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|title=Mala
|title=Mala
|titlemode=append
|titlemode=append
|keywords=Mala,Mala in ayurveda,Mala Meaning,Mala Classes,Aharamala,Dhatumala,charak samhita
|keywords=Mala,Mala in ayurveda,Mala Meaning,Mala Classes,Aharamala,Dhatumala,Ayurveda, Indian system of medicine,charak samhita
|description=These are waste products formed during digestive and metabolic processes. Mala are one of the fundamental constituent of the human body along with dosha and dhatu
|description=These are waste products formed during digestive and metabolic processes. Mala are one of the fundamental constituent of the human body along with dosha and dhatu
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|type=article
|type=article
}}
}}
The word ‘Mala’ literally means dust, dirt, filth, secretion or impurity.<ref>Available from https://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=mala&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3</ref>In Ayurveda, the term is applied to the biological products formed after digestion and metabolism (SAT-B.457).<ref>Available from http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat</ref>
The word ‘Mala’ literally means dust, dirt, filth, secretion or impurity.<ref>Available from https://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=mala&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3</ref>In Ayurveda, the term is applied to the biological products formed after digestion and metabolism (SAT-B.457).<ref>Available from http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat</ref>
== Etymology and derivation: ==
== Etymology and derivation: ==
<div style="text-align:justify;">
The word mala is derived from the Sanskrit root “Mruj” meaning “that which is to be cleaned or eliminated”.<ref>Jha Srujan. Amarakosha online application</ref> The word means excretions of the body, dirt, sin, natural impurity etc.<ref>Monier Williams A Sanskrit–English Dictionary,new edition, Oxford: At the Clarendon Press, OCLC 458052227, page 135-136.</ref>
The word mala is derived from the Sanskrit root “Mruj” meaning “that which is to be cleaned or eliminated”.<ref>Jha Srujan. Amarakosha online application</ref> The word means excretions of the body, dirt, sin, natural impurity etc.<ref>Monier Williams A Sanskrit–English Dictionary,new edition, Oxford: At the Clarendon Press, OCLC 458052227, page 135-136.</ref>
</div>
==Synonyms==
==Synonyms==
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The synonyms of mala are:<ref>Jha Srujan. Shabdakalpadruma online application</ref>
The synonyms of mala are:<ref>Jha Srujan. Shabdakalpadruma online application</ref>
*Papam: it denotes the sinful deeds
*Papam: it denotes the sinful deeds
</div>
==Meaning in different contexts ==
==Meaning in different contexts ==
<div style="text-align:justify;">
The terms mala is applied in various contexts as below:
The terms mala is applied in various contexts as below:
*The constituents formed after digestion and metabolism other than essence (prasad) [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 6/16].
*The constituents formed after digestion and metabolism other than essence (prasad) [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 6/16].
</div>
== List of metabolic wastes ==
== List of metabolic wastes ==
<div style="text-align:justify;">
The different waste products (mala) mentioned in Ayurveda are as below:
The different waste products (mala) mentioned in Ayurveda are as below:
2) Waste products of tissue metabolism (dhatu mala): all other kinds of waste products formed after tissue metabolism (dhatu agni)
2) Waste products of tissue metabolism (dhatu mala): all other kinds of waste products formed after tissue metabolism (dhatu agni)
</div>
'''Table 1: Dhatu and their respective mala'''
'''Table 1: Dhatu and their respective mala'''
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
==Anatomical aspects of waste products==
==Anatomical aspects of waste products==
<div style="text-align:justify;">
=== Channels of excretion (malayana) ===
=== Channels of excretion (malayana) ===
Two external orifices in the lower part of the body (the anus and urethra), seven orifices in head region (two eyes, two ears, two nostrils and mouth) and numerous openings of sweat glands are the channels for excretion of waste products. [ Cha. Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 7/42]
Two external orifices in the lower part of the body (the anus and urethra), seven orifices in head region (two eyes, two ears, two nostrils and mouth) and numerous openings of sweat glands are the channels for excretion of waste products. [ Cha. Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 7/42]
It is advised to take bath twice a day, clean excretory passages and feet frequently to keep external parts of body clean and prevent diseases.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/18]
It is advised to take bath twice a day, clean excretory passages and feet frequently to keep external parts of body clean and prevent diseases.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/18]
Suppression of natural urges of defecation, urination, flatus, etc. causes diseases. Therefore, it is advised to follow natural urges to preserve health and prevent diseases.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 7/3]
Suppression of natural urges of defecation, urination, flatus, etc. causes diseases. Therefore, it is advised to follow natural urges to preserve health and prevent diseases.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 7/3]
</div>
==Management of disorders related to waste products==
==Management of disorders related to waste products==
<div style="text-align:justify;">
The disorders related to waste products can be broadly divided into 3 categories:
The disorders related to waste products can be broadly divided into 3 categories:
So, the management strategy for these disorders is based upon this.
So, the management strategy for these disorders is based upon this.
</div>
===Treatment principles in decreased state===
===Treatment principles in decreased state===
<div style="text-align:justify;">
*Stop the excessive elimination and promote the consumption of substances with similar properties. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/11]
*Stop the excessive elimination and promote the consumption of substances with similar properties. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/11]
For example, in case decrease in stool formation, black gram (masha) is advised in diet which can increase the bulk of stools.
For example, in case decrease in stool formation, black gram (masha) is advised in diet which can increase the bulk of stools.
</div>
===Treatment principles in increased state===
===Treatment principles in increased state===
<div style="text-align:justify;">
*Promote the elimination of waste products by correcting the respective pathology [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/17].
*Promote the elimination of waste products by correcting the respective pathology [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/17].
*Underlying pathology should be diagnosed in terms of [[dosha]] and managed accordingly which can automatically correct the abnormal characters of waste products.
*Underlying pathology should be diagnosed in terms of [[dosha]] and managed accordingly which can automatically correct the abnormal characters of waste products.
</div>
==Contemporary approach==
==Contemporary approach==
<div style="text-align:justify;">
Human waste or excreta refers to the waste products of digestion and metabolism. In Ayurveda, both urine and feces are considered as waste products formed after digestion of food (ahara mala).
Human waste or excreta refers to the waste products of digestion and metabolism. In Ayurveda, both urine and feces are considered as waste products formed after digestion of food (ahara mala).
Various biochemical and laboratory investigations are developed to assess body fluids and metabolic products. Judicious implication of these tests and application of knowledge of concept of ‘mala’ can help in finding better healthcare and disease diagnosis solutions.
Various biochemical and laboratory investigations are developed to assess body fluids and metabolic products. Judicious implication of these tests and application of knowledge of concept of ‘mala’ can help in finding better healthcare and disease diagnosis solutions.
</div>
==References:==
==References:==