Ama

Origin·Role in Ayurveda·Effects·Causes·Nutrition·Everyday tips·Conclusion·FAQ·Sources

Origin: Where does the term "Ama" come from?

Ama is a term from Ayurveda, the traditional Indian art of healing. Literally translated from Sanskrit, ama means "undigested", "uncooked", "unripe".

Role in Ayurveda: What is the significance of Ama in Ayurveda?

Digestion plays a central role in Ayurveda. Ama is the antagonist of Agni, the digestive fire. The accumulation of undigested food and metabolic residues in the digestive tract is considered one of the main causes of illness. In Ayurveda, these are divided into conditions with ama(sama) or without ama(nirama). The treatment of these different types of disease is often very different, which is why it is important for the treating doctor to have a sound education.

The Ayurvedic scriptures, such as the Charaka Samhita or the texts of the physician Vagbhata, also comment on the development of ama and name four stages of development: ama rasa, which develops in the digestive tract; ama dhatus, which passes into the tissues; ama dosha, which combines with the doshas; and finally ama vish(a), ama that remains in the body for a long time and can act like a poison.

Influence on people: How does Ama influence body and mind?

Poorly digested food residues and waste products are a burden on the body. According to the teachings of Ayurveda, their accumulation can lead to various complaints. These include bloating, heartburn, constipation and abdominal pain. Joint pain, bad breath and chronic inflammation can also be signs of undigested food residues in the gastrointestinal tract. What is not good for the body is also bad for the mind. There, an accumulation of ama manifests itself in the form of mood swings, irritability and aggression, exhaustion and lack of concentration.

Due to its sticky, viscous, slimy substance, ama can mix with the doshas(sama dosha) and thus exacerbate any imbalance that may already exist. Ama can also combine with the tissues(sama dhatus) and the body's waste products(sama malas). All these connections can cause the development of conditions. Depending on which dosha ama connects with, this has different effects.

Sama-Vata/ Vata Ama:

  • usually accumulates in the lower abdomen and pelvic cavity, causes intestinal disorders and joint pain
  • is a possible cause of a dry, bitter taste in the mouth
  • possibly leads to constipation, as it disturbs Agni, as well as to dry skin, flatulence and pain in the body.

Sama-Pitta/ Pitta Ama:

  • usually accumulates in the center of the abdomen
  • leads to problems in the small intestine, liver and gallbladder
  • also tends to pass into the blood
  • causes strong odors and can lead to a bitter or sour taste in the mouth
  • can lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, fever, rashes and inflammation

Sama-Kapha/ Kapha Ama:

  • usually accumulates in the stomach, chest, lungs and sinuses
  • can lead to a foul smell and a salty or sweet taste in the mouth
  • weakens both the digestive power and the appetite
  • Symptoms can include: colds, coughs, sinus congestion, lymph congestion

Causes: What causes ama?

The main cause for the formation of ama is weakened agni, which leads to digestion not functioning properly and metabolic residues remaining in the body. Poor eating habits such as food that is too heavy, oily or does not fit together, portions that are too large, irregular meals and excessive amounts of cold and raw food contribute particularly to the formation of ama. However, mental factors such as emotional stress, anxiety and anger as well as a lack of sleep and exercise can also promote the accumulation of ama.

Nutrition: Which foods are associated with Ama?

An overload of undigested food residues can be prevented by adapting your diet to your dosha. Highly processed convenience products, junk food and meat are also not recommended if you want to avoid Ama. Various spices and herbs, on the other hand, fuel the digestive fire. These include ginger, cinnamon, fennel and coriander. A glass of hot water in the morning also stimulates digestion. However, in addition to the wrong foods, too much food is particularly harmful. This is aggravated by hasty gulping down of meals and eating the main meals late in the evening, when the Agni, the digestive fire, is only burning weakly.

With a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle, there is hardly any harmful undigested food residue in the body. If the digestive fire is working well, the food is processed and digested by the body. The following nutritional tips help to avoidAma:

An overview of recommended foods to avoid Ama

Recommended and Not Recommended Foods

Recommended and Not Recommended Foods

✅ Recommended 🚫 Not Recommended
Spicy, bitter and tart tastes Sweet, sour and salty tastes
Rather sour fruits (e.g. cranberries) Very sweet fruit
Lots of vegetables and greens (also possible raw with Pitta) Mushrooms, sweet and heavy vegetables
Whole grain cereals: Gers, Millet, Quinoa, Rye Wheat, White rice
Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas) Oily legumes such as soybeans
Light dairy: goat milk, buttermilk Heavy dairy: cheese, cream, cow’s milk in excess
Cooling spices: coriander, fennel, turmeric Hot spices: chili, garlic, mustard seeds
Light oils: sunflower oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil (moderate) Heavy oils: sesame oil, peanut oil
Herbal teas: peppermint, chamomile, rose Coffee, black tea, alcohol

After meals, you have two options to stimulate Agni and promote the digestion of Ama: Go for a short walk or lie on your left side for a few minutes.

Tips for everyday life: How can you prevent ama?

  • Practice daily Ayurvedic morning and evening routines
  • Find out which diet suits you best
  • Eat regularly and consciously, including chewing thoroughly
  • Choose fresh and seasonal organic foods
  • Drink warm water regularly throughout the day
  • Exercise regularly, preferably according to your dosha
  • Create a balance and find peace through meditation and yoga

Conclusion

The most important facts about Ama at a glance

  • 1. Ama is undigested food residue in the digestive tract.
  • 2. The accumulation of such residues is caused by poor nutrition or a disturbance of Agni - the digestive fire.
  • 3. Ama is not poisonous, as it is merely the remains of undigested food.
  • 4. Poor digestion can cause not only physical but also psychological problems such as mood swings and exhaustion.
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FAQ - Further questions about Ama

What is Ama in Ayurveda?
How can Ama be eliminated in Ayurveda?

Sources

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