Much before the advent of modern medical technology, Indian sages developed the science of life, Ayurveda. It is predominantly a systematic method that aims at helping individuals maximize their potential while being the best healthy versions of themselves. Ayurvedic science dwells on two primary principles, the first one is that the human mind and the physical body are inseparable forces that work in unison to promote a healthy life while the second principle of Ayurveda is that the mind is the most powerful force that can drastically change the human body.
What is Ama in Ayurveda?
Ayurveda explains the root cause of human problems as being vested in Ama. Ama, the toxins in our bodies can affect us physically or mentally or, both. Ama isn’t something that body makes internally – but is that we acquire from outside due to our lifestyle – and it becomes dangerous when it is allowed to get accumulated in our body for long period of time.
Let us understand the two ways in which physical amas and mental amas are caused:
Physical Ama
This age-old science of Ayurveda, emphasises the importance of food digestion that takes place through our digestive energy called ‘Agni’, in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, physical ama or toxins are majorly a result of unprocessed food in the gut that is attacked by bacteria which then gets fermented within the human body itself forming a kind of substance similar to sludge. This sludge gets accumulated over time and starts to cause intestinal irritation, the effects of which then get passed on to the bloodstream, causing bodily ailments. Some reasons for the fall in our agni (digestive energy) could be due to overeating, eating when one is not hungry, irregular schedules, erratic sleep and lack of exercise among many other food-related mistakes that we tend to make due to our modern, fast-paced lives. Basically these are the toxins we acquire when we consumes anything which is toxic – including what we eat, what we drink and what we inhale.
Mental Ama
These are the toxins that get developed by body when it senses a toxic environment or when it is feeling stressed/negative for a long period of time. Mental amas or toxins are caused when we refrain from dealing with our emotions, thoughts and feelings which get accumulated and lead to mental disturbances such as anger, mood swings, anxiety and unnecessary fear, which can be detrimental to our daily functions and turn into more severe psychological problems such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety attacks and many other stress related diseases. If allowed unchecked for a very long period – this can even lead to body cancer.
According to Ayurveda, there is an innate connection between the human brain and the stomach wherein the two systems regulate each other by sending neural and sensory messages. As we already know, the Ayurvedic principle that the mind has immense control over the human body, one of the main causes of toxins being formed in the body is due to ‘Pragya Aparadh’ meaning, mistakes of the mind that translate to wrong eating habits and an unhealthy lifestyle. There are various toxic sources through which amas enter our bodies, these sources are food, body bacteria and the external environment. Dwelling on some scientific facts, when undigested food is left in the system for prolonged periods of time, the bacteria produces harmful compounds such as ammonia, indols and phenols. In order to beat the amas (toxins), the Agni (digestive energy) needs to be amped up which in turn, increases one’s immunity and body strength along with increasing mental energy.
The best way to steer clear of these amas is to keep checking for symptoms which include lack of focus, frequently feeling lethargic, skin problems such as acne, dull skin, a thick plaque on the tongue, lack of motivation and reduced immunity.
Some steps that you can take to prevent the amas from being formed in your body are :
- Eat in moderation : Don’t overeat, specifically food which isn’t healthy or takes long to digest. If you aren’t enough hungry – you don’t have to eat.
- Consuming natural healthy food : Consume lot of fresh fruits and fresh green vegetables. These won’t just keep your stomach full but will help you detox quickly.
- Reduce your coffee/tea cups and cigarettes – if you are consuming it. Instead replace it with green teas.
- Spend time with nature and meditate regularly. This will help reduce mental ama and will relax, rejuvenate your mind and body.
- Take atleast 8 – 10 glasses of water. Drink as much and whenever you feel thirsty.
- Sweat it out. Exercise – especially Yoga – stretches out the body, leading to prana flow to body areas where it was earlier getting blocked.
- Relax and get enough sleep. Try taking higher deeper breaths daily – especially when you are feeling stressed or tired. This will pump in more oxygen and help you relax better. Also – do not cut out your sleep quota – a good sleep is essential for body to rejuvenate itself.
- Reduce intake of highly processed foods. Processed/packed/greasy/canned foods can lead to body toxins. Switch to freshly cooked, natural food as much as possible.
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