Changes

The term Dhatu (Samskrit: धातुः, Plural: धातवः) is used in 2 different contexts in Ayurveda. With reference to the [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Sharira]] (शरीरम् body), Dhatus refer to those vital body tissues that are responsible to hold and sustain life. These are the basic building blocks of the physical body and they are 7 in number. On the other side, with reference to the pharmacology, Materia medica and Iatrochemistry in Ayurveda, Dhatus indicate ‘Metals’ like gold, silver, copper.

The term Dhatu (Samskrit: धातुः, Plural: धातवः) is used in 2 different contexts in Ayurveda. With reference to the [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Sharira]] (शरीरम् body), Dhatus refer to those vital body tissues that are responsible to hold and sustain life. These are the basic building blocks of the physical body and they are 7 in number. On the other side, with reference to the pharmacology, Materia medica and Iatrochemistry in Ayurveda, Dhatus indicate ‘Metals’ like gold, silver, copper.

== शरीर धातवः॥ Vital body tissues ==

== शरीर धातवः॥ Vital body tissues ==

Dhatus pertaining to the Sharira (physical body) are called as Sharira Dhatus (शारीर धातवः).<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam ([http://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/ehrudayam/?mod=read&h=rasAsRu Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 13])</ref> They are also considered as the vital body tissues.

Dhatus pertaining to the Sharira (physical body) are called as Sharira Dhatus (शारीर धातवः). They are also considered as the vital body tissues.

=== परिचयः॥ Introduction ===

=== परिचयः॥ Introduction ===

Ayurveda states that 7 dhatus constitute the physical body of an individual. They have specific function in maintenance of life and they also perform the important task of nourishing the entire structure of the body. It is believed that, living body can not afford loss of any of these 7 dhatus to any extent and if it occurs, it leads to serious damage to the body. This damage could be either in the form of development of a disease or poor immunity leading to repeated episodes of ill health.   

Ayurveda states that 7 dhatus constitute the physical body of an individual.<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam ([http://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/ehrudayam/?mod=read&h=rasAsRu Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 13])</ref> They have specific function in maintenance of life and they also perform the important task of nourishing the entire structure of the body. It is believed that, living body can not afford loss of any of these 7 dhatus to any extent and if it occurs, it leads to serious damage to the body. This damage could be either in the form of development of a disease or poor immunity leading to repeated episodes of ill health.   

=== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ===

=== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ===