Dhatus: the seven body tissues

Dhatus are the elemental tissues of our body and it is through Ayurveda that we get to know more about them and improve our health. In this article, we are going to discuss the important aspects about Dhatus. Stay with us!

Dhatus: what you should know

In Sanskrit, the root of the word Daa (dha) means “support” or “one who endures.” In consequence, the word Dhatus means “one who enters the formation of the body”. Thus, we can say that Dhatus are the body tissues and together with the Upa Dhatus, they are the ones that confer the physical corpulence of the body.

We may also consider that the formation of the Dhatus comes from the most divine and intelligent expression of nature. Humankind has not yet been able to unravel these mysteries, but these tissues are formed in a precise order and following the natural laws.

The concept of Ayurvedic histology preaches that each of the Dhatus is formed from the former, in ascending order of complexity, with the help of Agni (the digestive fire). And so, everything is perfectly connected in our human body.

The seven Dhatus are as follows:

• Rasa – Plasma
• Rakta – Blood
• Mansa – Muscles
• Meda – Adipose tissue
• Asthi – Bones
• Majja – Nervous system
• Shukra – Female and male reproductive system

Rasa (plasma) represents the pure essence of the food we eat. The by-products of the Rasa become Rakta (blood), which in turn feeds all the Dhatus, until they reach the Shukra. We can consider Shukra (female and male reproductive systems), being the latter, the pure essence of all previous tissues.

How does Dhatus work?

Each Dhatu is made up of paramanus (countless infinitesimal cells). Each paramanu contains innumerable suksma srotas (channels), through which each receives nutrients and subtle energies. In addition to eliminating materials that can be wasted.

Everything that the Rasa failed to absorb and transform into nutrition for our body, it becomes Mala (excrement), like urine, sweat, feces, dirt in the ears, eyes, nose. Also in this group are the follicles on the hair, genitals, beard, mustache and nails.

Do not think that our excretions (Mala) are of no use. Mala plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of our body. When Mala is not functioning properly, it will reflect on the performance of other tissues and show signs of aggravation, which can lead to imbalances and diseases.

How to take care of Dhatus?

To return to the natural state of functioning, Ayurveda analyzes all our biological functions. Through the ingestion of food and natural medicines, begins to treat our body.

If the Agnis are participating in a balanced way, they do not affect the srotas (channels) and contribute to the Dhatus developing in a healthy way. This will reflect in vitality, energy, strength, glow in the skin and well lubricated joints.

That is, when we stop to think, we realize that our body is a by-product of everything we eat. So it is so important to pay attention whether the food we eat (whether in solid or liquid form) is suitable to our unique body constitution and whether its nutrients are well utilized.

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