Hour 24 Ayurveda

Upadhatu

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  • The word ‘Upa’ refers to Subcategory, ‘dhatu’ refers to ‘that which support’. They can be understood as subcategories/subordinates of the main sapta dhatus.
  • Upadhatus are considered the secondary building blocks / supporting blocks to the main dhatus of the body.
  • Upadhatus are formed as a result of the action of dhatvagni on each dhatus.
  • Abnormalities in them indicate disorders related to the dhatus from which they are produced.
  • Thus upadhatus are tissues that are inferior to the main dhatu possessing either construction of the body (Shareera Dharana) or nourishment of the body (Shareera Poshana).
  • With the exception of Bone (Asthi), Bone marrow (Majja), and Reproductive fluid (Shukra), all the other four dhatus have upadhatu.
DHATUUPADHATU
RASA DHATUSthanya (breast milk) and Artava (Menstrual blood / ovum)
RAKTA DHATUSira (blood vessels, veins) and Kandara (tendons)
MAMSA DHATUVasa (muscle fat) and twak (skin)
MEDA DHATUSthanya (breast milk) and Artava (Menstrual blood/ovum)
Upadhatu of Rasa Dhatu
  1. Sthanya (Breast Milk)
    • Formation: Sthanya is produced from Rasa Dhatu when the body’s nutritional needs are met. Excess nutrients are converted into breast milk.
    • Function: It nourishes the newborn and strengthens the baby’s immune system with vital nutrients and antibodies.
    • Rasa Dhatu’s Role: Healthy Rasa Dhatu ensures abundant and nutrient-rich breast milk. If Rasa Dhatu is weak or depleted, it leads to low or poor-quality milk production.
  2. Menstrual Blood (Artava)
    • Formation: Artava is formed as a byproduct of Rasa Dhatu and is responsible for the menstrual cycle and fertility in women.
    • Function: It regulates the menstrual cycle, supports fertility, and nourishes the uterus.
    • Rasa Dhatu’s Role: Balanced Rasa Dhatu leads to regular and healthy menstrual flow. Imbalances in Rasa Dhatu can result in irregular, heavy, or scanty menstruation.
Role of Rasa Dhatu
  • Both Sthanya and Artava depend on the health of Rasa Dhatu.
  • Proper digestion and nutrition are essential for the formation of these secondary tissues.
  • Agni (digestive fire) is important for processing nutrients to form Rasa Dhatu, which then creates Sthanya and Artava.
  • Imbalanced Agni can affect breast milk production and the menstrual cycle.
Upadhatu of Rakta Dhatu
  1. Sira (Blood Vessels)
    • Formation: Sira is formed from Rakta Dhatu and is essential for the proper circulation of blood throughout the body.
    • Function: They transport oxygenated blood and nutrients to all tissues and organs, supporting overall health and vitality.
  2. Kandara (Tendons)
    • Formation: Kandara is tendons that are also formed as a byproduct of Rakta Dhatu. They provide strength and stability to the muscles and joints.
    • Function: Kandara connects muscles to bones, enabling movement and physical strength.
Upadhatu of Mamsa Dhatu
  1. Vasa (Muscle Fat)
    • Formation: Vasa is produced as a secondary tissue when Mamsa Dhatu is well-nourished and healthy.
    • Function: Vasa helps in lubricating and supporting the muscles, providing them with strength and flexibility.
  2. Twak (Skin)
  • Formation: Twak is also formed from Mamsa dhatu and serves as the body’s outer protective layer.
  • Function: Twak protects the body from external elements, regulates temperature, and plays a role in sensation.
Upadhatu of Meda Dhatu
  1. Snayu (Ligaments)
    • Formation: Snayu is formed as a byproduct of Meda Dhatu and serves to bind and connect different parts of the body.
    • Function: Snayu provides strength, stability, and flexibility by connecting bones and supporting joint function.
  2. Sandhi (Joints)
    • Formation: Sandhi, or joints, are also derived from Meda Dhatu. These structures are crucial for movement and articulation.
    • Function: Sandhi enables the connection between bones, facilitating movement and providing structural stability to the skeletal system.
Importance of Upadhatus in Diagnosis and Overall Dhatu Balance
  1. Role in diagnosis :
    • Upadhatus provides key insights into the health of primary Dhatus.
    • Conditions like skin disorders (Twak), joint pain (Sandhi), or menstrual irregularities (Artava) can signal imbalances in their corresponding Dhatus, such as Mamsa Dhatu, Meda Dhatu, or Rasa Dhatu.
    • This allows us to detect deeper tissue imbalances early and plan treatments accordingly.
  2. Support for Overall Dhatu Balance :
    • Maintaining healthy Upadhatus helps preserve the balance of the primary Dhatus.
    • For example, strengthening Snayu (ligaments) ensures proper support for Meda Dhatu (fat tissue), while caring for Sira (blood vessels) ensures good circulation, benefiting Rakta Dhatu.
    • By addressing Upadhatu imbalances early, chronic conditions related to the primary Dhatus can be prevented.
Summarization
  • Upadhatus are secondary tissues formed from the main Dhatus, playing key roles in body functions. Sthanya (breast milk) and Artava (menstrual blood) – Upadhatu of Rasa Dhatu, vital for nourishment and reproduction.
  • Sira (blood vessels) and Kandara (tendons) – Upadhatu of Rakta Dhatu, supporting circulation and movement.
  • Twak (skin) and Vasa (muscle fat) – Upadhatu of Mamsa Dhatu, protecting and lubricating the body.
  • Snayu (ligaments) and Sandhi (joints) derive from Meda Dhatu, ensuring structural stability.
  • Each Upadhatu reflects the health of its corresponding Dhatu and helps maintain overall tissue balance.