Saptadhatu The Seven Body Tissues

According to Ayurveda , the human body is primarily made up of Saptadhatus.
“Saptadhatus” is a Sanskrit word, which means seven constituent elements [Sapta=seven, dhatus=tissues]. These seven dhatus are responsible for the entire structure of the body. The dhatus maintain the functioning of different systems, organs and vital parts of the body and play a significant role in the development and nourishing of the body.[i]

The dhatus are also part of the body’s protective mechanism. With the help of agni (fire), they are responsible for the immune processes.¹ Each tissue or dhatu is primarily governed by one of the tridoshas – vata, pitta & kapha.[ii] When one dhatu is defective, it affects the successive dhatu, as each dhatu receives its nourishment from the dhatu preceding it. The seven most important dhatus are presented here in serial order:¹

1) Rasa (Plasma) which is the first dhatu which contains nutrients & minerals from digested food and which nourishes & replenishes all the tissues and organs.

2) Rakta (blood) which transports oxygen to all tissues and vital organs and maintains life.

3) Mamsa (muscle) which covers the delicate vital organs, and enables movements of bones & joints and maintains the physical capacity and strength of the body.

4) Meda (Adipose tissue) maintains the lubrication and oiliness of all the tissues.

5) Asthi (bones and Cartilage) gives support to the body structure.

6) Majja (bone marrow) fills up the bony spaces 7

7)  Shukra which are the reproductive tissues responsible for reproduction. Sperm in males and Ova in females

Any disease where vata-pitta-kapha are involved, the vitiated doshas directly affect the dhatus. With insight into the governing dosha, the cause of a diseased dhatu is accurately determined. The disturbed dosha ( vata, pitta or kapha ) and improper dhatus are always directly involved in the disease process.¹ Once the root cause of the illness is known, the corresponding therapies are used to balance the system through reducing the excess element(s) and increasing the deficient one(s).² Balance of the dhatus can be maintained by taking steps to keep the tridoshas in balance through a proper diet, exercise and recovery program.¹

References

[i] Lad V. Ayurveda: The science of self-healing: A practical guide. Lotus press; 1984.

[ii] Tirtha SS. The Ayurveda encyclopedia: Natural secrets to healing, prevention, and longevity. Sat Yuga Press; 2007.