Ama and Pachana in Ayurveda
Ama:
In Ayurveda, "Ama" refers to undigested food or toxic residue that accumulates in the body due to improper digestion. Physically, ama manifests as a sticky, foul-smelling substance that can clog bodily channels (srotas) and lead to various health issues. It is often associated with symptoms such as lethargy, heaviness, coating on the tongue, indigestion, and a general feeling of malaise.
Emotionally, ama can contribute to feelings of confusion, depression, and mental fog. It disrupts the clarity and balance of the mind, leading to emotional instability and a lack of mental clarity.
Ama occurs when our digestion cannot keep up with what we are eating, but even more important HOW we are eating. If you imagine a pot of food being cooked and the heat keeps being turned up and down (or even on then off) and parts of the recipe are added during cooking instead of before cooking and then it is taken out of the oven early - that half cooked/half burnt/half raw mess that has been created is very similar to what our digestion has to cope with when we don’t eat well (but also when our emotional life is unstable and dysregulated!) The result is ama.
Simplified Ayurvedic Ama Questionnaire
Introduction: Ama, according to Ayurveda, is the by-product of incomplete digestion. It represents physical and mental toxins that can accumulate in the body and lead to disease. This questionnaire is designed to help understand the signs of ama within the body. This questionnaire is a simplified version. Please see an Ayurvedic practitioner to adequately assess you and recommend treatment.
Instructions: Please read each statement and rate how frequently you experience these symptoms using the following scale:
0 = Never
1 = Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often
4 = Always
Questions:
Do you feel a sense of blockage in your body, such as constipation, congestion, or as if there is a build up of waste/toxins/pressure/lack of elimination?
When you wake up in the morning, do you feel unclear or foggy?
How long does it take for you to feel fully awake after rising?
Do you often feel physically or mentally tired without a clear cause?
How frequently do you catch colds or similar ailments?
Do you experience a feeling of heaviness in your body?
Do you feel that something is not functioning properly in your body, such as breathing, digestion, or elimination?
Is there a lack of motivation or laziness that isn’t linked to actual capacity to work?
How often do you suffer from indigestion or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) type symptoms?
Do you find yourself needing to spit often or do you cough a lot?
Do you have a lack of taste for food and little to no real appetite even though you are eating regularly?
Is your tongue often coated, especially in the morning?
Scoring Interpretation:
0-12: Minimal Ama present. The body’s Agni (digestive fire) is functioning well, and there is little to no blockage in the channels.
13-24: Mild Ama accumulation. There may be occasional sluggishness in digestion or minor blockages. Lifestyle adjustments and dietary changes may be recommended by your Ayurvedic practitioner.
25-36: Moderate Ama presence. Digestive impairment is more frequent, and there may be signs of toxin accumulation. Ayurvedic cleansing practices called ‘amapachana’ may be beneficial.
37-48: High Ama levels. There is significant blockage in the body’s channels, and Agni is likely impaired. A comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment plan may be advised by your Ayurvedic practitioner.
49-60: Severe Ama accumulation. This indicates a serious imbalance of Agni with a high level of ama.
Disclaimer: This questionnaire is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and all symptoms above should be assessed and followed up with your primary health care provider/GP. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Eventually, ama can ‘travel’ to weak spaces (khavaigunya) within the body causing more deep-seated issues:
Grogginess
Dull eyes
Aches and pains
Poor circulation
Joint pain and inflammation
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Skin blemishes
Fatigue and low energy
Weakness
Constipation
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Bloating and gas
Congestion of lungs, throat, and nasal passages
Bad breath
Decreased urine and sweat output
Turbid urine
Lack of appetite or impaired taste
Sticky or sweet taste in the mouth
Unclear thinking
Pachana:
"Pachana" refers to the process of digestion and metabolism in Ayurveda. It is the body's ability to transform food into energy and nutrients effectively. Pachana is essential for maintaining health and balance in the body, as it ensures that all consumed food is properly digested and assimilated.
Amapachana:
"Amapachana" is the process of eliminating ama from the body and restoring proper digestive function. This involves using various Ayurvedic herbs, dietary practices, and lifestyle modifications to kindle the digestive fire (agni), thereby promoting the digestion and elimination of toxins.
The most important part of an amapachana practice is to remove the cause of ama.
Do not snack in between meals. Don’t eat before the previously meal has been digested.
Do not overeat.
Don’t eat too many raw, uncooked foods (excess salads, smoothies, green juices, etc).
Don’t drink too much (any) ice-cold water or over-drink water.
Don’t eat too many hard to digest (heavy) foods such as meats, cheese, wheat (especially when it mixed with meats and cheese), fried foods.
Don’t eat too many poor food combinations (such as eating fruits with other foods).
Don’t eat whilst rushing or multi-tasking.
When I work with clients on their food habits we take one of these at a time, focusing on the one(s) that are probably causing the most digestive distress and we work on it for a couple of months! Don’t start making eating and mealtimes stressful …this causes ama.
Lemon, Ginger, and Honey in Amapachana
One of the most simple amapachana practices that you will hear about is lemon, honey and ginger tea. This is not enough on it’s own to address an issue of ama but it is a wonderful daily remedy to prevent ama and it is part of a traditional amapachana practice.
Lemon:
Lemon is considered a natural detoxifier in Ayurveda. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost the immune system. Lemon stimulates the digestive fire (agni), aiding in the breakdown and elimination of ama. Its sour taste and acidic properties help cleanse the digestive tract and improve digestion.
Ginger:
Ginger is highly regarded in Ayurveda for its powerful digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to kindle the digestive fire, improve digestion, and reduce ama. Ginger helps in alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and gas, and enhances the absorption of nutrients.
Honey:
Honey is a natural sweetener with numerous health benefits. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. In Ayurveda, honey is used to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and support digestion. It helps in scraping off ama from the digestive tract and acts as a natural detoxifier.
Caution: Honey Should Not Be Heated
According to Ayurveda, heating honey or adding it to boiling hot water is discouraged. When honey is heated, it becomes toxic and can produce a substance called "ama visha" or toxic ama. This toxic form can contribute to various health issues, including digestive disturbances and imbalances in the doshas. Therefore, it is advised to add honey to warm (not boiling) water or beverages to retain its beneficial properties.
Invitation to Try Lemon, Ginger, and Honey
To experience the benefits of lemon, ginger, and honey for amapachana, try this simple remedy:
1. Lemon-Ginger Tea with Honey:
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a cup.
- Grate a small piece of fresh ginger (about 1 inch) and add it to the cup.
- Pour warm water (not boiling) over the lemon and ginger.
- Let it steep for a few minutes, then add a teaspoon of raw honey.
This concoction can be taken daily, especially in the morning, to help cleanse the digestive system and promote overall health.
Complement with Kitcheree
Kitcheree, a traditional Ayurvedic dish made of mung beans and rice, is an excellent complement to this detox regimen. It is nourishing, easy to digest, and helps in cleansing the body while providing essential nutrients. By combining the lemon-ginger-honey remedy with a diet that includes kitcheree, you can support both the detoxification and nourishment of your body.
Conclusion
Incorporate this Ayurvedic practice into your routine to experience the cleansing and nourishing benefits of lemon, ginger, and honey. Along with a balanced diet and proper lifestyle choices, these natural ingredients can help you achieve better digestion, detoxification, and overall well-being.