Aama – Metabolic Toxicity by Dr. Christie Smirl – Christie Smirl

Ayurveda understands clearly the process of metabolic toxicity. When the body undergoes improper metabolism of food in the gastro-intestinal system, a toxic substance called aama may develop. Initially, this toxic aama will be isolated in the gut and may be excreted through the feces, but if aama continues to accumulate through abnormal diet and digestion, it will spread through the rasa (plasma) and travel to a weakened dhatus (body tissues). Aama creates the substrate for disease. For this reason, Ayurveda always targets the elimination of aama from the body during any panchakarma (detoxification) or rasayana (rejuvenation) protocol.

To better understand aama, it is important to study it’s gunas (qualities). Aama is guru (heavy), sheeta (cold), pichilla (sticky and slimy). These qualities allow aama to stick to and clog srotas (body channels). Aama will also become affiliated with imbalanced doshas, whether vata, pitta or kapha. This dhatu and dosha – aama association will determine the disease pathway, location and symptoms.

Take a moment to read my article on Ayurvedic basics to become more familiarized with Ayurvedic terms and concepts.

Signs and symptoms of aama accumulation

Bad breath
Foul smelling flatulence or feces
Indigestion
Sinus, throat, chest congestion
Constipation, diarrhea, bloating or gas
Under the eye/facial puffiness
Feeling sluggish and heavy
Poor appetite
Mental confusion or irritation
Skin blemishes
Fever
Weight gain
Stiffness, soreness or other aches and pains
Low of energy
Anxiety, depression or worry
Poor immunity
Frequent infections
Thick tongue coating

Causes of aama accumulation

Eating after dark
Sleeping after a meal
Overeating
Improper food combining such as mixing
- Diary with meat
- Dairy with fruit
- Eggs with dairy, meat or bananas
- Fruit combined with any other foods
- Melons combined with any other fruit or food
- Nightshades with dairy
Eating unripe foods
Eating too rich of foods
Consuming cooked honey
Eating stale foods or leftovers
Low agni (digestive power)
Eating during emotional distress
Weather changes
Lack of activity
Improper panchakarma

The Ayurvedic treatment of aama is multifaceted and should be done only under the supervision of a Ayurvedic doctor or certified Ayurvedic practitioner. Treatment usually involves the following

Dietary modifications
Lifestyle modifications
Exercise modifications
Langhana (depleting therapy or fasting)
Deepana herbal therapy to restore agni (digestive fire)
- Fresh ginger is an excellent deepana herb. It can be freshly sliced and made into a tea, diced and added to the cooking process of soups or sautees. Ginger can also be eaten as an appetizer to stimulate agni. Here is a YouTube video I made showing you how to make an agni boosting ginger appetizer.
- Adding other spices to your cooking such as cumin, fennel, fresh cracked black pepper are beneficial for augmenting agni.
- Healthy Agni is an excellent Ayurvedic formula to restore agni available from Athreya – LetsAllBeHealthy.com. Always consult an Ayurvedic specialist before starting any Ayurvedic herbs.
Pachana herbal therapy to reduce aama.
- Triphala is a pachana herbal combination that has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of year to balance vata, pitta and kapha as well as reduce aama. Here is an article I wrote about Triphala if you’de like to learn more.

Health and longevity depends on diet, lifestyle, agni, dosha balance and dhatu strength. Ayurveda treats the entire body, mind and spirit to achieve the fullest well being. To learn more about the Ayurvedic Yoga Awakening Training Program, Holistic Health Advisor Program and Ayurveda visit HealthierVibrations.com. There are free education videos there to get started.

Dr. Christie Smirl has over 25 years of medical experience. She completed a Doctorate of Ayurvedic Medicine from American University of Complimentary Medicine as well as Nurse Practitioner and Master of Science from Loma Linda University. Dr. Christie is also an E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher Trainer YACEP, Reiki Master/Teacher, Tantric Energy Healer and Musician.

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