6.1 What is Dhatu?

DHATU, A SANSKRIT WORD, REFERS TO THE SEVEN BUILDING BLOCKS OF THE PHYSICAL BODY. THE SEVEN DHATUS IN THE BODY ARE COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS SAPTADHATU.

Dhatus are a layer or stratum associated with the tissues of the body. They actively support the structure of the body and its functioning aids in both physical and psychological health. Each dhatu is developed or transformed out of the previous tissue layer. Regular practice of yoga and meditation help balance and maintain dhatu. The seven dhatus are rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra.

OJAS IS KNOWN AS THE EIGHTH DHĀTU, OR MAHĀDHĀTU (GREAT DHĀTU), WHICH IS CONSIDERED SUPERIOR

The saptadhatu or the 7 dhatus are listed below:

RASA

• Rasa found in lymph, is the first of seven dhatus
• It is nourished from the juices of digested food
• Soon after absorption, it circulates in the entire body via specific channels
• It functions to provide nutrition to each and every nook of the body

RAKTA

• Rakta is the second of seven dhatu formed from rasa by metabolic processes
• Rakta mainly contains the Red Blood Cells (RBCs), which carry prana (life energy or oxygen) to all parts of the body
• This oxygenates and aids the functioning of all the tissues in your body

MAMSA

• Mamsa or the muscle tissues are nourished by Rakta
• It mainly functions to coordinate movement but also to provide structure and protection

MEDA

• Meda, the fat tissue, acts as the insulating system to protect the body heat
• It also lubricates tissues and joints

ASTHI

• Commonly referred to as the bone and gives support to the body structure

MAJJA

• Bone marrow and nerves
• It fills up the bony spaces, carries motor and sensory impulses and facilities the communication between the bodily organs and cells

SHUKRA

• Reproductive fluid, which provides deeply seated strength to the body but is majorly involved in the creation of new life
• It is active during sexual contact

In the next chapter, we look at the six rasas or tastes and their connection to your health. Take a look at Chapter 7 here.

Or if you prefer, refer back to the broader course outline here. 

Scroll down below if you have questions relating to this chapter.