Digestive Health Series No.4 Ama!

So what happens when our digestive health is not operating in balance or in its optimal state?

There are several things that can happen when our digestive health is unbalanced, and one of them is build up of Ama in the body. Ama is like the opposite to Agni, our digestive fire (see Blog 2 in the series!). As a sanskrit word, Ama, it doesn’t directly translate into English but suggested translations include ‘uncooked’ or ‘undigested’. It is essentially a toxic substance (often referred to as generally as a ‘build up of toxins’) that cannot be metabolised or used within the body. If not eliminated, Ama can build up and cause imbalance or illness in our body. So if our digestive fire is suboptimal and Ama starts to accumulate we start to notice and experience signs.

General Signs and Symptoms of Ama

1.Feeling sluggish / heavy in the body

2.Confusion, depression and anxiety in the mind

3.Poor or irregular appetite and loss of taste

4.Digestive complaints such as indigestion.

5.Congestion in the body such as sinus congestion, constipation and weight gain

6.Fatigue

7.White, furry coating on the tongue that doesn’t go away with scraping.

8.Areas of swelling in the body (e.g. edema)

9.Generalised aches and pains

These signs and symptoms can lead to diseases including but not limited to diabetes, gout, cancers etc.

So what actually causes Ama?

It is generally associated with poor Agni, but it is more complicated than that as sometimes Ama can cause poor Agni. However, there are some overall causes of Ama which we can become aware of. Poor diet and eating patterns are a key cause alongside a lack of exercise, irregular daily routine and sleeping during the day.

All this is a bit heavy and depressing eh! BUT the good thing is there are so many things you can do to eliminate Ama and more importantly prevent build up!

Some tips to eliminate Ama or prevent build up!

Sunshine! There is evidence to support that spending time in the sun (not too much!) is effective in creating lightness and digestive movements to aid elimination! Moon bathing is also effective too, great for those who are unable to handle the heat!

Movement and breathwork. Yoga and breath focus are great options for physically moving, shifting Ama from the body and strengthening Agni. The idea is that our life force energy is increased to guide unwanted products from our body.

Dietary focus. This is a huge topic and highly individualised, but checking out the 6 tastes, eating meals at optimal times of the day, reducing snacking, eliminating processed foods and drinks and introducing approved fasting techniques can all be highly effective at preventing build up of Ama.

Cleanses. In Ayurveda, there are some beautiful, gentle cleanses and even herbal protocols that when supported by a practitioner can effectively eliminate Ama from the body. It is important as with any dietary change to receive support and advice from a practitioner and checking with your medical practitioner prior to starting.

If you feel you this might apply to you, do get in touch with an Ayurvedic Practitioner such as myself to help guide you! Book your consultation today!