The Truth About Ama


Toxic Substance

Ama in Sanskrit translates to ‘raw, uncooked, unprocessed metabolic waste’.


Ama is claimed to be a toxic byproduct generated due to improper or incomplete digestion that creates an internal metabolic waste, which clogs the channels and affects tissue nutrition. It is an important factor in a cause of disease and in modification of disease process.

Ama is the main causative factor of disease. Balanced Agni is the key aspect of good health, longevity free from disease. 

Generalised Signs and Symptoms of Ama

  • Heaviness 

  • Fatigue 

  • Indigestion 

  • Stagnation of energy flow 

  • Mental confusion 

  • Blocked channels (symptoms like sinus or lymph congestion, constipation 

  • Poor appetite (low Agni) 

  • Abnormal Taste in mouth 

  • Sexual debility 


What Causes Ama

  • Eating heavy, cold or oily food 

  • Eating left over food 

  • Overeating and emotional eating 

  • Eating on the run 

  • Eating processed, tin, canned, frozen food 

  • High stress, irregularity in lifestyle and diet 

  • Sleeping during the day or straight after a meal 

  • Eating when the previous meal hasn’t digested 

  • Lack of exercise and movement 

  • Unresolved or suppressed emotions 

  • Food incompatibility 


Ways to Reduce Ama

  • Sip Hot Water Frequently (not about the amount of water more about frequency)

  • Include Spices and Ghee in your Cooking

  • Improve Agni *refer to the article written about ‘Agni | Digestive Fire’, to enkindle your Agni

  • Daily ‘Abhyanga’, to enhance vitality and move blood circulation and lymph congestion

  • Daily Exercise (gentle walk, swim, bike ride, pilates, or yoga)

  • Daily Meditation *Friends of Mine - Meditation Teachers Recommendation


REFERENCES

  1. Chakara Samhita

  2. Textbook of Ayurveda - Fundamental Principles Vol 1. by Dr. Vasant Lad

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