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The concept of Dosha – Dhaatu – Mala

Dr.B.V.Sathye
M.Sc; Ph.D

Ayurvedic descriptions of components of body structure, functions, encroachment by or recovery from disease, rejuvenation program, all are full of the terms included in the title. The dictionaries available may disseminate little by stating that these are the technical words in Ayurveda. Attempt to use the Samskrita roman dictionary may put the reader in a puzzle Dosha is fault, Dhaatu is metal, Mala is waste, the reading of which does not help in any way.

Ayurvedic seers after observation, state that the body is comprised of three functionally distinct components. Their physical characters may not be similar even though they are put in one group. The tissues namely serum, blood cells, muscles, fat, bones, brain and spinal cord occupying the hollow in head and vertebral column and masculine and feminine components to form new child, have quite different physical characteristics. But as all of them stay on in the body, and do not leave the body naturally; they are put in one group. This group is distinct from the naturally thrown away components like stools, urine, sweat, nails, hair, gases; the getting rid of these in stipulated periods, adds to the comfort level of the body. If the tissues leave the body by accident, the body is not comfortable; but is anxious, exhausted and fatigued.

The body is formed by the naturally retained tissues and the naturally destined to leave the body, the waste products. The Dhaatu term is given to all components that stay in / on the body and losing them decreases the capacity of the body to sustain. If by natural development, the tissues group membranes are weak; the capacity of the body to ward off causes of diseases is decreased. The body, by lesser units of Dhaatu_s, is easily vulnerable to the wrath of causes of disease. By appropriate quantity, tissues increase / protect the chances of continuation of life, as they provide the capacity to exert, and sustain life for physiological requirements).

Waste products are formed out of digestion of food intake and are destined to leave the location, organ and help the body to be more efficacious by separation. If they dont leave the organ they render the part or body dirtier than before. The useful function of the body or related part becomes a burden for the body. The over stayed waste/s weaken/s the capacity and provides facilities to progress of disease. The Mala_sare of gaseous, liquid, fluid, watery, solid nature, in their physical characters. But the function of elimination from the body for the benefit of the body is common in all.

Tissues and wastes possess consistence in:
1. Retaining
2. Leaving the body, respectively.

But both these characteristics of classification, based on functions, are defied by another group of body components. The saliva that appears in the mouth crosses the tissue compartment, but it does not essentially leave the body. By moistening the intake (toast, biscuit) it once again enters in, through absorption. The character of the tissues to be within the limit of the skin and inside linings is ignored, by crossing the salivary glands, but even though the circulatory system is left, the secretion re-enters along with environmental intake for the benefit of the body. Had the defying of Dhaatu character not taken place, the environmental material could not have the chance of getting in contact of digesting /absorbing system of the body. After separation, if the one does not leave the body; and even though 9968`actually coming out from systems, as waste or (Mala) it is not fully destined to get separated from the body.

Not obeying the definitions of both Dhaatu and Mala is the specificity of Dosha_s. While catching a prey, the eater has to exert himself where the tissues from the body are separated (spent) in performing the exertion; but this spending is done for bringing nourishing material in the vicinity of moistening, digesting and absorbing systems. This initial separating of existing tissues is favoring the provision of the next days requirements. So the actions initiated, the secretions lent for moistening and digestion together; are of prime importance in routine survival efforts. Ayurvedic scientists have therefore aptly named the third functional group, Dosha_sas 3 pillars of the body. It defies the nature of both Dhaatu_sand Mala_s. But this group comprising of different physical characters, (actions for capturing from environment first, and later on activity for absorption after moistening and digesting) non-dimensional, watery fluids and colourful digesting fluids, they are put in the Dosha class very appropriately. They receive the environmental air-mixture, water, and food for the welfare of the body. Out of three (retained, excreted, and dual role players), Dosha_sare more important than Dhaatu_s and Mala_s.

The comparison of these entities to the environmental components has given the names of Vaata i.e. responsible for capture, absorption; Pitta for variety of conversions and Kapha for newer inter linking functions.

As some ingredients reach in more quantity inside the tissue zone; the body canalizesthose unwanted fractions, through Dosha_s. By this mechanism the tissues are protected for being more efficient. If one repeatedly takes spicy ketchup in excess quantity than the requirement of the body; the components of ketchup start getting re-excreted in the mouth, stomach, duodenum. The individual is given proper signal that the material being consumed out of liking is in a proportion not to the benefit of the body. The tissues are throwing out the excess components through natural outlets. This is a very important sign for getting aware of the situation inside the tissues, without inflicting upon the tissues. The material not wanted by the body is let out, through channels of Dosha. The knowledge is useful to assess the situation inside. The Dosha_sappear in their respective locations in the gastrointestinal tract two times in a span of 24 hours. The excreted material at times may be irritating sour or pungent, at other times sweet and sticky in nature. This indication naturally monitors the changed desires and hatred of different substances, for retrieving the erred balance. By modification of intake the tissues are protected from being overwhelmed by the disease provoking substances.

The environ is full of so many modifications of hot, cold, moist, dry stimuli which causes modifications in the quality and quantities of such indicating substances. So to push in or take out materials from inside the tissues Dosha_sare important in non-invasive ways. For this very important function the Dosha_sare given top most weight age in body components. The Ayurvedic specialty Panchakarma aims at enhancing the natural movement of Dosha_sfor bulk removal, so that the augmentation of disease is curbed at the root.

Identifying the Prakriti specific dominance of one or two Dosha`s is the most effective tool of managing health by continuous efforts to antagonize the dominant Dosha_s. The tolerance of various substances to build the tissues is dependant on the dominance of Dosha_sin the individual. The choice of rejuvenating material when done by consideration of dominant Dosha is advantageous.

In all, the efforts for health, and recovery from diseases, status of Dosha dominance has got great importance. The concept of Dosha DhaatuMala is very significant in Ayurvedic practice.

Dr.B.V.Sathye
Sr. Scientist AyuSoft. Pune

Last updated on February 9th, 2021 at 07:26 am

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