Tissue Disorders

Disorders of a dhatu are caused by the entry of a dosha into the dhatu, producing either quantitative or qualitative changes. Qualitative change is called dhatu dushti — defined as the qualitative changes that take place within the dhatu due to the aggravated qualities of a dosha. The attributes or gunas present in both the dosha and the dhatu are the factors that change.

When the aggravated dosha enters the dhatu, the qualities it carries affect the qualities of the dhatu. For instance, if vata enters rasa dhatu, it carries the qualities of dry, light, and rough. The inherent attributes of rasa dhatu include oily, heavy, and smooth. The effect of vata entering rasa dhatu could include dry rough skin, emaciation, and dizziness.

Either asthayi (immature) or sthayi (mature) dhatu can be affected. Asthayi dhatu dushti manifests as an acute condition and can be treated simply as a vata, pitta, or kapha imbalance. Sthayi dhatu dushti creates a chronic condition that may persist for years because the mature, fully formed tissue is affected — both the excess dosha and affected dhatu need to be treated. Panchakarma is important in treating chronic conditions, as it eliminates excess doshas, helps kindle dhatu agni, and improves the quality of both sthayi and asthayi dhatu.