Agni‎: Fire of Life

minimum duration: 10 hours

The flame itself is constantly changing direction: on inhalation the breath moves toward the belly, causing a draft that directs the flame downward, just like in a fireplace; during exhalation the draft moves the flame in the opposite direction, bringing with it the just-burned waste matter. It is not enough to burn the rubbish; we must also rid the body of it.
— T. K. V. Desikachar

In Ayurveda, Agni refers to the fire or metabolic energy within one's body, responsible for the processes of digestion, food transformation, and nutrient absorption. It serves as a messenger, a destroyer, and a protector.

So, why is it that an increasing number of people worldwide grapple with digestive issues? Ayurveda considers that everything present in the natural macrocosm also exists within us, and the functioning of the universe mirrors our own. Therefore, any changes in our external environment inevitably impact our internal energy and affect changes in us.

The capitalist decay consuming our modern lives, depletes our bodies along with the Earth’s resources. It forcibly hinders access to nutritious food, regular mealtimes, physical movement, restorative sleep, the release of natural urges, mental tranquility and a harmonious gut-brain relationship. This disruption leads to the accumulation of toxins known as ama, and the impairement digestion, known as ajeerna. The resulting symptoms (such as heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain and inflammation), can weaken the immune system, cognitive functions, and overall resistance to diseases. 

In this program, Yalda Younes employs an intelligent use of yoga asanas, pranayama and visualisation techniques to craft practices that stimulate and/or pacify, and balance Agni. It involves:

- detoxifying the body, by releasing blockages that can obstruct vital channels, enhancing blood flow, and creating space within the abdominal organs;

- boosting immunity, by improving diaphragmatic breathing and increasing lympharic circulation;

- and regulating the gut-brain relationship, by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve (the rest and digest response).