What is Ama & How to Spot It in Your Body
- The Ayurvedic Mum
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
Have you ever felt sluggish, bloated, or mentally foggy—even when eating healthy? According to Ayurveda, this could be a sign of Ama, the root cause of many imbalances.
What is Ama?
Ama is an Ayurvedic term for toxins formed by incomplete digestion. When your digestive fire (Agni) is weak, food isn’t fully processed, leaving behind sticky residue that clogs your body’s channels. Think of it as undigested waste fermenting inside you—impacting everything from immunity to energy levels.
How to Spot Ama in Your Body
Common signs include:
A thick white or yellow coating on your tongue
Feeling heavy and sluggish even after rest
Bloating, gas, constipation, or foul-smelling stools
Bad breath or a metallic taste in the mouth
Unexplained fatigue, brain fog, or low mood
Recurring colds, coughs, or sinus congestion
Dull skin or breakouts
Unusual signs you might not expect:
Sticky saliva or unpleasant body odour
Joint stiffness or mild aches in the morning
Loss of appetite but feeling bloated
Odd cravings, especially for sour or spicy foods
Lack of motivation, depression
Struggle to get out of bed in the morning
What Causes Ama?
Ama forms when digestion is compromised. Common triggers include:
Eating without true hunger
Overeating or eating heavy, processed, cold foods
Combining incompatible foods (e.g., milk with sour fruits)
Eating under stress or late at night
Suppressing natural urges (like belching, sneezing, elimination)
Drinking excessive water during meals
When this continues over time, Ama spreads to tissues and causes deeper imbalances, leading to disease if left unchecked.
Why Autumn is the Perfect Time to Cleanse
Autumn marks a seasonal shift, making the body more vulnerable to dryness, anxiety, and irregular digestion due to rising Vata dosha. Cleansing at this time:
Clears Ama from the system
Strengthens Agni (digestive fire)
Boosts immunity before winter
Brings mental clarity & emotional balance
This period also coincides with Navratri (a powerful time for detox, spiritual practice & introspection)—making it an auspicious window to reset your health and mind.
Join the Autumn Ayurvedic Cleanse
Cleanse Dates: 27th September -3rd October
Allow 1 week before and after for smooth transition into a new diet and routine.(Dates can be adjusted to suit your schedule.)
✔ Gentle, plant-based Ayurvedic recipes
✔ Lifestyle practices to strengthen Agni & eliminate Ama
✔ Support for mindfulness and spiritual practices