The Seven Dhatus (Tissues) in Ayurvedic Medicine - California College of Ayurveda (original) (raw)

The Seven Dhatus are:

Plasma – Rasa Dhatu The first of the seven Dhatus, or essential bodily tissues. It is considered the foundation of all other tissues, as it nourishes and supports them. Rasa is primarily composed of water and is responsible for transporting nutrients throughout the body. It is closely linked to the lymphatic system and plays a crucial role in immunity and overall vitality.

Blood – Rakta Dhatu The second of the seven Dhatus, or essential bodily tissues. It is formed from Rasa Dhatu (plasma) and is primarily responsible for the transportation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Rakta Dhatu is also involved in maintaining body temperature, removing waste products, and supporting the immune system.

Muscle – Mamsa Dhatu The third of the seven Dhatus, or essential bodily tissues. It is formed from Rakta Dhatu (blood) and is primarily responsible for providing structure, movement, and protection to the body. Mamsa Dhatu also plays a role in maintaining body temperature and supporting the immune system.

Fat – Medas Dhatu The fourth of the seven Dhatus, or essential bodily tissues. It is formed from Mamsa Dhatu (muscle tissue) and is primarily responsible for energy storage, insulation, and cushioning of vital organs.

Bone – Asthi Dhatu The fifth of the seven Dhatus. It is formed from Medas Dhatu (fat tissue) and serves as the structural/skeletal framework of the body. It provides support, protection to vital organs, and aids in movement.

Nerve/ Marrow – Majja Dhatu The sixth and final Dhatu in the Ayurvedic system. It is formed from Asthi Dhatu (bone tissue) and is responsible for nourishing the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It also plays a vital role in memory, intelligence, and overall mental and emotional health.

Reproductive Tissue – Shukra Dhatu
The seventh and final Dhatu, representing the reproductive tissue. It is derived from Majja Dhatu (nerve tissue) and is essential for the continuation of life. It is considered the most refined and potent of all the Dhatus.
These are the structures that make up the body. However, like most concepts in vedic literature, they are much more than their one-dimensional definitions. They are integral to understanding the relationships of the tissues in the body, and they are sites that doshas enter when they cause disease.

An understanding of the seven dhatus is important to understanding pathology; what goes wrong in the body. When a dosha enters a dhatu, a proper understanding of the dhatu helps the practitioner predict the symptoms that will manifest and provides clues to the best treatment.

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