Upadhatus (उपधातवः)

Upadhatus are secondary body tissues in Shariram. According to Ayurveda, there are few body tissues that perform specific function in the body but they are not equally important as main 7 Dhatus for survival. Such tissues develop from and derive their nutrition from main Dhatus. For every upadhatu there is one parent Dhatu. Description of around 7 such tissues is available in various Ayurveda treatises.

Introduction Upadhatus are important physiological units in Sharira which have certain specific function to render. They are derived from Dhatus and resemble Dhatus in terms of structure, function and nature. Updhatus are derived from the first four Dhatus. Updhatus are end product of Dhatu metabolism.

Definition and Etymology

The word Updhatu has been made by combination of two words i.e Up and Dhatu. 'Upa" is a prefix attached to the word "Dhatu". Prefix changes the meaning of the word with which it is acting. The literary meaning of "Upa is Towards, near to, by the side of, resemblance, nearness, with the idea of subordination n inferiority.

Dhatu form the Basic architecture of the body, they are not accomplished to execute the functions of the body without the support of Updhatus.

so, Updhatus are basically the derivatives of the Dhatus and ressemble Dhatus in terms of structure, functions and nature.

Dhatus and related Upadhatus

Dhatu Related Upadhatus  Rasa - Stanya, Raja  Rakta - Kandara, Sira  Mamsa - Vasa, Twak  Meda - Snayu, Sandhi (Dalhana)