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.

Etymology

Malinikaranat malaha

Types of Malas

Purisha, Mutra and Sweda are 3 malas of Sharira. These can be roughly correlated with Stools, Urine and Sweat.

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 and 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

1. Purisha- Waste by product of digestion, excreted through Guda (anus). Thus, correlated with Stools.
2. Mutra- Waste by product of digestion, excreted through Basti (Urinary system). Thus, correlated with Urine.
3. Sweda- Commonly known as Sweat, excreted through skin.

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

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)

This category of malas also holds clinical importance since 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.