Saptadhatu – The Seven Bodily Tissues
In Sanskrit, Sapta means seven and dhatu means body tissues that bear or support. Ayurveda identifies seven vital tissues that provide nourishment, growth, and structure to the entire body. These tissues are called dhatus which are in many ways similar to the major tissues identified by modern science.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 –
This dhatu is a transporter of the body-plasma fluids and provides nourishment to all the other dhatus and is analogous to the plasma. It's made up of water elements. Rasa means to move. The Rasa dhatu is supported by the kapha In the Sanskrit vocabulary of Ayurveda, 'dosha' is a key term.When rasa dhatu is depleted skin becomes dry, and hard, a person is dull, lean, tired, and intolerant to loud speech and noise. When rasa dhatu is in excess loss of appetite, excessive salivation, and nausea. According to Ayurveda, feelings of laziness, heaviness, coldness, cough, and excess of sleep can indicate an imbalance of dhatus.
Functions of Rasa Dhatu:
It makes the person cheerful, and happy and leaves the skin glowing and nourishing Rakta dhatu.
Rakta (blood) Dhatu -
It can be compared with formed elements of blood like Red Blood Cells(RBC), White Blood Cells(WBC), and Platelets etc. Its made up of Agni, the fire element, which is part of the Ayurvedic system.
Functions of Rakta Dhatu:
It takes care of our complexion, nourishes Mamsa dhatu and is governed by pitta dosha. When rakta dhatu is depleted, the qualities of pitta dosha and fire diminish. A person feels cold, the skin loses its luster becoming pale or dusty gray, and coldness. In the mind, depletion of the rakta dhatu leads to dullness, and difficulty in processing and understanding new information. This often leads to confusion and misunderstandings. According to Ayurveda, an excess of rakta dhatu or plasma, increases the qualities of pitta dosha and agni, or fire. A person feels warmer.
Mamsa Dhatu –
The muscle tissue, its main function is to provide physical strength and support for the meda dhatu. It's made up of earth elements.
Functions of Mamsa Dhatu:
Strengthens the body, and builds good muscle tissue in the neck shoulder, and thigh. In the Sanskrit term of Ayurvedic medicine, 'area' can refer to the body tissues. Nourishes meda dhatu and is governed by Kapha dosha and earth elements. When mamsa dhatu is depleted then it causes debility of sense organs, emaciation of cheeks, and buttocks, and pain in joints. When mamsa dhatu is in excess then produces enlargement of lymph glands, tumors, increase in the size of cheeks, thighs, abdomen, etc.
Meda (fat)Dhatu –
This dhatu collects the energies and stores them to provide strength to the body. The adipose tissue also stores fat as a means of body lubrication and a support to bones. The Medha dhatu is supported by the Kapha dosha.
Functions of Meda Dhatu:
Well lubricates the system, with oily and soft hair, skin, and efficient eyes. Nourishes Asthi dhatu and is governed by Kapha. When medas dhatu is depleted then it leads to spleen enlargement, difficult joint movements, emaciation at the abdomen, and desire to consume fatty food. When medas dhatu is in excess, as per Ayurvedic understanding, a person gets tired, fat increases in the abdomen, thighs, neck, etc, and there is a foul smell in sweat and shortness of breath.
Asthi Dhatu –
This dhatu includes all the bones and cartilage and gives shape to the body. It also supports the Mamsa dhatu. The Asthi dhatu is supported by the vata dosha. It's made up of air and space elements.
Functions:
Supports the body. Gives good structure and stability with hard working capacity to the body. Nourishes Majja dhatu. Asthi dhatu is governed by Vata dosha. When asthi dhatu is depleted then there is pricking pain in bones, falling of teeth, nails, and hairs. Bones become porous and get easily fractured. An increase in asthi dhatu leads to excessive growth of bones. Bones and teeth are developed over one another.
Majja Dhatu–
In Ayurvedic terms, this dhatu refers to body tissues found in the bone marrow. Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes the role of Sapta Dhatu, which nourishes the body and supports vital functions. helps maintain its functions. Majja dhatu strengthens the body, fills the bones, and nourishes the Shukra dhatu. The Majja dhatu is supported by the Kapha dosha.
Functions of Majja Dhatu:
Imparts sharp, clear mind with good intellect and memory. Strong joints. Govern by Kapha dosha. When majja dhatu is depleted then bones get weak, joint pain, vertigo, and giddiness occur and shukra dhatu is also depleted. When majja dhatu is in excess then heaviness in the eyes, and the whole body occurs.
Shukra Dhatu –
This dhatu nourishes the reproductive strengths of an individual's state of health is a focus in Ayurvedic medicine. It includes sperm and ovum. The Shukra dhatu is supported by the kapha dosha.
Functions of Shukra Dhatu:
Has patience, enjoys life, and has body strength. Reproductive needs are a concern. Govern by Kapha dosha. In the case of Shukra dhatu depletion, according to Ayurveda, there can be abnormal bodily reactions like delayed or bloody ejaculation. occurs pain in the testicles, the body is weak and thirst occurs. When there is an excess of Shukra dhatu desire for excess coitus is there and stone According to Ayurveda, pain may occur in the shukravaha strotas.All the seven dhatus are inter-connected; the malfunctioning of a single dhatu can impact health.
In Ayurvedic medicine, an imbalance in one dhatu can have an impact on the sapta dhatu, all the other dhatus. The dhatus are composed of the five mahabhutas or elements. Thus, the doshas, which are also made up ofThe five elements, and Agni, help maintain the balance of the sapta dhatu, the seven body tissues according to Ayurveda. A system of well-balanced doshas helps balance the dhatus, thus leading to the proper functioning of the entire system of the body.Ojas is the ultimate “essence” of each dhatu. The most effective way to improve the health of the dhatus is to increase ojas.Improper diet and digestion, on the other hand, will lead to ama formation in each tissue layer.