The Dhatus
The Sapta (seven) Dhatus (tissues)
elements form the pillars of the body that form the means
of nourishment and growth while providing support to the
body as well as the mind.
Rasa (fluid) Dhatu –Derived from the
digested food, it nourishes each and every tissue and cell
of the body and is analogous to the plasma.
Rakta
(blood) Dhatu – Regarded as the basic
of life, it is analogous to the circulating blood cells.
It not only nourishes the body tissues, but provides
physical strength and colour to the body.
Masma Dhatu – The muscle tissue, its main function
is to provide physical strength and support for the meda dhatu.
Meda (fat) Dhatu – Consists of adipose
tissue providing support to ashti dhatu.
It also lubricates the body.
Ashti
Dhatu – Comprising of bone tissues, including
cartilages, its main function is to give support to the majja
dhatu and provide support to the masma dhatu.
Majja Dhatu – Denoting the yellow and red bone
marrow tissue, its main function is to fill up the ashti and to oleate the body.
Shukra Dhatu – The main aim of this reproductive
tissue is to help reproduction and strengthen the body.
Since
the dhatus support and derive energy from
each other, affecting one can influence others. For
instance, interference in the manufacture of the plasma
affects the quality of the blood, which in turn effects
the muscle. Each tissue type has its own agni,
which determines metabolic changes in the tissues. And
forms by-products, which are either used in the body or
excreted. Menstural periods for example are a by-product
of rasa. The tissues are also governed by
the three doshas, and any imbalance in them
also causes imbalances in dhatus. Heavy
periods therefore can also be caused by the effects of the
excess of Kapha on plasma.
Introduction
| Panchamahabhutas
| Tridoshas
| Trigunas
| Agni
| Dhatus | Malas
|