CONFUSION = AMA
In Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine of India that seeks to treat and integrate body, mind, and spirit , Ama is undigested food that gets stored as toxin in the body. Ama also has an emotional, mental and relational component as undigested emotions and impressions create confusion. Both Ayurveda and Yoga are trying to bring clarity in our lives, so both are trying to remove Ama from us, so it’s important to know about Ama and recognize it when it’s present.
My teacher and Ayurveda Practitioner, Cate Stillman, goes further describing Ama by saying that “Ama causes confusion both on the cellular level - creating a slimy coating around cell membranes that dulls the cell receptors and endocrine optimization. Ama also causes confusion - or dullness - on the mental level leading to complacency and lassitude.” Ewwww, so gross!
Signs of Ama (regardless of your Ayurvedic Constitution)
Excess body weight (i.e., Kapha is not Ama!)
Lethargic upon arising (i.e., if you’re human, you’re a morning person, stop telling yourself otherwise)
Grumpy upon waking (i.e., mmmhmmm!)
Unstable energy (i.e., stop blaming your sugar level swings)
Bad breathe (i.e., you’ve smelled Ama in the subway, you know!)
Lots of white coating on tongue
Traveling body aches and joint pain (i.e., maladiesRus or Achaques Galore)
If you see any of these signs showing up in your life you must address them before they turn into a permanent illness; Ama is slow moving in and very slow moving out AND Ama’s toxicity is the cause of permanent conditions. The long term solution is to cultivate healthy habits and to consider a gentle cleansing program once/twice a year. Let me know if you are interested in learning the basics of Ayurveda, which habits will keep Ama away and do an Ayurvedic inspired detox.
