Do You Have Accumulated Ama?

According to ayurveda, less-than-perfect digestion can leave behind partially digested matter called ama. If not flushed out regularly, this ama can turn toxic and form the breeding ground for disorders. Here is a simple questionnaire you can take to find out if you have accumulated ama (digestive toxins) in your system:

My tongue is coated white when I awake in the morning. A. Always B. Often C. Sometimes D. Rarely E. Never

I yawn a lot after a main meal and feel like a snooze. A. Always B. Often C. Sometimes D. Rarely E. Never

I feel tired and lethargic all day long, even though I eat well and sleep well. A. Always B. Often C. Sometimes D. Rarely E. Never

My appetite is poor and I crave "junk" foods or foods not ideal for my constitution. A. Always B. Often C. Sometimes D. Rarely E. Never

I feel a general lack of motivation or zest for life. A. Always B. Often C. Sometimes D. Rarely E. Never

I feel "spaced out" and my mind is cloudy. A. Always B. Often C. Sometimes D. Rarely E. Never

I experience abdominal bloating or gas, especially after a main meal. A. Always B. Often C. Sometimes D. Rarely E. Never

I feel heavy and congested and/or constipated. A. Always B. Often C. Sometimes D. Rarely E. Never

I have a general sense of malaise, with vague aches and pains. A. Always B. Often C. Sometimes D. Rarely E. Never

How to interpret your scores:

If you have mostly
A answers, it is very likely that you have a high level of ama build-up in your physiology. An ayurvedic cleansing program would be helpful. Consider a personal appointment with an ayurvedic physician for an individualized cleansing program.
B answers, it is likely that you have a fairly high accumulation of ama. An at-home ayurvedic cleansing program would be helpful.
C answers, it is likely that you have some ama, but choosing a lighter diet, lots of warm water and following good eating habits should get you back on track.
D answers, you have very little ama. A lighter diet for a week or two and lots of warm water is all you need to cleanse out any ama you do have.
E answers, you are doing fine! Your digestion is perfect and you should continue what you are doing now with your diet and lifestyle as it obviously works for you.