Mamsa Dhatu Disorders

Diseases involving mamsa dhatu manifest as muscle twitching, spasms, rigidity, stiffness, muscle aches and pains, or paralysis. There may be involuntary movements leading to convulsions, Bell's palsy (facial paralysis), quadriplegia, or paraplegia. Multiple sclerosis, which involves demyelination of the nerve sheath (majja dhatu), also affects mamsa dhatu by creating progressive weakness and loss of muscle control leading to disability.

Tuberculosis and cirrhosis of the liver can also affect mamsa dhatu. The liver transforms glucose into glycogen via bhuta agni and stores the energy in mamsa dhatu. If the liver is weak, mamsa dhatu will also be weak. Trauma, accidents, and neuromuscular disorders can also affect mamsa.

In cases of low mamsa dhatu agni, a person develops profuse accumulation of khamala—ear wax, nasal crust, or smegma. Increased earwax or smegma can be pre-cancerous. If a person develops these conditions after the age of 45, it may be an early sign of pancreatic cancer.

Source: Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles, Chapter Five: Dhatus Part I (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa)