The definition of Ama is that which is not transformed completely due to the weak Agni (digestive fire). Anything incompletely transformed is considered as in the state of Ama. Food that is not fully digested in the gut, or nutrients not completely metabolized and transformed into tissues in the body systems, or a fruit that does not ripen completely can come under the state of Ama. If we end up eating very heavy to digest foods, or in large quantities (more than what can be properly digested), or more often (frequent meals), then Samagni (normal digestive fire) in comparison becomes manda (weak), so may create Ama.
The resulting action of the Ama inside of the body is called Ama Dosha, which gives rise to various kinds of diseases and the root of all diseases.
States of Disease
When there is Agni Māndya (weak Agni), Ama is produced.
● The state where Ama is present is called Sāma. ● The state where Ama is digested is called Nirāma.
It is important to know if the disease is at a Sāma or Nirāma state. The treatment will be different at both of these stages. In the Sāma state, pungent bitter herbs need to be used to digest Ama. In the Nirāma state Dhātu building herbs need to be used to strengthen the Dhātus .
Sama and Nirama Vata/Pitta/Kapha
When a Dosha is associated with Ama it is called Sama Vata/Pitta/Kapha. To treat the Dosha, the Ama should be tackled first.
The association of Ama with a Dosha should be broken by the administration of Deepana (fire kindling medicines or medicines which enhance the appetite and enhance the digestion capacity, correct metabolic process in presence of sluggish digestion) and Pachana or Ama Pachana Dravyas (medicines which digest and expel Ama).
When Ama loses its association with a Dosha, it will be called Nirama Vata/Pitta/Kapha. Though the pathological element in the form of Ama has been separated from a Dosha, the free Dosha is still pathological, since it is also in vitiated form. This Dosha should be handled by the administration of alleviating or expelling treatments and medicines treatments.
Causes of Ama:
Mandagni (Weak Digestive Fire)
Eating excessively
Eating often, munching, or eating before the previous meal is digested
Drinking ice-cold water
Eating heavy, cold, and/or dry foods
Irregular eating
Excessive fasting
Intake of food when the individual is affected by anger, greed, envy, grief, anxiety, fear, etc.
Signs of Ama
Heaviness
Lethargy
Dull mind
Gas, constipation
Bad taste in the mouth
White coated tongue
Excessive saliva in the mouth
Fatigue, blocked channels
Loss of appetite
Signs of Sama Vata
Symptoms of disturbances in the functions of the energy Vata (Sama Vata), which are due to the presence of Ama in the body, are:
Constipation
Bloating
Gurgling in the abdomen
Pain in the lower abdomen, back and sides
Pricking pain in the body
Signs of Sama Pitta
Signs of disturbances in the functions of the Pitta energy (Sama Pitta), which are due to the presence of Ama in the body, are:
Sour belching
Vomiting green
Strong, acidic-smelling pitta
Burning pain in chest and throat
Signs of Sama Kapha
Signs of disturbances in the functions of the Kapha energy (Sama Kapha), which are due to the presence of Ama in the body, are:
Cloudy, white phlegm
Very sticky, thick mucus
Bad breath
Increased turbidity in urine
Sama Purisha (stool)
Here, when defecating, there are symptoms such as:
Abundant amount
Unpleasant odor
Lack of form
Immersion in water (Sinks instead of floating)
The absence of such anomalies is called Nirama purish and is considered the norm in defecation.
Sama Mutra (urine)
In this condition, when urinating are observed:
Turbid urine
Larger amount and higher density than normal
Unpleasant odor
With Nirama puris, the urine is clean, clear, odorless and with a normal amount and density.
How do I prevent Ama?
Avoid overeating and/or eating heavy foods in large quantities.
Avoid tamasic foods. Examples: Leftovers, processed, canned foods, fast food or food with additives and colorings.
Avoid ice cold water and drinks and cold foods.
Eat warm, freshly cooked food.
Make lunch your main meal and eat a light breakfast and dinner.
Eat heavy foods in smaller quantities and light foods more.
Calm the mind before eating.
How do I treat Ama?
Fasting: Skip a meal or eat a fruit
Drink warm water, eat clear soups
Use digesting herbs such as ginger black pepper, cumin seeds and garlic
In chronic cases, do Panchakarma
Visit a Holistic Ayurvedic Coach
After the appropriate diagnosis, the Holistic Ayurvedic Coach may recommend programs that affect both the causes of the formation of Ama and the consequences.
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