Dhatu (धातु)

Sanskrit Verse

रसासृङ्मांसमेदोऽस्थिमज्जशुक्राणि धातवः। सप्त दूष्याः, मलाः पुनः शकृन्मूत्रस्वेददयोऽपि च॥

— (Ashtanga Hrudayam, Sutrasthana 1/13)

Explanation

The Dhatus are the seven fundamental tissues that form the structure of the body. They are Rasa (Plasma), Rakta (Blood), Mamsa (Muscle), Meda (Fat), Asthi (Bone), Majja (Marrow/Nerve Tissue), and Shukra (Reproductive Tissue). Each Dhatu is formed from the preceding one in a sequential process of nourishment, governed by the respective Dhatvagnis. They are also known as ‘Dushyas’ because they are the sites that can be vitiated by imbalanced Doshas.

Clinical Importance

The health of an individual depends on the proper formation and function of all seven Dhatus. Many diseases are diagnosed based on which Dhatu is affected (e.g., Asthigata Vata for osteoarthritis).