s Triphala capsules have been designed for people not interested in taking powder
Conclusion
In Bhasmak roga, vata and kapha becomes weak and pitta becomes very strong. Therefore, pitta pacifying food and herbs are advised by the Ayurvedic physicians.
