A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF AMA DESCRIBED IN AYURVEDA

Abstract

Ayurveda is an ancient science of life. It has its own basic concepts like Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Agni etc. Ama is also one of them. It plays a major role in Dhatu (Dosha, Dhatu, Mala) Vaishmya (vitiation) and production of various diseases in the body. According to Ayurveda Mandagni (hypofunctioning of digestive fire) is the basic cause of all diseases. Ama is considered as Apakwa Ahara Rasa (unripe, undigested or partially digested food) which is pro- duced due to Mandagni. Further it circulates all over the body through Srotas (channel of circulation) causes Sroto- vaigunya (vitiation in channel of circulation) and plays a major role in manifestation of various diseases. Dosha, Dhatu and mala vitiated by Ama are known as Sama Dosha, Sama Dushya and Sama Mala. If the treatment principle of disease is planned by understanding the concept of Sama and Niram, it would give a better result. In this review article the concept of Ama is described from different Ayurvedic Smahitas and texts. Keywords: Concept of Ama, Sama, Niram, Agni.