As a consequence of foods which we take into our bodies from the
external world and the normal biological processes which take
place internally, we generate different kinds of waste materials,
or malas, which must be excreted. Ayurveda generally recognizes
two kinds of malas: The ahara malas include feces (purisha), urine (mutra), and sweat
(sveda). These are the three main malas. The dhatu malas include
the various secretions of the nose, eyes, ears; lactic acid, carbon
dioxide, and other metabolites of cellular respiration; exfoliated
hair, skin, and nails. Although these are all waste products,
they serve a role in maintaining health as long as they are normal
in their quantity (pramana), qualities (gunas), and function (karma).
However, if the malas become abnormal in some regard (i.e. increased
or decreased) they become a factor in creating disease. When the
dhatus and malas become unbalanced they are called dushyas (soiled).
The malas are composed predominantly of different elements. Feces
is composed mainly of earth element; urine, mainly water and fire;
sweat, primarily water. Of course all five elements are contained
in every mala.
Basic Principles Of Ayurveda
Waste Materials--Malas
The following chart summarizes the effects of increased (vriddhi)
or decreased (ksaya) malas:
The Three Malas
Mala
Vriddhi (increase)
Ksaya (decrease)
Feces (purisha)
Mahabhuta: earthHeaviness
Flatulence
Abdominal discomfort (generalized) Bloating
Abdominal pain (mid)
Low back pain
Weakness
Asthma
Osteoarthritis
Hypokalemia
Hypocalcemia
Urine (mutra)
Mahabhuta:
water and fire
Urinary frequency
Bladder dysfunction
Urinary tract infectionsReduced urine
Chronic thirst
Renal stones
Abdominal pain (lower)
Sweat (sveda)
Mahabhuta : waterPerspires easily
Fungal dermatoses
Low body temperature
Constipation
Body odor
Itching
ConstipationDecreased perspiration
Dry skin
Burning sensations
High body temperature
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