Meda Dhatu (मेद धातु)
Meda dhatu is one of the 7 dhatus in sharira according to Ayurveda. It is that body component which indicates fat or adipose tissue. According to Ayurveda the function of oleation and lubrication at all levels in body is performed by a dhatu named meda. Thus Meda dhatu itself is unctuous, heavy, semisolid to solid in nature and present everywhere in the body.
Meda dhatu utpatti
The meda dhatu is formed from its predecessor mansa dhatu. When mansa dhatu is subjected to the process of micro-transformation (सूक्ष्मपचनम्), one processed part of it is specifically utilized to provide nourishment to the next dhatu in order i.e. Meda Dhatu (धातु). This part is responsible for development and nourishment of meda dhatu in body. Transformation of this solid form of mansa dhatu into fluid (drava cha chi 15 24, 30) form of meda dhatu happens due to action of Teja, jala mahabhutas and generation of excess unctuousness in the processed par. Excess unctuousness and fluidity are thus the distinguishing features of meda dhatu from all other dhatus.
Location of Meda Dhatu
Meda dhatu is present chiefly in abdominal and pelvic region as fat. Thus omentum, misentry, fat pads around organs can be considered as the sites of meda dhatu which could be identified as Vapavahana as per Ayurveda. Can also be present as muscle fat. Also vrukka (body organs equivalent to kidneys) and some small bones are identified as the meda dhatu sites. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/8] [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 9/12] [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 4/13]
Medovaha srotas i.e. channels of transportation and transformation of meda dhatu originate from the kidneys(vrikka) and omentum (vapavahana), pelvic region(kati) and kidneys(vrikka).[Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 9/12]. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/8]
Panchabhautika constitution
Meda dhatu is fluid, unctuous and heavy in nature. Also Meda is the site of location for kapha dosha. (A.H.Su 12.3) Thus it is clear that it has Jala and Prithvi mahabhuta dominance. Also, considering the process of its generation and transformation considerable amount of Teja maahabhuta is required for its maintenance therefore Prithvi, jala and teja mahabhutas are predominant elements in meda dhatu.
Upadhatus of meda dhatu
During the process of metabolism and formation of meda dhatu, ligaments (snayu) are formed as the metabolic byproducts (upadhatu). [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/17].
Malas of meda dhatu
During the process of metabolism and formation of meda dhatu, Sweat and sebum are formed during this process as waste products (mala). [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/18].
Meda sara (Characteristics of best quality of adipose tissue)
वर्णस्वरनेत्रकेशलोमनखदन्तौष्ठमूत्रपुरीषेषु विशेषतः स्नेहो मेदःसाराणाम्|
सा सारता वित्तैश्वर्यसुखोपभोगप्रदानान्यार्जवं सुकुमारोपचारतां चा चष्टे||१०६||
The person endowed with best quality of meda dhatu has significant unctuousness specifically in complexion, voice, eyes, hair, skin hair, nails, teeth, lips, urine and feces. This indicates wealth, power, happiness, enjoyment, charity, simplicity and delicacy in dealings.[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/106]
Functions
Meda dhatu performs various function in body. It is chiefly responsible for maintaining the lubrication in all systems for their uninhibited smooth functioning and preservation of energy.
The various function of meda dhatu are listed below
- lubrication(sneha) - Maintains hydration, softness and oil balance in the body
- sweating (sweda)- It controls sweat formation and thus indirectly participate in temperature control of the body
- stability (dridhatwam)- It protects body from excess cold or hot climate and at the same time provides strength support to other body organs to work smoothly by preventing friction and heat generation.
- nourishment of bone tissue(asthipushti) [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]
- Proper nourishment of Meda Dhatu gives proper shape to the body. If excess meda is formed it accumulates in various body parts and leads to obesity related signs.
Vitiating factors
Diet and lifestyle related some factors directly and adversely affect meda dhatu. Acharya Charaka explained few such factors as below,
अव्यायामाद्दिवास्वप्नान्मेद्यानां चातिभक्षणात्| मेदोवाहीनि दुष्यन्ति वारुण्याश्चातिसेवनात्||१६|| [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/16]
The channels of transportation and transformation of meda dhatu (medovahasrotas) are affected by the sedentary lifestyle including lack of physical exercise, daytime sleep, excessive consumption of fatty food, and alcoholic drinks. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/16]
These are also the common causes of obesity known in these days. Therefore one needs to prevent indulging in the habits mentioned above in order to keep meda dhatu healthy and prevent obesity.
Importance of meda dhatu in the preservation of health and well-being
A normal human being performs various activities daily to survive. All these activities can be performed smoothly only when optimum level of moisture, lubrication and unctuousness in present in the body. This helps in protection and preservation of body systems and their efficiency. Thus all this can be achieved when sufficient amount of meda dhatu is present in the body.
A human body maintains a specific temperature inside the body in order to carry out all vital functions optimally. If this temperature is disturbed, attempts are made to normalise and stabilise the previous normal temperature which is usually achieved by sweating as seen in the cases of fever. Normally sweat performs the function of hydration of skin and adjacent tissues and whenever required participate in the process of temperature control. Thus maintaining the texture of skin and temperature control are few other important functions governed by Meda making it one of the important component for preserving health and well-being.