7 Dhatus in Ayurveda: Functions of the dhatus for Body and Mind Balance

Fundamental building blocks of the body - The Seven Dhatus


In Ayurveda, the seven dhātus (tissues) are considered the fundamental building blocks of the body. They nourish, support, and sustain life, much like the structural and functional systems in modern biology. Each dhātu arises sequentially from the previous one, with its essence passed on to nourish the next. Here’s a structured overview:

1. Rasa Dhātu (Plasma / Nutrient fluid)

  • Formation: Derived from the digested food (Āhāra rasa).

  • Function:

    • Nourishes all tissues and organs.

    • Circulates nutrients and hormones.

    • Maintains moisture and hydration.

  • Modern parallel: Plasma, lymph, interstitial fluids.

2. Rakta Dhātu (Blood)

  • Formation: Produced from rasa dhātu with the help of ranjaka pitta (liver, spleen).

  • Function:

    • Vitality and life force (prāṇa).

    • Oxygenation and tissue nourishment.

    • Maintains complexion and warmth.

  • Modern parallel: Red blood cells and blood circulation.

3. Māṃsa Dhātu (Muscle tissue)

  • Formation: Nourished by rakta dhātu.

  • Function:

    • Provides physical strength and form.

    • Protects organs and covers skeleton.

    • Enables locomotion.

  • Modern parallel: Muscular system.

4. Meda Dhātu (Adipose tissue / Fat)

  • Formation: Arises from māṃsa dhātu.

  • Function:

    • Lubricates body structures.

    • Maintains unctuousness, stability, and strength.

    • Stores energy reserves.

  • Modern parallel: Fat tissue, lipids.

5. Asthi Dhātu (Bone tissue)

  • Formation: Derived from meda dhātu.

  • Function:

    • Provides structure, support, and stability.

    • Protects internal organs.

    • Serves as a reservoir for minerals.

  • Modern parallel: Bones, teeth, cartilage.

6. Majjā Dhātu (Bone marrow & Nervous tissue)

  • Formation: Produced from asthi dhātu.

  • Function:

    • Fills bones and nourishes them.

    • Supports immunity and blood formation.

    • Governs intelligence, memory, and nervous functions.

  • Modern parallel: Bone marrow, nervous system.

7. Śukra Dhātu (Reproductive tissue)

  • Formation: The most refined dhātu, formed from majjā.

  • Function:

    • Responsible for reproduction and regeneration.

    • Provides vigor, vitality, and immunity (ojas).

    • Supports creativity and mental strength.

  • Modern parallel: Reproductive system (sperm, ovum, reproductive secretions).

Key Notes

  • Ojas: The vital essence of all dhātus, especially shukra, is called ojas. It governs immunity, vitality, and higher consciousness.

  • Sequential Nourishment: If one dhātu is weak or diseased, it affects the formation and function of the next.

  • Balance: Proper digestion (agni) and metabolism are crucial to maintain healthy dhātus.



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