AMA AND ASSOCIATED DISEASES: AN AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE

*Kumari Renu and Tiwari Shashikant

ABSTRACT

Ama is an important concept described by Ayurvedic Acharyas which is responsible for many diseases. All diseases are originated from Aamdosha, vitiation of Agni i.e. malfunction of Agni produces Ama. Ama is a Sanskrit word that translates literally to mean things like unripe, uncooked, raw or undigested. The formation of small amounts of Ama is a normal part of the digestive process, provided it is efficiently removed. But when it is not regularly cleared and eliminated, Ama becomes hugely problematic. In fact Ama is said to be the root cause of all disease and Amaya, a Sanskrit word for disease literally means that which is born out of Ama. The connection between Ama and the disease process makes perfect sense because the qualities of Ama are in direct opposition to those of Agni.

Keywords: Ama, Agni, Aamdosha.