This is a general description of structural framework of our body, what we call as - Dhatu in Ayurveda. This is just for the basic understanding of the concept of Dhatu including nutrition to them.

1. Concept of Dhatu
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant
Assistant Professor
GJPIASR

2. Table of Contents
 Concept of Dhatu – Etymology, Definition
 How many Dhatu?
 Physical Constitution of Dhatu
 Types of Dhatu
 Quantity of Dhatu - Pramaan
 General Locations of Dhatu
 Genesis of Dhatu
 Duration for genesis of Dhatu
 Nutrition of Dhatu
 General functions of Dhatu
 Updhatu of Dhatu
 Mala of Dhatu
 Concept of Dhatu Sarta
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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3. Nirukti - Etymology
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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4. Vyakhya - Definition
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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5. Concept of Dhatu
 Dha – Dharan – Support
 Dhatu – Dharan + Poshan – Support + Nutrition
 Which supports Sharir (Body), Mana (Psyche) and Prana (Life)
 Which is responsible for growth and development
 Which supports by constructive 7 tissue elements – Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa,
Meda, Asthi, Majja and Shukra.
 Which are responsible for Origin, Sustainence and Destruction of Sharir
 Which gets easily contaminated or adultered or deviate into abnormality
by the Dosha. Thus Dhatu are – Dushya
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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6. How many Dhatu?
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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7. How many Dhatu?
 Generally term Dhatu is used for – 7 formed tissue elements
 So dhatu generally dhatu are 7 – Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi,
Majja and Shukra
 But definition and etymological meaning of term Dhatu let us know that –
 Dosha and Mala in there normal states are also termed as – Dhatu.
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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8. Physical Constitution of Dhatu
Sr. No Name of Dhatu As per Chakrapani As per Dalhan
1 Rasa Jala Jala
2 Rakta Teja + Jala Teja
3 Mamsa Pruthvi Pruthvi
4 Meda Pruthvi + Jala Pruthvi + Jala
5 Asthi Pruthvi + Vayu
Pruthvi + Vayu +
Teja
6 Majja Jala Jala
7 Shukra Jala Jala
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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9. Types of Dhatu
 Dhatu – Most important constructive element of body, should always be supplied with adequate
amount of essential nutrients.
 By the virtue of physiological actions of Tridosha and Agni on the ingested complex of proximate
principles (Ahara), ahara rasa is supplied and circulated throughout body.
 Ahara rasa, passes through all the channels (Dhatu vaha strotasa) with the help of Vayu.
 Every dhatu then after supplies this received nutrients to the next coming dhatu making it like a
cascade – Paraspar dhatu sneha parampara.
 In such way thereafter, there are two forms of every dhatu –
 One in circulating state providing nutrition to next dhatu – Poshak / Asthayi dhatu / Dynamic form
 Other in stable state receiving nutrition and undergoing growth & development – Poshya / Sthayi
dhatu / Static form
 Form of Dhatu which supports (Dharan) – Poshya / Sthayi dhatu / Static form
 Form of Dhatu which provides nutrition (Poshan) – Poshak / Asthayi dhatu / Dynamic form
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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10. Quantity of Dhatu- Pramaan
Sr. No Name of Dhatu
Physical Constitution
1 Anjali = 16 Tola / 4 Pala
1 Rasa 9 Anjali
2 Rakta 8 Anjali
3 Mamsa (Vasa) 3 Anjali
4 Mamsa (Peshi)
Charak – 400
Sushrut – 500 (M), 520 (F)
5 Meda 2 Anjali
6 Asthi
Charak – 360
Sushrut – 300
Modern – 206
7 Majja 1 Anjali
8 Shukra ½ Anjali
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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11. Locations of Dhatu
Dhatu –
 Constructive framework of body
 Responsible for specific size, shape, dimensions, posture
 Significantly located in body in certain locations to achieve specific attire.
Locations two types –
 General – Whole body
 Specific
Specific locations of dhatu can be understood by –
 Strotasa – Storage part
 Specific Organ – Anatomical & Physiological understandings
 Kala – Limiting membranes separating every dhatu
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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12. Locations of Dhatu
Rasa –
 Hridaya
 Continously circulated throughout body - Rasa-Rakta samvahan
 Rasavaha strotasa – Hridaya, Mahastrotasa, Rasavahi dhamni
Rakta –
 Yakrut, Pliha – Raktavaha stroto mula & Raktadhara kala
 Continously circulated throughout body – Rasa-Rakta samvahan
 Rakatvaha strotasa – Raktavahi dhamni
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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13. Locations of Dhatu
Mamsa –
 Vasa – Mamsagata sneha
 Mamsadhara – Layer of Skin
 Sira, Snayu, Dhamni – Mamsadhara kala
 Mamsavaha Strotasa – Snayu, Tvak, Raktvahi dhamni
Meda –
 Medodhara kala – Udara, Anu Asthi (Sarakta meda)
 Medovaha strotasa – Vrukka, Vapavahan
 Vapavahan – Sneha vartika, Tail vartika
Asthi –
 Asthivaha strotasa – Kati, Jaghan
 Asthidhara kala – Purishdhara kala
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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14. Locations of Dhatu
Majja –
 Mastulunga – Mastakgata Majja – Brain
 Medodhara kala – Sthula Asthi
 Majjavaha strotasa – Asthi, Sandhi
 Majjadhara kala – Pittadhara kala
Shukra –
 Shukradhara kala – Sarvasharir vyapi
 Shukravaha strotasa – Shefa, Vrushan, Stan, Shukravahi dhamni
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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15. Genesis of Dhatu
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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Teja part of Rasa to Rakta – Raktagni
Ushma of Pitta (Ranjak) – Rasa to Ragkrut Rakta – Color impart –
Bright red color
Teja part of Rasa is acted upon by Raktagni & Ushma of Pitta which is
achieved to physical form of Rakta.
Jala mahabhut dominant rasa invades Yakrut & Pliha to achive Rakta form.
Yakrut & Pliha – Ranjak pitta – Ranjak agni – Su.Su.21/10

16. Genesis of Dhatu
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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The sukshma part of Rakta dhatu with predominant components of Vayu +
Jala + Teja acted upon by Mamsa dhatwagni – undergoes metabolism -
attains more stability due to sthir guna and slightly reddish color –
Mamsa dhatu
Mamsa dhatu – Sthir guna (most significant attribute)

17. Genesis of Dhatu
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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 Asthayi part of Mamsa dhatu circulated and provides nourishment to next
– Meda dhatu.
 Meda dhatwagni – acts upon the – Vayu + Teja + Shleshma (Snigdha)
properties of Mamsa dhatu – undergoes Metabolism – attains more
unctuousness due to snigdha guna and extra whitish appearance due to
Teja – Meda dhatu.

18. Genesis of Dhatu
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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 Sukshma portion of Meda dhatu will nourish – Asthi dhatu
 Complex of Pruthvi + Agni + Vayu acted upon by – Asthi dhatwagni
 Imparting Kharata (roughness) to next dhatu – Asthi dhatu
 Attains more stable structural framework – skeleton – Pruthvi Mahabhuta
 Site for close association with Vayu (Ashraya-Ashrayibhav) – involved in
locomotion

19. Genesis of Dhatu
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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 Meda dhatu present over Asthi dhatu along with Mamsa dhatu.
 Vayu – due to sukshma guna – pierces hard Asthi dhatu – development
of porous medullary cavity
 Vayu – Drags the supreme part of Snigdha guna of Meda dhatu
encroaching within cavity and fills the gap of medullary cavity – Majja
dhatu

20. Genesis of Dhatu
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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 Vayu + Akash creates fine pores to the hard Asthi dhatu.
 The sukshma circulating part of Majja dhatu acted upon by Shukra
dhatwagni, for poshan with its finest action – developing into bright white
- Shukra dhatu.
 Snigdha guna of Majja dhatu – dribbles from Asthi dhatu – Shukra dhatu.

21. Duration for Genesis of each Dhatu
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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Sr. No Name of Dhatu As per Charak As per Sushrut
1 Rasa 1 Day 1st Day
2 Rakta 2 Days 5 Days
3 Mamsa 3 Days 10 Days
4 Meda 4 Days 15 Days
5 Asthi 5 Days 20 Days
6 Majja 6 Days 25 Days
7 Shukra 7 Days 30 Days

22. Nutrition of Dhatu
Theories for nutrition of Dhatu – Dhatu poshan nyaya – Liquid Tissues – Ahara Rasa – Rasa-
Rakta Samvahan
Extended view –
 Drugs passing through body to specific target structures - Law of Selectivity
 Half life of Drugs, First pass metabolism of drugs - Law of Transmission
 Drugs given as precursors converting them into required form inside body - Law of Transformation
 Spread of Opoids, Toxins - Law of Transmission & Law of Transportation (Circulation)
 Blood thinners (Antiplatelet aggregators) –
 Nutrition to fetus (Intrauterine life) –
 Dhatu rasayan –
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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23. Ksheerdadhi Nyaya – Law of Transformation
 As per this maxim, there is complete transformation of previous dhatu into the next dhatu as like milk
completely transforms into curd later into butter then into clarified butter.
 This theory highlights the significance of own Dhatwagni.
 Sama dhatwagni – Complete metabolism & transformation
 Visham dhatwagni - Incomplete metabolism & transformation – leads to Ama dosha
 Ama dosha – Partially digested toxic products accumulated / stagnated at any dhatu level leading to
Strotorodha
Reasons for reforms in Ksheerdadhi Nyaya –
 In case of Langhan (for nearly a month), as per this theory all dhatu will be on mode of Devastating.
 At last there will be only one last dhatu remaining in body – Shukra. This is not seen practically.
 This law justifies conversion of Rasa into Rakta, Rakta into Mamsa and so on. There are certain medicines
which directly nourishes and enhances Shukra (Sadya shukrakara dravya) and do not follow this theory.
 Deviation or abnormality in Rasa dhatu may lead to necessary abnormality in every next coming dhatu, but
practically this is not seen.
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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24. Criteria to understand and accept this theory –
Nutrients received by each dhatu is acted upon by own Dhatwagni and converted into 3 parts -
 Sthula (gross) portion – Undergoes growth & development of self & stationery form of
dhatu
 Sukshma (subtle) portion – Fraction part circulated to provide nutrition to next coming
dhatu
 Mala (residual) portion – It is the outcome of the metabolism at each dhatu level
Ksheerdadhi Nyaya – Law of Transformation
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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25. Kedarikulya Nyaya – Law of Transmission
 It is suggestive of transmission of essential nutrients from one to another dhatu
chronologically.
 It is also suggestive of the fact that once nutreints provided to any dhatu, it remains there
till a specific period; as like the water in the water channels in field remains there until
the first channel fills completely later on it is transmitted to next channel.
 In support to this – Time period of Ahara rasa staying at every dhatu level – 3015 kala
 Total time period – 18090 kala
 It states that only a fractional part of ahara rasa is transmitted to next dhatu via respective
Dhatuvaha strotasa.
 It signifies the importance of –
 Paraspara dhatu sneha parampara – nutrition of dhatu is interdependent on each
other – this justifies the concept of Anuloma and Pratiloma gati in specific disorders.
 Ex. Anuloma and Pratiloma kshay in Rajyakshama.
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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26. Khalekapot Nyaya – Law of Selectivity
 Ahara rasa is supplied and circulated throughout body.
 Dhatu are arranged from superficial to deep level.
 Every dhatu uplifts required nutreints as per their respective physical
constitution. Ex. Rasa – Jala, Meda – Pruthvi+Jala, so on.
 This theory is suggestive of selectivity of nutrients from a complete
nutrient pool as per the constitutional make up of dhatu.
 Also, every dhatu and its respective strotasa receiving nutrition will take
time in its increasing limits as per the arrangements of all dhatu from
superficial to deeper level.
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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27. Khalekapot Nyaya – Law of Selectivity
Criteria for better understanding of this maxim –
 It is noted that, every dhatu gets nourished independently from the ahara
rasa. Instead of being interdependent, all dhatu depends only on – Ahara
rasa.
 This also justifes the independent pathological variations (Vruddhi and
Kshay) of a single dhatu.
 Ekala dravya chikitsa, Dhatu rasayan chikitsa is understood by this theory.
 It also states the possibility of nutrition of shukra directly from milk due
to shukra poshak amsha. This is due to guna samanya as per samanya
vishesh siddhanta.
 Drava guna vruddhi – Rasa, Rakta, Shukra vruddhi
 Kshay of Mamsa poshak amsha – Mamsa kshay
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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28. Eka-kala Dhatuposhan Nyaya – Law of Transport or
Circulation
 It highlights the importance of simultaneous transport and circulation of
the nutrient pool throughout the body.
 There is no such fact of partiality and priority of dhatu to serve them first.
 Thus utilization of Vyana vayu – Mahajava, Shighragati
 Ahara rasa – Saman vayu – Rasa dhatu (Hridaya)
 Rasa dhatu (Hridaya) – Vyana vayu – Throughout body simulataneously
at one time – Rasa-Rakta samvahana
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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29. General Functions of Dhatu
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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30. General Functions of Dhatu
Sr.
No
Name of
Dhatu
Functions of Dhatu –
Ayurved
Modern considerations
1 Rasa
Preenana (Ash.Hr & Su)
Tushti,
Rakta poshan,
Tarpayati,
Vardhayati,
Dharayati
Yapayati (Su)
Plasma & PP -
Nourishment
Reserve proteins
Immune response (Gamma globulin)
Transport media (Albumin & alpha, beta
globulin)
Clotting of blood (Fibrinogen)
Lymph –
Immunity
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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31. General Functions of Dhatu
Sr.
No
Name of
Dhatu
Functions of Dhatu –
Ayurved
Modern considerations
2 Rakta
Jeevana (Ash.Hr & Su)
Varna Prasad
Mamsa poshan (Su)
Livelihood
Transport of Gases
Transport media – Hormones, enzymes,
drugs
3 Mamsa
Lepan (Ash.Hr)
Sharir poshan
Meda poshan (Su)
Motor activities
Neuro -Muscular coordination
4 Meda
Snehan (Ash.Hr & Su)
Svedan
Asthi poshan
Asthi drudta (firmness) (Su)
Insulation
Temperature balance
Impulse conduction (Myelin sheath)
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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32. General Functions of Dhatu
Sr.
No
Name of
Dhatu
Functions of Dhatu –
Ayurved
Modern considerations
5 Asthi
Dharan (Ash.Hr & Su)
Majja poshan (Su.)
Avalamban (Hemadri)
Skeletal framework
Posture maintainence
6 Majja
Puran (Ash.Hr)
Snehan
Bala
Shukra poshan
Asthi puran (Su)
Marrow - Hemopoeisis
Provides adipocytes, cartilages, osteocytes
Brain & Nerve fibers – Sensation-
Interpretation-Response
Coordination
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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33. General Functions of Dhatu
Sr.
No
Name of
Dhatu
Functions of Dhatu –
Ayurved
Modern considerations
7 Shukra
Garbha utpadana
(Ash.Hr & Su)
Dhairya
Chyavan
Priti
Deha bala
Harsha (Su)
Gametogenesis & Conception
Vigour, Vitality, Sexual characteristics at
puberty
Nutrition (Milk feeding Lactation)
Purification (Mesntruation)
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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34. Updhatu of Dhatu
Sr. No Dhatu
Charak
Samhita
Sushruta
Samhita
Ashtang
Hridaya
Sharangdhar
Samhita
1 Rasa
Stanya
Artava
Stanya
Artava
- Stanya
2 Rakta
Sira
Kandara
-
Sira
Kandara
Artava
3 Mamsa
Vasa
Shat-tvacha
Vasa
Vasa
Tvacha
Vasa
4 Meda Snayu
Sira
Snayu
Snayu
Sandhi
Sveda
5 Asthi - - - Danta
6 Majja - - - Kesha & Loma
7 Shukra - - - Oja
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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35. Mala of Dhatu
Sr. No Dhatu
Charak
Samhita
Sushruta
Samhita
Ashtang
Hridaya
Ashtang
Samgraha
Sharangdhar
Samhita
1 Rasa Kapha Kapha Kapha
Kapha
Lasika
Jivha-Netra-Kapol
Jala
2 Rakta Pitta Pitta Pitta Pitta Ranjaka pitta
3 Mamsa Kha-Mala Kha-Mala Kha-Mala
Karna,Akshi, Nasa,
Romakupa,
Prajanananga mala
Jivhamala
Karna mala
4 Meda Sveda Sveda Sveda Sveda
Jivha-danta-kasha-
shishna-andakosha
mala
5 Asthi
Kesha
Loma
Nakha
Loma Nakha Loma Nakha
Nakha
Loma
Kesha
Nakha
6 Majja
Akshimala
Tvak sneha
Netramala
Tvakmala
Netramala
Tvaksneha
Netramala
Tvak sneha
Netrasneha
Mukhasneha
7 Shukra - - Oja - Tarunya pitika
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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36. Concept of Dhatu Sarta
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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 Sara is the nectar of Dhatu
 The supreme or excellent or purest and finest state of dhatu.
 Sara reflected in terms of - physical and psychological Bala-Strength.
 Potency to overcome any pathological ailment.

37. Importance of Dhatu Sarta
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant, GJPIASR
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Uses of Sarta Pariksha –
 For evaluation of Bala
 Dhatu Rasayan Chikitsa
 Vyadhishamatva
 For better progeny
 Choosing profession

38. Thank You All !!!
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant
Assistant Professor
GJP-IASR
Email – ayuraniket18@gmail.com
http://ayugjac.edu.in/Staff_CV.aspx?dl=dn3Mja19480dn3Mja19
http://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=636K2sMAAAAJ&hl=en
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Aniket_Shilwant