The
word dhatu comes from the root DHA meaning basis or foundation. The
purpose of metabolism is to create proper dhatus together with the
intelligence with which they carry out their role as the field of
physiological activity. Dhatus are created through the action of
catalysts that convert one tissue to another. In this way, progressively
refined tissues are created from their grosser precursors. The catalyst
for this is another type of agni, a dhatu-agni or metabolic fire.
According to Ayurveda dhatus are the basic tissues, which maintain and
nourish the body in other words it can be defined as one, which supports
the body. There are mainly seven types of dhatu according to Ayurveda.
The seven dhatus are composed of five mahabhutas. These dhatus remain
inside the human body in a proper equilibrium so that the body can
function properly but any disturbance in their equilibrium causes
disease. The seven dhatus are as follows:
In Sanskrit the word dhatu means 'that which binds
together'. Dhatu is the element, which constructs our body. Dhatu is the
base of growth and survival. Dhatus take different forms in our body to
maintain life. Different organs (sharir avayavas) and different body
systems (strotasas) are made out of dhatus. Our nourishment and
development is fully dependent on dhatus. They support the mind. To
summarize, dhatus account for the Ayurvedic explanation of the anatomy
and physiology of the human body. Our body processes consumed food and
transforms it into life sap, which in turn creates a chain of further
body tissues i.e. dhatus. Their gain gives quality to our life and their
loss destroys life. The Quantity and quality of each dhatus and it's
balanced functioning is very important for perfect health.
