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.
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.
Formation: Nourished by rakta dhātu.
Function:
Provides physical strength and form.
Protects organs and covers skeleton.
Enables locomotion.
Modern parallel: Muscular system.
Formation: Arises from māṃsa dhātu.
Function:
Lubricates body structures.
Maintains unctuousness, stability, and strength.
Stores energy reserves.
Modern parallel: Fat tissue, lipids.
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.
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.
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).
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.