What is “Ama”?

“Ama” is the Ayurvedic term for toxins and impurities that build up in the physiology, creating blockages to the flow of nutrients, circulation and biological signals. These impurities are most often attributed to poor digestion, but can also come from environmental pollutants and/or stressful experiences. Essentially, Ama is a form of un-metabolized waste that cannot be utilized by the body. The formation of small amounts of Ama is actually considered a normal part of the digestive process —provided that it is efficiently removed. But when un-metabolized waste is not regularly cleared and eliminated from our digestive system, Ama can become severely problematic.

Ama tends to build up in the tissues and channels of circulation over time. The longer these toxins remain in the physiology, more deeply imbedded they become. Ayurveda identifies these long-standing blockages as the the root cause of many diseases and chronic disorders.

Signs of Ama

1) The frequent need to spit or clear throat

2) A heavy feeling in the body (sluggishness)

3) Physical weakness

4) Fatigue

5) Coated tongue

QUICK TIPS TO REDUCE AMA AND FEEL BETTER

Drink Hot Water

Boil water for 10 minutes in the morning and put in a thermos that you can take with you. Sip hot water throughout the day. Oddly enough, this very simple habit will help to dissolve ama, easily and naturally.

Improve Your Dietary Habits

Eat more cooked veggies (freshly cooked organic vegetables are recommended). Eat your biggest meal at lunch, when your digestive fire is strongest, and have a lighter meal at night. Try to avoid left-overs.

Avoid Cold Food or Drinks

This is especially important during meals. Iced drinks with your meal or a frozen dessert after a will severely diminish your ability to digest what you have just eaten. Ama will accumulate as a result.

Oil Massage

A warm oil massage in the morning will help clear ama from the skin tissues and will also provide a layer of protection from environmental pollutants.

Panchakarma

Panchakarma is an integrated series of treatments and procedures that, taken together, dislodge impurities from the cells and tissues and flush them from the body.The gentle, yet powerful Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies remove toxins and impurities from the tissues and help open the channels of circulation and elimination. These treatments work at a deep level to remove Ama and restore a healthy balance, while simultaneously strengthening and enlivening the body’s natural healing mechanisms.