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Principles
of Ayurveda
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
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