Clavicular Fire

There are two schools of thought about jatru agni. One identifies it with urdhva (upper) jatru granthi — the thyroid gland, which maintains metabolism. The other identifies it with adha (lower) jatru granthi — the thymus gland, which maintains immunity. According to Vasant Lad, jatru agni refers to both glands.

These glands of the endocrine system are part of majja dhatu and are related to the chakra system. Jatru agni in the thymus maintains immunity by producing ojas. Jatru agni in the thyroid regulates cellular metabolic activity — the thyroid serves as a bridge between bhuta agni and the seven tissues, maintaining the functional integrity of both bhuta agni and dhatu agni. The agni within the thyroid relates to T3 and T4 (thyroxin) hormones and kindles agni at the cellular level.

If jatru agni in the thyroid is sluggish, metabolism becomes slow and the person easily puts on weight. If jatru agni is hyperactive, the person initially loses weight, but increased appetite can lead to weight fluctuations. Repressed emotions such as grief or sadness can also impair thyroid function.

Jatru agni serves as a critical bridge between bhuta agni (the five elemental fires of the liver) and the various dhatu agnis and pilu agnis (cellular fires). It occupies a pivotal position in the hierarchy of the 40 types of agni, connecting the processing of elemental qualities in food to the nourishment of specific body tissues.