Changes

Ama (आमः) is an extremely important and exclusive concept in Ayurveda discussed under physiology and pathology sections. The term literally means 'unripen' or 'uncooked'. The food that passes through the process of digestion but doesn't get transformed into the [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|rasa dhatu (रस धातुः)]] properly and remains in the body in such undigested form which can not be utilized by body tissues is called as Ama. It is considered as an important factor in development of variety of diseases related to any and every system of the body. Thus the concept is discussed in depth in Ayurveda.   

Ama (आमः) is an extremely important and exclusive concept in Ayurveda discussed under physiology and pathology sections. The term literally means 'unripen' or 'uncooked'. The food that passes through the process of digestion but doesn't get transformed into the [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|rasa dhatu (रस धातुः)]] properly and remains in the body in such undigested form which can not be utilized by body tissues is called as Ama. It is considered as an important factor in development of variety of diseases related to any and every system of the body. Thus the concept is discussed in depth in Ayurveda.   

== Introduction ==

== परिचयः॥ Introduction ==

Ama translates to undigested or unripe or raw. This again is one of the fundamental and unique concepts in Ayurveda. “Amaya''”'' (आमयः) is the Sanskrit synonymous term for [[roga (रोगः)]] or disease, meaning which originates from ama is a disease.  Deranged [[Agni in Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदे अग्निः)|agni (अग्निः)]] or the digestive fire is one among the prime causes of ama formation in the body along with unhealthy food habits. This concept being significant to vaidyas to understand and treat a disease. Amavata the most commonly found joint disorder described in ayurvedic pathology has the involvement of ama as a causative factor.

Ama translates to undigested or unripe or raw. This again is one of the fundamental and unique concepts in Ayurveda. “Amaya''”'' (आमयः) is the Sanskrit synonymous term for [[roga (रोगः)]] or disease, meaning which originates from ama is a disease.  Deranged [[Agni in Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदे अग्निः)|agni (अग्निः)]] or the digestive fire is one among the prime causes of ama formation in the body along with unhealthy food habits. This concept being significant to vaidyas to understand and treat a disease. Amavata the most commonly found joint disorder described in ayurvedic pathology has the involvement of ama as a causative factor.

== Etymolgy ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

The term Ama has been decoded in the following way. <blockquote>आम्यते ईषत्पच्यते | (Shabd. 1/180)<ref>Shabdakalpadruma 1.180</ref></blockquote>Meaning: That which is slightly digested or digested to some extent is known as Ama''.''  

The term Ama has been decoded in the following way. <blockquote>आम्यते ईषत्पच्यते | (Shabd. 1/180)<ref>Shabdakalpadruma 1.180</ref></blockquote>Meaning: That which is slightly digested or digested to some extent is known as Ama''.''  

That which is apakva (अपक्वम् not digested), asidhi (असिद्ध incomplete) is ama.

That which is apakva (अपक्वम् not digested), asidhi (असिद्ध incomplete) is ama.

== Definition ==

== परिभाषा॥ Definition ==

Ayurveda acharyas have defined and explained the term Ama as follows.<blockquote>ऊष्मणोऽल्पबलत्वेन धातुमद्यमपाचितम्| दुष्टमामाशयगतं रसमामं प्रचक्षते| (Asht. Hrud. 13.5)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 13 Sutra 25)</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Ama is that form of rasa dhatu which remains undigested (unmetabolized) due the poor strength of the digestive fire or agni.   

Ayurveda acharyas have defined and explained the term Ama as follows.<blockquote>ऊष्मणोऽल्पबलत्वेन धातुमद्यमपाचितम्| दुष्टमामाशयगतं रसमामं प्रचक्षते| (Asht. Hrud. 13.5)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 13 Sutra 25)</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Ama is that form of rasa dhatu which remains undigested (unmetabolized) due the poor strength of the digestive fire or agni.   

When the ''ushma'' or the ''agni'' or the digestive fire reduces, the ''dhatus'' in the body cannot form appropriately and moves towards ''amashaya'', there they get contaminated by doshas, further after the digestion what remains is termed as aama.<blockquote>अन्ये दोषेभ्य एवाति दुष्टेभ्योऽन्योन्यमूर्छनात्|कोद्रवेभ्यो विषस्येव वदन्त्यामस्य सम्भवम्||(asht.hrid sut.13.26)</blockquote>Also according to some acharyas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha when get contaminated due to certain reasons lead to the formation of ama.

When the ushma (उष्मा) or the [[Agni in Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदे अग्निः)|agni]] (अग्निः) or the digestive fire reduces, the [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] (धातवः) in the body cannot form appropriately and moves towards amashaya (आमाशयः), there they get contaminated by [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]] (दोषाः), further after the digestion what remains is termed as ama.<blockquote>अन्ये दोषेभ्य एवाति दुष्टेभ्योऽन्योन्यमूर्छनात्|कोद्रवेभ्यो विषस्येव वदन्त्यामस्य सम्भवम्|| (Asht Hrud 13.26) <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 13 Sutra 26)</ref></blockquote>Also according to some acharyas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha when get contaminated due to certain reasons lead to the formation of ama.

== Features of aama - Ama lakshanas ==

== आमलक्षणानि॥ Features of ama ==

Ama formed in the body is of particular properties, owing to which is shows ability to start illnesses. The features or properties of ama are described as below,<blockquote>

Ama formed in the body is of particular properties, owing to which is shows ability to start illnesses. The features or properties of ama are described as below,<blockquote>

“अविपक्वमसंयुक्तं दुर्गन्धं बहु पिच्छिलम्| सदनं सर्वगात्राणामाम इत्यभिधीयते|| (madh.nid.25.2,madhukosha teeka)

“अविपक्वमसंयुक्तं दुर्गन्धं बहु पिच्छिलम्| सदनं सर्वगात्राणामाम इत्यभिधीयते|| (Madhu Commentary on Madh. Nid. 25.2) <ref>Madhukosha Commentary on Madhava Nidana (Adhyaya 25 Sutra 2)</ref>

 

 

Meaning: That element in body which is, undigested, which has a foul smell, very sticky, generates weakness in the whole body is known as ama.</blockquote>Any untransformed and filthy component can not create any new process or element and can not generate energy too. Thus such peculiar features of ama are responsible for its disease causing nature.

Meaning: That element in body which is, undigested, which has a foul smell, very sticky, generates weakness in the whole body is known as ama.</blockquote>Any untransformed and filthy component can not create any new process or element and can not generate energy too. Thus such peculiar features of ama are responsible for its disease causing nature.

== What causes Aama? ==

== आमहेतवः॥ What causes Aama? ==

Ama is generated from the food that a person consumes. However, the process through which it goes, the type of the food consumed, the method in which it is consumed and the internal body conditions which lead to its formation are considered as its causes. They are mentioned below,<blockquote>न च खलु केवलमतिमात्रमेवाहारराशिमामप्रदोषकरमिच्छन्ति अपि

Ama is generated from the food that a person consumes. However, the process through which it goes, the type of the food consumed, the method in which it is consumed and the internal body conditions which lead to its formation are considered as its causes. They are mentioned below,<blockquote>न च खलु केवलमतिमात्रमेवाहारराशिमामप्रदोषकरमिच्छन्ति अपि

चान्नपानानामुपसेवनं,कामक्रोधलोभमोहेर्ष्याह्रीशोकमानोद्वेगभयोपतप्तमनसा वा यदन्नपानमुपयुज्यते,

चान्नपानानामुपसेवनं,कामक्रोधलोभमोहेर्ष्याह्रीशोकमानोद्वेगभयोपतप्तमनसा वा यदन्नपानमुपयुज्यते,

तदप्याममेव प्रदूषयति||(cha.vim2.8)</blockquote>

तदप्याममेव प्रदूषयति|| (Cha. Samh. 2.8-9) <ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthana Adhyaya 2 Sutra 8)</ref></blockquote>

There are certain basic food habits or mental factors which are easily overlooked which are a few prime factors for causing aama in the body. As explained by Acharya Charaka,

There are certain basic food habits or mental factors which are easily overlooked which are a few prime factors for causing aama in the body. As explained by Acharya Charaka,

*    '''Excessive''' intake of food - The quantity of food

*   '''Excessive''' intake of food - The quantity of food

*   '''Guru [[Gunas or Qualities : An Ayurvedic perspective (आयुर्वेदे गुणाः)|guna]] ahara''' means food items that are heavy to digest - Quality of food

*   '''Guru [[Gunas or Qualities : An Ayurvedic perspective (आयुर्वेदे गुणाः)|guna (गुणः)]] [[Ahara (आहारः)|ahara]] (आहारः)''' means food items that are heavy to digest - Quality of food

*    '''Ruksha''' and '''sheeta guna ahara''' meaning those food substances which are dry in property and cold in potency.

*   '''Ruksha''' and '''sheeta guna ahara''' meaning those food substances which are dry in property and cold in potency.

*    Food that is disliked by the eater, is constipating in nature, leads to a burning sensation after intaking, and is unhygienic causes aama in the body.

*   Food that is disliked by the eater, is constipating in nature, leads to a burning sensation after intaking, and is unhygienic causes aama in the body.

*   Food items that are ''viruddha'' or incompatible according to Ayurveda shastra (eg. Milk and fish)

*   Food items that are ''viruddha'' (विरुद्ध आहारः) or incompatible according to Ayurveda shastra (eg. Milk and fish)

*   Untimely food consumption as well can lead to aama formation.

*   Untimely food consumption as well can lead to aama formation.

*  Aama can be formed due to mental factors as well. if food is consumed when the mind is distressed with anger, excess passion, greed, obsession, jealousy, grief, etc.

*  Aama can be formed due to mental factors as well. if food is consumed when the mind is distressed with anger, excess passion, greed, obsession, jealousy, grief, etc.

== Mental factors - maanas hetu ==

== मानसहेतवः॥ Mental factors ==

Various psychological factors are also responsible for formation of Ama. These factors are so potent that despite absence of  any other causative factor for Ama from diet or other environmental factors.  These psychological factors are listed by Acharya Charaka as follows,<blockquote>मात्रयाऽप्यभ्यवहृतं पथ्यं चान्नं न जीर्यति| चिन्ताशोकभयक्रोधदुःखशय्याप्रजागरैः||९|| (Cha. Samh. 2.9) <ref name=":0" /></blockquote>

 

Chinta means stress, shoka (शोकः grief), anger (क्रोधः), sadness (दुःख), excess sleep and staying awake late night are the psychological factors that affect physiology of the digestive process leading

मात्रयाऽप्यभ्यवहृतं पथ्यं चान्नं न जीर्यति|

 

चिन्ताशोकभयक्रोधदुःखशय्याप्रजागरैः||९|| (cha.vm.2.9)

 

 

Chinta means stress, shoka or grief, anger, sadness, and sleeplessness are the psychological factors that affect the physiology of the digestive process

 

The concept of aama or aama as the entity is the cause of several diseases. Aamavata, alasaka, visuchika, aamatisara to mention a few.

Ama is responsible for development of multiple diseases. Although all the diseases are said to be due to poor agni and resultant ama, there are other specific factors that are responsible for development of certain diseases. However, there are some medical conditions which are solely due tp the ama and those are chiefly listed below. <blockquote>आमसंज्ञां स लभते बहुव्याधिसमा-श्रयः (Vachaspatyam762)</blockquote>The concept of aama or aama as the entity is the cause of several diseases. Aamavata, alasaka, visuchika, aamatisara to mention a few.

Acharya Charaka explained specifically alasaka and visuchika as prime diseases caused by aama.

Acharya Charaka explained specifically alasaka and visuchika as prime diseases caused by aama.

When excessive heavy, unctuous, dry food, incompatible food is taken on a chronic basis and untimely, the food does not get digested appropriately and aama is formed, this leads to amatisara. Aamatisara is mildly co-related with dysentery. Where there is a pain in the abdomen, increased motion frequency along with other symptoms. (madh.nida.3.1-11)

When excessive heavy, unctuous, dry food, incompatible food is taken on a chronic basis and untimely, the food does not get digested appropriately and aama is formed, this leads to amatisara. Aamatisara is mildly co-related with dysentery. Where there is a pain in the abdomen, increased motion frequency along with other symptoms. (madh.nida.3.1-11)

== Management of Ama disorders ==

== आमचिकित्सा ॥ Management of Ama disorders ==

(cha.vim2.13)

(cha.vim2.13)

Pachan, snehan (anointing) and swedana(therapeutic steam) methods of dosha expulsion should be adopted according to the rutu(season) and bala(strength) of the patient, pathway of expulsion(vamana or emesis, virechana or purgation). (Asht,hrid.sut.13.29)

Pachan, snehan (anointing) and swedana(therapeutic steam) methods of dosha expulsion should be adopted according to the rutu(season) and bala(strength) of the patient, pathway of expulsion(vamana or emesis, virechana or purgation). (Asht,hrid.sut.13.29)

== Saamadosha (ash.hrid.sut.13.27) ==

== सामदोषा॥ Saamadosha (ash.hrid.sut.13.27) ==

When doshas(vata, pitta, kapha) and dhatus, like rasa, rakta etc are contaminated because of aama formation then these doshas are termed as sa-aama doshas. And when a certain individual is affected with any disease when doshas are in sa-ama condition the diseases are also in sa-ama stage. This is important from a Vaidya’s or physician's point of view while planning the treatment.

When doshas(vata, pitta, kapha) and dhatus, like rasa, rakta etc are contaminated because of aama formation then these doshas are termed as sa-aama doshas. And when a certain individual is affected with any disease when doshas are in sa-ama condition the diseases are also in sa-ama stage. This is important from a Vaidya’s or physician's point of view while planning the treatment.

Asht.sutr.13

Asht.sutr.13

=== Sa-ama dosha lakshana| Symptoms of sa-ama dosha in body (ash.hrid.sut.13.23-24) ===

=== सामदोषलक्षणानि॥ Sa-ama dosha lakshana| Symptoms of sa-ama dosha in body (ash.hrid.sut.13.23-24) ===

1.    Obstruction of strotas(channels/passage)

1.    Obstruction of strotas(channels/passage)

7.    Indigestion

7.    Indigestion

=== Management of saama dosha ===

=== सामदोषचिकित्सा॥ Management of saama dosha ===

When sa-ama doshas arespread across the body, when they are unified with dhatus(tissues), shodhana chikitsa method or expulsion of doshas from the body should not be adopted. Shamana chikitsa(pacification of doshas through oral medication) must be adopted initially. (ash.hrid.sut.13.28)

When sa-ama doshas arespread across the body, when they are unified with dhatus(tissues), shodhana chikitsa method or expulsion of doshas from the body should not be adopted. Shamana chikitsa(pacification of doshas through oral medication) must be adopted initially. (ash.hrid.sut.13.28)