Seven Dhatus
The seven bodily tissues that form the structural foundation of the body: rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja, and shukra/artava.
The Seven Dhatus: Structural Foundation of the Body
The Sanskrit word dha means holding, placing, containing, causing. Dhatu means tissue — that which holds the organ together, the constructing and cementing material of the body. The body is made up of atoms that gather to create molecules, which come together to create the seven tissues of the body.
The seven dhatus are: Rasa (plasma, serum, white blood cells, lymphatic system), Rakta (red blood cells), Mamsa (muscle tissue), Meda (adipose tissue/fat), Asthi (bones and cartilage), Majja (marrow, nerve tissue, connective tissue), and Shukra/Artava (male and female reproductive tissue). Notably, Ayurveda distinguishes rakta (red blood cells only) from the Western concept of blood which includes plasma.
Each dhatu can be understood in terms of its structure and function, with particular attention to precursor states (asthayi — unstable, immature), mature states (sthayi — stable, processed), superior and inferior byproducts, and the agni involved in transformative processes. The asthayi or poshaka (nourisher) form circulates throughout the body, while sthayi or poshya (that which is nourished) is firmly placed in substance and form.
Source: Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles, Chapter Four: Agni, The Digestive Fire
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.