The human body, just like any machine, produces waste as a natural part of the metabolic process. Our bodies have many ways of eliminating this waste, the most obvious being via the faeces, urine or sweat. If the elimination is incomplete a toxic build-up will result in virtually any organ or system, in particular the intestines, the liver, the kidneys, the lungs, the blood vessels and the genitourinary tract.

The numerous more subtle ways in which this toxic matter is secreted are frequently overlooked. While the body is mainly concerned during the daytime with the process of digestion, at night the waste will find ways of leaving the body via such routes as the tongue, teeth, nose, ears and eyes, and through the hair follicles. Other means of elimination include the liquid form of perspiration which emanates from the lymphatic system, particularly in the armpits and groin and the gaseous form which we know as flatulence.

Ayurveda sees the build-up of toxic waste, or ‘Ama’, as a primary cause of disease. In addition to the normal by- products of metabolism, it recognises that an excess of Ama is the result of a weak digestion – a lack of digestive fire, or ‘Agni’. Ama is naturally sticky, and produces secretions that are often foul-smelling . If these are not removed promptly they will clog up the body’s organs and systems.

Ayurveda has developed methods for the removal of every type of toxin, and these form a part of the daily routine. They include the tongue scraper, the Neti pot, Ayurvedic toothpaste, nasal drops, ear drops and eye drops. The importance of close attention to personal hygiene is emphasised, for example cleaning the armpits and genitals to avoid fungal infections and overgrowth of bacteria. This is particularly important in warm weather.

The Ayurvedic attention to removal of Ama is another example of the way in which  Ayurveda focuses on prevention rather than waiting for sickness to develop.

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