Dhatu

The dhatus are the seven tissue layers that form the physical structure of the body. Each dhatu is nourished in sequence, with the essence of one tissue feeding the formation of the next. The seven dhatus are:

1. Rasa (plasma/lymph) - nourishes all tissues
2. Rakta (blood) - oxygenates and vitalizes
3. Mamsa (muscle) - provides strength and movement
4. Meda (fat/adipose) - lubricates and stores energy
5. Asthi (bone) - provides structure and support
6. Majja (marrow/nerve) - fills bones and conducts impulses
7. Shukra/Artava (reproductive) - creates new life

Each dhatu has its own agni (digestive fire), waste products (malas), and secondary tissues (upadhatus). The health of deeper dhatus depends on proper nourishment of the preceding ones. Disease often manifests first in rasa and progresses inward to shukra. Treatment must address the affected dhatu and all those that precede it.