Slow

Understanding Manda (Slowness) in Ayurveda

Manda is the Ayurvedic property of slowness associated with Water and Earth elements. It increases Kapha while decreasing Vata and Pitta doshas. Substances with manda quality slow bodily functions, reduce waste movement, and may cause accumulation of malas (waste products). Typically sweet, bitter, or astringent in taste with sweet post-digestive effect and cooling potency, manda substances promote relaxation and strengthen the seven tissues (dhatus). However, they may create sluggishness and dullness.

🌟 Definition

Manda is the property which results in slow or delayed action of the matter in Ayurvedic science.²

🌍 Elemental Association²

Manda attribute is primarily linked to two elements:

• Earth (Prithvi)
• Water (Jal)

When a substance is described as having slow attribute (manda guna), it is understood to contain high quantity of water and earth elements - both of which have heavier molecular weight.

🔄 Relationship with Dosha¹

• Increases: Kapha dosha ⬆️
• Decreases: Vata and Pitta doshas ⬇️

💩 Effect on Malas (Waste Products)²

Substances with slow attributes:

• Reduce the movement of the malas (waste products) in the body
• May result in accumulation of malas in the body

🌡️ Taste Associations²

• Rasa (Taste): Sweet, Bitter and Astringent
• Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): Sweet
• Veerya (Potency): Cooling potency (sheeta veerya)

✨ Key Properties

• Creates sluggishness in bodily functions
• Slows action and metabolic processes
• Promotes relaxation and calmness
• May create dullness in perception and response
• Strengthens the seven tissues (sapta dhatus)²

🌿 Examples

• Pumpkin

👤 Manifestation in Kapha-dominant Individuals

• Slow in action and movement
• Lack of inclination toward physical activities
• Deliberate, methodical thinking process

References

Primary Source: Acharya Balkrishna's A Practical Approach To The Science of Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthy Living.

1. Ayurveda - The Science of Self-Healing - Dr Vasant D Lad - Pg 50
2. School of Ayurveda and Panchkarma - Lectures and Notes