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Malas (मलाः)

Malas (मलाः)

The term ‘Mala’ in Samskrit literally means ‘dirt, filth or impurity’. In the context of Ayurveda, Mala denotes those impurities in physical body which when remain in body for long time, make the body dirty or filthy. In other words, Malas are one of the 3 key components of the Sahrira, which when not in equilibrium, cause harm to the body tissues.  

The term ‘Mala’ in Samskrit literally means ‘dirt, filth or impurity’. In the context of Ayurveda, Mala denotes those impurities in physical body which when remain in body for more than a stipulated time period, make the body dirty or filthy. In other words, Malas are one of the 3 key components of the Sharira (शरीरम्), which when not in equilibrium, increase impurities in the body.  

== Introduction ==  

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः॥ Etymology ==

== Types of Malas ==

== विविधाः मलाः॥ Types of Malas ==

Purisha, Mutra and Sweda are 3 malas of [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Sharira]]. These can be roughly correlated with Stools, Urine and Sweat.  

Purisha, Mutra and Sweda are called as Trimalas (त्रिमलाः । 3 wastes) of [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Sharira]].<ref>Ashtanga Hrdayam (Sutrasthana Adhyaya 1 Sutram 13)</ref> These can be roughly correlated with Stools, Urine and Sweat respectively. Among these 3, Purisha (पुरीषः) and Mutra (मूत्रम्) are believed to be the Annamalas (अन्नमलाः) i.e. waste products obtained from the process of digestion (of food) while Sweda (स्वेदः) and few other substances are obtained from the process of Sookshma pachana (सूक्ष्मपचनम् । dhatu level metabolism). <ref>Charaka Samhita ([http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read Chikistasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 18-19])</ref>Various malas described by different Ayurveda acharyas are listed below 

== Function of malas ==

== मलानां कार्यम्॥ Function of malas ==

Although malas have a tendency to generate impurities in sharira, they do have the role in normal functioning of the body. Ayurveda considers Malas as one of the 3 roots of the Sharira. Thus they are equally important as [[Doshas (दोषाः)|Doshas]] and [[Dhatus (धातवः)|Dhatus]] when it comes to the normal and abnormal function of the body. According to Ayurveda, when Malas are in the balanced state, they perform specific function. E.g

Although malas have a tendency to generate impurities in sharira, they do have the role in normal functioning of the body. Malas are excreted out of the body once their function is over. If body fails to discard them, they become painful to the body. Ayurveda considers Malas as one of the 3 roots of the Sharira. Thus they are equally important as [[Doshas (दोषाः)|Doshas]] and [[Dhatus (धातवः)|Dhatus]] when it comes to the normal as well as abnormal function of the body. According to Ayurveda, when Malas are in the balanced state, they perform specific functions as described here.  

# Purisha- Waste by product of digestion, excreted through Guda (anus). Thus, correlated with Stools.

# Purisha-  

# Mutra- Waste by product of digestion, excreted through Basti (Urinary system). Thus, correlated with Urine.

# Mutra-  

# Sweda- Commonly known as Sweat, excreted through skin.

# Sweda-

Thus, Malas play important role in normal function of Sharira as well as in the development of diseased state of the body.

Thus, Malas play important role in normal function of Sharira as well as in the development of diseased state of the body.

== Dhatu-malas ==

== धातुमलाः॥ Dhatu-malas ==

There is another subcategory named Dhatumalas in Ayurveda, which is important while understanding the process of tissue level metabolism. Dhatumalas are the waste by-products of Sookshma pachana (tissue level metabolism). Ayurveda acharyas have listed dhatumalas for most of the dhatus e.g Kapha is considered as the Rasa dhatu mala while Pitta is considered to be Rakta dhatu mala. Kesha (Hair) are considered as the Asthi dhatu malas. (Citation)

There is another subcategory named Dhatumalas in Ayurveda, which is important while understanding the process of tissue level metabolism. Dhatumalas are the waste by-products of Sookshma pachana (tissue level metabolism). Ayurveda acharyas have listed dhatumalas for most of the dhatus e.g Kapha is considered as the Rasa dhatu mala while Pitta is considered to be Rakta dhatu mala. Kesha (Hair) are considered as the Asthi dhatu malas. (Citation)

This category of malas also holds clinical importance since [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidyas]] (Ayurveda practitioners) look at the abnormalities related to various body constituents considering their roots of origin and development. It is believed that, in authentic Ayurveda practice, one can achieve optimum therapeutic outcome when these fundamentals are kept in mind and not just by equating conventional medical terms with Ayurveda theories.

This category of malas also holds clinical importance since [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidyas]] (Ayurveda practitioners) look at the abnormalities related to various body constituents considering their roots of origin and development. It is believed that, in authentic Ayurveda practice, one can achieve optimum therapeutic outcome when these fundamentals are kept in mind and not just by equating conventional medical terms with Ayurveda theories.

[[Category:Ayurveda]]

[[Category:Ayurveda]]