Ama (Ayurveda)
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the Sanskrit word Ama literally means uncooked or undigested. In ayurveda AMA is used as a technical word which denotes any stage or object which exists in a stage of incomplete transformation. It represents, in a gross sense, mere indigestion which sets in in the stomach, to a finer sense , even a faulty enzyme pathway that prevents or hampers a metabolic cycle or chain. Agni, or the fire of life is supposed to be the most important factor that facilitates transformation and an improperly operating agni is the cause of manifestation of ama. As per ayurvedic pathology, Ama is a very important factor playing pivotal role in the genesis of any disease. It is also important in determining the prognosis, drug selection and all other stages of therapeutics. Toxic generation within the system produced at some or other stage of metabolism and circulating through the channels are also called ama. Also, the first stage of any disease is called ama. When ama gets properly transformed, either spontaneously or assisted by medicines, that stage is known as Nirama.
Ama in Ayurveda is a toxic byproduct generated due to improper or imcomplete digestion. It is unknown of any equivalent concept for this in standard Allopathic scientific medicine.
