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