Ama: Ways to remove toxins from your body

In Ayurveda the accumulation of toxins, undigested food and retention of waste is called AMA. In this post, we will dive deep on AMA and ways to remove toxins from your body.

There are foods that do not promote good digestion, assimilation and nutrition. This causes the channels and systems of the body (Srotas-Dathus) to become blocked.

Srotas are the channels of the body through which nutrients circulate for the formation and function of Dathus, Doshas and Malas. Dathus are the structural elements and tissues of the body, ranging from the densest to the most subtle. There are 7 Dathus and they are formed from the food we eat.

MALAS

They are the organic waste like sweat, urine and feces.

These are made up of the 5 elements, so the earth element predominates in the feces, water and fire dominate the urine and sweat.

Good nutrition not only means an adequate intake of nutrients, it must also include a proper expulsion of the waste materials generated during the digestive process.

Other type of Malas are bile, nails, hair, dead skin, menstrual blood and other secretions such as mucus, and wax. Ayurveda pays close attention to the way in which Malas are produced and eliminated.

It is very important that normal amounts of toxins are produced and that their proper disposal is ensured.

For this Ayurveda proposes a series of therapies designed to eliminate AMA or toxic waste from our body.

AMA AND THE DOSHAS

Ayurveda recommends the following therapies to detoxify the body from the unwanted AMA.

• Vatta – Enemas with medicinal oils
• Pitta – Use of purgatives
• Kapha – Medicinal vomit

AMA AND THE BODY IMPULSES

Denial or restriction of our body’s natural emotions or urges can lead to the production of toxins or AMA. That is why it’s very important that you listen to your body. In addition, the denial of your body needs causes Vata to move in an abnormal direction and that may cause serious diseases.

These are the 13 urges you should never postpone or avoid.

• To urinate
• To defecate
• To expel gases
• To throw up
• To sneeze
• To burp
• To yawn
• To eat when hungry
• To drink when thirsty
• To sleep when sleepy
• To cry if sad
• To pant after a workout
• To ejaculate

TIPS TO REMOVE AMA

The following Ayurvedic tips will help you eliminate AMA or toxins from your body in a natural and gradual way.

1. EAT LOTS OF VEGETABLES

We must know our dosha or body type in order to heal.

Most vegetables are good detoxifiers.

Vata

Roots and tubers like beets, carrots and turnips etc are good for Vata body types, as well as well cooked avocado and onions.

In small quantities broccoli, cauliflower, celery, mushrooms, potatoes, radishes, eggplants, medium chilies and bell peppers.

If you are Vata you should avoid alfalfa sprouts, artichokes, asparagus, cabbage, peas, raw vegetables

Find out your body type today.

Pitta

Eat alfalfa sprouts, artichoke, asparagus, soybean sprouts, bell peppers, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, coriander, and watercress.

In small quantities: avocado, carrots, eggplant, well-cooked garlic, parsley, potato, and spinach.

Completely avoid hot chili, mustard greens, raw onion, radishes, tomato paste or sauce, and any spicy vegetables.

Kapha

Try to eat often alfalfa, green beans, bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, celery, coriander, and green leafy vegetables.

It is okay to have tomatoes and mushrooms in small amounts.

And avoid beets, cucumbers, okra, squash, eggplant, squash, and sweet potatoes.

2. WARM WATER AND LEMON

According to Ayurveda, drinking hot water with lemon, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, helps to cleanse the digestive tract of AMA that accumulates during the night.

Lemon water is very alkalizing and serves to purify the blood, stimulates the liver and its detoxification and supports the production of bile.

3. SCRAPE YOUR TONGUE

Oral health is very important and the tongue plays an essential role in digestion since it begins in the mouth.

If the tongue is covered by a plaque this indicates the presence of AMA or toxins in the body.

You should establish a routine every morning, before brushing your teeth, to scrape and clean your tongue, using a stainless steel or copper cleaner. The tongue should be gently scraped off and rinsed off with warm water. Repeat this process until you no longer see plaque on your tongue.

The benefits of this practice, in addition to eliminating AMA from your body, are the following:

• Promotes and improves the function of the immune system
• Improves the function of the digestive system
• Reduces the accumulation of tartar on the teeth
• Prevents and eliminates bad breath