Ama is one of the most prevalent and discussed terms in Ayurveda. In fact, the word Amaya is a synonym of vyadhi or disease.
What is ama?
Ama in simple terms is the product of the impaired process of digestion and metabolism. This is leading to the build-up of toxins that cannot be neutralized or eliminated by our bodies. Also, it can be said to be a substance that obstructs the srotas (circulatory channels).
Terms in relation to ama
- Amavisha-toxin
- Ajeerna ahara or ajeerna ahara rasa- raw uncooked food or undigested food
- Apakwa amarasa- improperly formed metabolic byproducts.
Causes
- Mandagni – agni in its lowest acting potential is said to be the main reason for the formation of ama. We can correlate it to the impaired functioning of the digestive enzymes
- Guru bhojana– consuming heavy food
- Dvishta bhojana– consuming disliked food
- Sheeta ahara– cold food
- Shushka ahara– dried food
- Akala bhojana – untimely consumption of food etc
Some of the manasika (emotional ) factors that lead to ama include:
- Krodha -anger
- Chinta– worry
- Lobha-greeda
- Dvesha-hatred etc
Signs and symptoms of ama in general
- Obstruction to srotas
- Loss of man’s strength
- Heaviness in the body
- Indigestion
- Distaste to food
- Obstruction to faeces
- Fatigue to senses
- Swelling and pain in different part of body
- Fever
- Diarrhoea etc
Sama dosha and sama dhathu
When doshas and dhatus get entangled with ama it is called samadosha and samadhathu
Main Symptom of samavata: Different types of pain in the main symptom seen in vata vitiated by ama
Main Symptom of sampitta: Hyperacidity and burning sensation in chest and throat.
Main symptom of samakapha: Offensive smell and indigestion
Treatment
Pachana line of treatment
