MALAS: BODILY WASTE

by **Admin** Sun 07 Nov 2010, 7:50 pm

MALAS: BODILY WASTE
Malas are the various waste products of the dhatus produced during the normal metabolic process. The three primary malasbeing Purisa (faeces), Mutra (urine) and Sweda(sweat). Ayurveda clearly states that only a balanced condition of doshas, dhatus and malas is arogya (good health or disease free condition) and their imbalance is the cause of ill health or disease.

Purisa is the waste left back after nutrients of digested food have been absorbed in the small intestine. The consistency of the faeces depending on the main digestive fire i.e jatharagni and apana vayu( refer to the 5^th type of vata).This system is known as Purishvahastrotas.

The tridoshas must be in balance to ensure normal evacuation. Pitta and kapha help digestion and vata governs the mobility throughout the process. Any imbalance between these can lead to various symptoms of abdominal heaviness or pain, flatulence, constipation or diarrhea. It may also give rise to diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, asthma, bronchitis as well as stomach ulcers and irritable bowels.

Mutra is derived during the course of digestion within the human body. The first stage of urine formation begins in the large intestine where fluids are absorbed into the system. The entire urinary system i.e Mootravaha strotas-kidneys, uterus, bladder and urethra, take part in the formation and elimination of urine, regulating the fluid balance in our body and also maintaining blood pressure. Any imbalance of increased or decreased urine may result in disorders as kidney stones urinary infections, cystitis, abdominal pain and bladder disorders.

Sweda (sweat) is the third primary mala, and it occurs as a waste product during the synthesis of meda dhatu (fatty tissue). Eliminated through skin pores, it controls body temperature. The channels responsible for bringing the sweat to skin surface are known as sweda vaha srotas. It is essential that normal formation and flow of sweat takes place as otherwise it may lead to skin infections, itching/burning sensation over the body, loss of fluid balance and reduced body temperature.

The three principal malas are urine, feaces, and sweat. These waste products, like the doshas and dhatus, are composed of the five elements. Secondary malas include the intestines fatty excretions, earwax, hair (body, head, and beard), nails, tears, and menstrual discharge.

The normal flow of the malas is obstructed whenever the Doshas are increased or decreased beyond their natural state. Pancha karma, the five-fold Ayurvedic cleansing therapy, is designed to assist the body in the elimination of The Malas.