Dhātu (Ayurveda)
Encyclopedia
Dhātus n.pl. ( from Sanskrit
धातु dhātu - layer, stratum, constituent part, ingredient, element, primitive matter ) in Ayurveda
, the seven fundamental principles (elements) that support the basic structure (and functioning) of the body.
They consist of:
Traditional texts often refer to the above as the Seven Dhātus (Saptadhātus). Ojas
is known as the eighth Dhātu, or Mahādhātu (superior, or great dhātu).
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
धातु dhātu - layer, stratum, constituent part, ingredient, element, primitive matter ) in Ayurveda
Ayurveda
Ayurveda or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India and a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, words , meaning "longevity", and , meaning "knowledge" or "science". The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India,...
, the seven fundamental principles (elements) that support the basic structure (and functioning) of the body.
They consist of:
- Rasa dhatu (LymphLymphLymph is considered a part of the interstitial fluid, the fluid which lies in the interstices of all body tissues. Interstitial fluid becomes lymph when it enters a lymph capillary...
) - Rakta dhatu (BloodBloodBlood is a specialized bodily fluid in animals that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells....
) - Mamsa dhatu (Muscles)
- Medha dhatu (FatFatFats consist of a wide group of compounds that are generally soluble in organic solvents and generally insoluble in water. Chemically, fats are triglycerides, triesters of glycerol and any of several fatty acids. Fats may be either solid or liquid at room temperature, depending on their structure...
) - Asthi dhatu (BoneBoneBones are rigid organs that constitute part of the endoskeleton of vertebrates. They support, and protect the various organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells and store minerals. Bone tissue is a type of dense connective tissue...
) - Majja dhatu (Bone marrowBone marrowBone marrow is the flexible tissue found in the interior of bones. In humans, bone marrow in large bones produces new blood cells. On average, bone marrow constitutes 4% of the total body mass of humans; in adults weighing 65 kg , bone marrow accounts for approximately 2.6 kg...
) - Shukra dhatu (SemenSemenSemen is an organic fluid, also known as seminal fluid, that may contain spermatozoa. It is secreted by the gonads and other sexual organs of male or hermaphroditic animals and can fertilize female ova...
)
Traditional texts often refer to the above as the Seven Dhātus (Saptadhātus). Ojas
Ojas
Ojas is a Sanskrit word which literally means "vigor". According to the principles of Ayurveda, it is the essential energy of the body which can be equated with the "fluid of life"...
is known as the eighth Dhātu, or Mahādhātu (superior, or great dhātu).