Keep Your Inner Fire Burning

Agni is one of the most important concepts in all of Ayurveda. In fact, it is so important in that it is the very first word of the ancient Vedic text, the Rig Veda. It is what allows us to digest and assimilate. It maintains body temperature, color and alertness. It is what gives us mental clarity, strength and vitality.

When agni is impaired, we are unable to digest or eliminate what does not serve us - whether that is food we eat or anything we consume with any of our senses.

Here are some tips to keep your inner fire strong:

• Have your biggest meal at midday

• Eat light at night

• Allow your last meal to fully digest before eating again (Time varies according to your type)

• A few slices freshly sliced Ginger with a squirt of lime or lemon on it and a pinch of salt before and/or with meals to boost metabolism and gut enzymes.

• Avoid eating with too much liquid. We only need about ½ a cup typically, or a little more for drier meals and snacks.

• Prepare and eat the food with love. Try not to cook or eat when in anger, fear, etc.

• Do NOT drink ice water with your meals (or anytime, really), as it dampens and destroys the digestive fire.

• BE PRESENT WHILE EATING! Avoid TV, reading, the computer or other forms of ama-creating distraction. If possible, be in our near nature or a beautiful view.

• Try to chew your food to even consistency, paying attention to the food. This will improve both its digestibility and assimilation.

• Eat until you feel about 75% full. Some say until your first small burp. Avoid the feeling of fullness. Simply stated, eating too much is the origin-cause of so many chronic health conditions. When you are done, you will feel satiated and not hungry.

• Take 15-20 minutes, minimum, to rest and digest.

• Make eating a spiritual experience

• Get to know these superstar medicinal spices: turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cumin, coriander, fennel, black pepper.