The Seven Dhatus in Ayurveda

When you read all the Yogic texts you can always meet the Ayurvedic terminology. So is essential for a yoga teacher and practitioner to have deep knowledge about it.

  
Dhātu (dhä·tōō), is originally a Sanskrit word which means, that which enters into the formation of the body. The root Daa, means support or that which bears. It is thus said to be the base of growth and survival. Also the Sanskrit Dhātu means - layer, stratum, constituent part, ingredient, element, primitive matter.

Dhatus are basically the body tissues which are responsible for the functioning of the systems and organs and the structure of the body. Each of the Dhatus is built out of a previous one and they develop on the nourishment that comes from the digestive system. They are basically the result of the action of catalysts that convert one tissue to another. The sole purpose of metabolism is to assemble proper Dhatus together in synchronization, with which they carry out their role as the field of physiological activity.

The Seven Dhatus

According to Ayurveda, there are seven basic types of Dhatus in a human body. These seven basic dhatus are composed of five Mahabhutas (the five elements). These Dhatus remain inside the human body in a proper equilibrium so that the body can function properly. It is said that any kind of disturbance or imbalance in their equilibrium causes ailments and diseases.

The seven Dhatus are as follows:

Rasa Dhatu (Plasma, Lymph, White blood cells. Life sap)

Rakta Dhatu (Blood, Red blood cells)

Mamsa Dhatu (Muscular tissue)

Medha Dhatu (Fat, Adipose)

Asthi Dhatu (Bone, Cartilage)

Majja Dhatu (Bone and brain marrow, Nerves)

Shukra (male) - Artava (female) Dhatu (Reproductive fluid - Ova or Sperm) 

Traditional texts often refer to the above as the Seven Dhātus (Saptadhātus). Ojas is known as the eighth Dhātu, or Mahādhātu (superior, or great Dhātu).

Rasa (Plasma,  Lymph, White blood cells, Life sap) 

According to ayurveda Rasa is the first Dhatu which is the primary constitution of human body is otherwise known as sap or juice. Rasa literally means sap or juice. Once the food gets digested it is converted into a liquid called as chyle or Rasa which is further transformed into blood. The primary function of Rasa is to strengthen Rakta (blood) and provide nourishment. Basically, the tissue fluids consist of lymph and blood plasma. Also represents the fluids of the extra cellular and intracellular portions of the body. Accessory tissues are the breast milk and the menstrual blood. Immune system.

Rakta (Blood, Red blood cells) 

Rakta Dhatu is said to be constituted from the metabolic refinement of the Rasa Dhatu. The primary function of the Rakta Dhatu is the nourishment of the body. It is also said to be the preserver of life. It also aids in gaseous exchange. Oxygenation of vital organs.

Mamsa (Muscular tissue) 

Mamsa is the muscle which makes up the internal organs of the body and is derived from the Rasa and Rakta Dhatu. It is said to be the basic cover of bone and structure of body. Strength, protects delicate organs, smoothes joint movement.

These muscles are of different types and they are

Hridya kandara: Cardiac muscle.

Vartul kandara: Smooth muscle.

Asti kandara: Skeletal muscle.

Meda (Fat, Adipose) 

Meda Dhatu are the finer part of the Mamsa Dhatu that are the adipose tissue, also known as fatty tissue. They are the refined part of the muscle Dhatu which mainly keep the lubrication between the various body organs and help the body in maintaining right internal temperature. Apart from forming the basis of the adipose tissues the Meda Dhatu also constitutes the brain, spinal cord and nervous tissue.

Asthi (Bone, Cartilage) 

Asthi i.e bones are the finer essence of the Meda Dhatu, which are converted into the most solid form of the Dhatus. They are the main tissues responsible for the basic structure to the body. All the bones in human body are composed of a tissue termed as osseous tissue. Asthi Dhatu also include all cartilaginous structure in the body. They are the most solid form among all the other Dhatus.

Majja (Bone and brain marrow, Nerves) 

Majja, is otherwise referred as myeloid tissue and is the finer essence of the Asthi Dhatu. It is basically a semi- solid substance, yellow and red in color. These tissues are supposed to be within the cavity of the bone. It is also found inside the brain and spinal cord. Motor impulses, sensory impulses, cellular communication.

Shukra (male) - Artava (female) (Reproductive fluid, Ova, Sperm) 

Sukra/Artava is produced from the most refined essence of the Bone Marrow. It is the most refined product or essence of all the seven Dhatus. It is the cause of Ojas, which is actually the essence of all the seven Dhatus. The Shukra/Artava is responsible for the reproductive elements, for vitality and energy of the body. Procreation, holds essence of all tissues. In female it is known as Sronita and is responsible for ovum.

The best thing about Ayurveda is that they follow a very specific method of treatment for diseases related to different Dhatus.The growth and survival of the human body depends on these Dhatus or the tissues. When there is a slight disturbance or imbalance in the equilibrium of these Dhatus it will result in ailments or diseases of the human body.

Namaskar

Garudananda - Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner