Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, places the concept of Agni the biological “fire” at the
centre of health and disease. Agni regulates digestion, absorption, metabolism, and assimilation of
nutrients. Essential for maintaining physical vitality, mental clarity and disease resistance. Conversely,
impaired Agni leads to the accumulation of ?ma (toxins), systemic imbalance, and the development of
chronic illness. In modern physiology, vagal tone refers to parasympathetic control, especially via the
Vagus nerve, which regulates cardiac rhythm, gastrointestinal motility, and immune balance. Both
concepts emphasize digestive regulation, systemic homeostasis, and resilience.
Aim: To explore conceptual and physiological parallels between Agni and vagal tone, with emphasis
on heart rate regulation, blood pressure and Vagovagal reflexes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Methods: Comparative literature review from classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary biomedical
research. Proposed methodology for empirical studies includes standardized Agni assessment, heart rate
variability (HRV) as an index of vagal tone, gastric motility measures, and inflammatory biomarkers.
Results: Normal functioning of Agni (Sam?gni) conceptually aligns with high vagal tone and efficient
vagovagal reflexes, supporting optimal digestion and systemic balance. Disturbances in Agni such as
Mand?gni, Tikshn?gni, Visham?gni, indicate reduced or dysregulated Vagal function, correlating with
delayed gastric emptying, functional dyspepsia, or systemic inflammation.
Discussion: Comparative analysis highlights convergence between ancient and modern frameworks.
Agni offers a holistic, multi-level understanding, while vagal tone provides measurable physiologicalcorrelates. The integration of these perspectives may guide innovative research and interventions in
integrative medicine.
Conclusion: Agni and vagal tone represent overlapping paradigms of digestive and systemic regulation.
Future interdisciplinary studies can deepen these associations, offering novel insights into lifestyle-
based interventions for holistic health.
Keywords: Agni, Ayurveda, Vagal tone, Heart rate variability, gastrointestinal physiology,
Integrative medicine
Publication date: 01/09/2026
https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/September/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10449.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.9.10449
