Sapta-dhatu Theory (Seven Body Tissues)

 

The human body consists of seven basic and vital tissues called dhatus. The Sanskrit word dhatu means constructing element.. These seven are responsible for the entire structure of the body. The dhatus maintain the functions of the different organs, systems and vital parts of the body. They play a very important role in the development and nourishment of the body. The dhatus are also part of the biological protective mechanism. With the help of agni. they are responsible for the immune mechanism. When one dhatu is defective, it affects the successive dhatu, as each dhatu receives its nourishment from the previous dhatu. The Hollowing are the seven most important dhatus in serial order:  

1. Rasa (plasma) contains nutrients from digested food and nourishes all the tissues, organs and systems.
2. Rakta (blood) governs oxygenation in all tissues and vital organs and maintains life.
3. Mamsa (muscle) covers the delicate vital organs, performs the movements of the joints and maintains the physical strength of the body.
4. Meda (fat) maintains the lubrication and oiliness of all the tissues.
5. Asthi (bone) gives support to the body structure.
6. Majja (marrow and nerves) fills up the bony spaces and carries motor and sensory impulses.
7. Shukra and Artav (reproductive tissues) contain the ingredients of all tissues and are responsible for reproduction.

 

The seven dhatus are understood in a natural, biological, serial order of manifestation. The post-digestion of food, called .nutrient plasma,. ahara rasa. contains the nutrition for all the dhatus. This .nutrient plasma. Is transformed and nourished with the help of | heat, called dhatu agni, of each respective dhatu. Rasa is transformed into rakta, which is further manifested into mamsa, meda, etc. This transformation results from three basic actions: irrigation (nutrients are carried to the seven dhatus through the blood vessels): selectivity (each dhatu extracts the nutrients it requires in order to perform its physiological functions): and direct transformation (as the nutritional substances pass through each dhatu. the food for the formation of each subsequent dhatu is produced). These three processes . irrigation, selectivity and transformation . operate simultaneously in the formation of the seven dhatus. The dhatus are nourished and transformed in order to maintain the normal physiological functions of the different tissues, organs and systems. When there is a disorder in the balance of vata-pitta-kapha, the dhatus are directly affected. The disturbed dosha (vata, pitta or kapha) and defective dhatus are always directly involved in the disease process. Health of the dhatus can be maintained by taking steps to keep vata-pitta-kapha in balance through a proper diet, exercise and rejuvenation program.