That undigested food material which sits in the stomach for a long time and undergoes fermentation due to impaired Agni is Ama. Due to the fermentation process, this undigested food cannot be utilized by the system. Ama can be easily eliminated from the digestive tract, however once it reaches the deeper tissues it’s then that it becomes difficult to eliminate and starts clogging the channels, eventually weakening an immune reaction.

Factors which trigger a weak Agni, eventually lead to the formation of Ama.

Symptoms of Ama in the body 

• Coated tongue, constipation, sluggish metabolism, sounds in the stomach
• Sleepiness,feeling of being covered with wet cloth, heaviness of body
• Pain,swelling, pricking pain, body parts will be gradually afflicted by pain

One can also do a self – analysis of Ama by checking the tongue early morning, before brushing teeth.

Brownish-black coating on the tongue is an indication of Ama caused due to Vata imbalance

Dark yellow or greenish coating on the tongue is an indication of Ama caused due to Pitta imbalance

Whitish coating on the tongue is due to Ama caused by Kapha imbalance

However, an Ayurvedic physician can diagnose all about Ama like its formation, location and degree through a detailed analysis called Ashta vidha pareeksha.