MALA SIDDHANTA: AN AYURVEDIC INSIGHT INTO EXCRETORY PHYSIOLOGY WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS TO PURISHA

The Mala consists of the three primary waste products of the human body as recognized in Ayurveda; Purisha, Mutra and Sweda. These Malas are incredibly important in maintaining balance in one's body, helping with detoxifying the body, and supporting the overall functional integrity of the body. Purisha is the solid part of the waste product of digestion; Mutra is the liquid waste produced mainly from the filtering process of the kidneys; and Sweda is the vapour or perspiration which comes from perspiration out through the large pores of the skin and is vital to thermo-regulate and to remove metabolic waste through perspiration. The production, change, and removal of the Malas depend on the proper functioning of Agni and the free flow of Srotas. This article discusses the definition of Mala Siddhanta from a physiological, clinical, and pathological perspective about Purisha and why this is an important concept in relation to health and disease.