Ama
Ama is an Ayurvedic term which refers to the toxic undigested food particles/sludge that block the channels(srotas) in our bodies. Some of the physical channels or srotas include the arteries, veins, lymphatic system, intestines, urinary/reproductive systems etc. The nonphysical or mental channels referred to in Ayurveda as nadis are where energy flows in the body’s nervous system. Ama is a very important topic when it comes to general health, because it is believed to be the root cause of all diseases. Yet modern health practitioners do not address this issue at all.
There many causes of Ama, but primarily it will include having weak digestive acids or low digestive fire. This condition Agnimandya, refers to having a low digestive fire will cause incomplete digestion and the improper transformation of the non living food matter to an indigestible toxic sludge which clogs your intestines. Other factors which cause Ama are; a low tissue fire which hinders the proper transformations of certain tissue cells; the accumulation of waste, where body tissues are contaminated by toxins due to improper waste removal; having imbalanced doshas in your body where the 5 elements are not balanced for your specific body type; eating low quality food, like fast foods, GMO and processed foods; and even eating the wrong type of food for your body constitution and eating at wrong times can cause the production of our body’s greatest enemy.
Symptoms of Ama can be feeling lazy, lethargic behavior, aches and pains, lack of energy, skin blemishes, bloating, unclear thoughts, foul body odours from breathe, urine, sweat, stools and phlegm. Also having a white coated tongue is a good indication of Ama formation.
Solutions for ridding ourselves of this toxic sludge do include digestive strengthening herbs and concoctions that are prescribed according to the specific ailment, hot homemade soups, dosha balancing foods and herbs, following a proper daily routine for your body’s constitution, and proper diet and exercise.