Sapta Dhatus

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The root derivation of dhatu is "do - dharana poshanayoh".

The dhatus help in the maintenance, hearing, sustenance and nourishment of the human body.

There are seven dhatus, they are:

Rasa Dhatu:

The digested food immediately after absorption is called rasadhatu. Its function is prinana - to nourish and supply nutrients to other tissues. If rasa dhatu is increased, loss of appetite, drowsiness, laziness, and heaviness occur. If it is decreased, the body becomes rough, one feels tired and loss of body weight and irritability occur.

Rakta Dhatu:

Its function is jivana - to give life or sustenance to the body. If rakta dhatu is decreased or vitiated, one suffers from different skin diseases, jaundice, drowsiness and the eyes become red. If it is decreased, the person will be dry and rough and his blood vessels become brittle.

Mamsa Dhatu:

This is the muscle tissue. Its function is lepanam - to cover the body and give it a shape. If mamsa dhatu is increased, excess tissue develops. If it is decreased, pain in the bones and sensory tiredness occur.

Meda Dhatu:

The the fat and adipose tissue in the body. Its function is snehana - to provide oil or lubrication and fat resources to the body in order to maintain skin moisture. If meda dhatu is increased, breathlessness and irregular growth of the body occur. If it is decreased, the body is emaciated and the liver and spleen increase in size.

Asthi Dhatu:

The bone tissue; its function is dharana - to give shape or a hard frame to the body, and structure to the limbs. If asthi dhatu is increased, excess bone growth will occur. If it is decreased, pain in the bones and the loss of hair, teeth and nails occur.

Majja Dhatu:

This is the bone marrow, its function is puranam - to fill the bones. If majja dhatu is increased, there is heavy secretion from the eyes, the body becomes heavy and the joints enlarge in size. If it is decreased, bones become porous and hollow, and the person suffers from vertigo.

Sukra Dhatu:

This is semen, and its function is garbhadharana - conception and reproduction. If sukra dhatu is increased, the libido increases and stones of semen (prostate stones) will form. If it is decreased, semen cannot pass out of the body with ease, and when it is passed, blood is present in the semen and the person suffers from pain.

Ojas:

This is the essence of the seven dhatus. It is situated in the heart and helps in providing immunity to the body. Poor nutrition results in a decrease of Ojas, as do mental ailments like bhaya (fear) and krodha (anger).