Sanskrit Verse
Concept described contextually
— (Commentaries)
Explanation
This is the ‘Relationship of the Container and the Contained’. It describes the intimate relationship between the Doshas (the contained, Ashrayi) and the Dhatus/Malas (the container, Ashraya). For example, the primary seat of Vata is Asthi Dhatu (bone), the seat of Pitta is Rakta Dhatu (blood) and Sweda (sweat), and the seat of Kapha is the rest of the Dhatus and Malas.
Clinical Importance
This relationship is crucial for treatment. Often, treating the container (Ashraya) also treats the contained (Ashrayi), and vice versa. For example, in osteoporosis (Asthi Kshaya), a Vata disorder, therapies that nourish the bone (like milk Basti) also pacify Vata.