Self-test to see your level of toxins

By taking this questionnaire, you can get an idea where your toxins are located, and whether you can purify them easily with the Self-Detox Program offered later in this newsletter, or whether you should consult an expert trained in ayurveda.

One simple rule is that a person who has a Kapha imbalance or body type with simple ama, with no symptoms of stiffness, no irritation, no symptoms of amavisha and garvisha, is the ideal candidate to do self-detoxification. People who have ama and only small amounts of amavisha can also do self-detox safely.

Do I Have Ama?*

Circle your response (1 = least; 5 = most)

1. I tend to feel blocked in my body (constipated, congested in the head, general lack of clarity, or other).

1 2 3 4 5

2. In the morning when I wake up, I'm groggy; it takes me quite a while to feel really awake.

1 2 3 4 5

3. I tend to feel weak, physically, for no reason that I can see.

1 2 3 4 5

4. I get colds (or similar conditions) several times each year.

1 2 3 4 5

5. My body tends to have a feeling of heaviness.

1 2 3 4 5

6. I just tend to feel that "something isn't working right" in the body (digestion, breathing, bowel movements, or something else).

1 2 3 4 5

7. I tend to feel lazy. (My capacity to work seems all right, but I have no inclination.)

1 2 3 4 5

8. I commonly have indigestion.

1 2 3 4 5

9. I often have to spit.

1 2 3 4 5

10. Often, I just don't have a taste for food. I have no appetite.

1 2 3 4 5

11. I just tend to feel tired, even exhausted in mind or body.

1 2 3 4 5

Add up your scores to arrive at a rating of your level of ama.

45-55 Severe

35-45 Moderate

25-35 Mild

11-25 Minimal

If this questionnaire indicates that you have minimal, mild, or moderate amounts of ama, then you can do a self-detox program as described below. If you have severe amounts of ama, then it is best to seek the advice of an expert in Ayurveda before embarking on any detox program.

Do I Have Amavisha or Garvisha?

Circle your response (1 = least; 5 = most)

1. I often feel nauseous for no particular reason.

1 2 3 4 5

2. I often have hyperacidity or a burning sensation in my stomach.

1 2 3 4 5

3. My skin often suffers from breakouts.

1 2 3 4 5

4. I often feel dryness in the mouth.

1 2 3 4 5

5. I sometimes feel pain or weakness in my legs or calves.

1 2 3 4 5

6. I have acquired sensitivity and intolerance to new foods, new

flowers, new pets or other new things in my environment.

1 2 3 4 5

7. I often lack mental and emotional energy.

1 2 3 4 5

8. I sometimes feel feverish or whole-body fatigue in the evening.

1 2 3 4 5

Add up your scores to arrive at a rating of your level of amavisha or garvisha.

32-40 Severe

23-31 Moderate

17-22 Mild

8-16 Minimal

If you have minimal amounts of amavisha or garvisha, then it is still safe for you to do the self-detox program recommended in this newsletter. If you have mild, moderate or serious amounts of amavisha or garvisha, then it is very important that you consult with an expert in ayurveda to receive individualized recommendations for your detox program.