Dhātu (ayurveda)
Dhātus (dhä·tōōs), n.pl. ( from Sanskrit धातु dhātu - layer, stratum, constituent part, ingredient, element, primitive matter[1] ) in Ayurveda, the seven fundamental principles (elements) that support the basic structure (and functioning) of the body.[2]
They consist of:
- Rasa dhatu (lymph) the substratum formed just after the digestion of food. The main function of this Dhatu is nourishment.
- Rakta dhatu (blood)This is the second Dhatu formed after the food digestion. This is formed from the former Dhatu, Rasa Dhatu
- Mamsa dhatu (muscles) This is the third Dhatu. This is formed from the former Dhatu, Rakta Dhatu. The main function of covering the bones.
- Medus dhatu (fat)
- Asthi dhatu (bone)
- Majja dhatu (marrow (bone and spinal))
- Shukra dhatu (semen)[citation needed]
Traditional texts often refer to these as the Seven Dhātus (Saptadhātus). Ojas, meaning vigour or vitality, is known as the eighth Dhātu, or Mahādhātu (superior, or great dhātu).[citation needed]
See also
[edit]Dhātu (disambiguation) - a Buddhist technical term or a stupa, Pāli thūpa.
References
[edit]- ^ Sanskrit-English Dictionary by Monier-Williams, (c) 1899
- ^ Jonas: Mosby's Dictionary of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (c) 2005, Elsevier.
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