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The term 'Asthi' in samskrit refers to a 'Bone'. Thus Asthi dhatu mentioned in Ayurveda is similar to bony tissue in human body. In human beings Asthi dhatu performs the vital function of forming the skeleton, providing stability and shape. In a literal sense, the word Asthi means that entity which doesn't get destroyed easily and stays longer as compared to all other counterparts. It is well known that even after years of burial of human bodies, the remnant tissue which one can find is bone. Thus bone or asthi is that body component which is not easily destroyed naturally very rapidly. In human beings Asthi dhatu performs the vital function of forming the skeleton, providing stability and shape.   

The term 'Asthi' (अस्थिः) in samskrit refers to a 'Bone'. Thus Asthi dhatu (अस्थि धातुः) mentioned in Ayurveda is similar to bony tissue in human body. In human beings Asthi dhatu performs the vital function of forming the skeleton, providing stability and shape. In a literal sense, the word Asthi means that entity which doesn't get destroyed easily and stays longer as compared to all other counterparts. It is well known that even after years of burial of human bodies, the remnant tissue which one can find is bone. Thus bone or asthi is that body component which is not easily destroyed naturally very rapidly. In human beings Asthi dhatu performs the vital function of forming the skeleton, providing stability and shape.   

=== Characteristic feature of Asthi dhatu ===

=== अस्थिधातु विशिष्टलक्षणानि ॥ Characteristic feature of Asthi dhatu ===

Asthi dhatu is identified by Ayurveda acharyas by its peculiar feature of strength. Acharya Sushruta has beautifully explained the properties, role and importance of Asthi dhatu with example as follows,

Asthi dhatu is identified by Ayurveda acharyas by its peculiar feature of strength. Acharya Sushruta has beautifully explained the properties, role and importance of Asthi dhatu with example as follows,<blockquote>अभ्यन्तरगतैः सारैर्यथा तिष्ठन्ति भूरुहाः | अस्थिसारैस्तथा देहा ध्रियन्ते देहिनां ध्रुवम्  ॥</blockquote><blockquote>तस्माच्चिरविनष्टेषु त्वङ्मांसेषु शरीरिणाम् | अस्थीनि न विनश्यन्ति साराण्येतानि देहिनाम्  ॥</blockquote><blockquote>मांसान्यत्र निबद्धानि सिराभिः स्नायुभिस्तथा | अस्थीन्यालम्बनं कृत्वा न शीर्यन्ते पतन्ति वा  ॥ (Sush. Samh. 5/21-23)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutra 21-23 )</ref></blockquote><blockquote>abhyantaragataiḥ sārairyathā tiṣṭhanti bhūruhāḥ | asthisāraistathā dehā dhriyante dehināṁ dhruvam ॥</blockquote><blockquote>tasmācciravinaṣṭeṣu tvaṅmāṁseṣu śarīriṇām | asthīni na vinaśyanti sārāṇyetāni dehinām ॥</blockquote><blockquote>māṁsānyatra nibaddhāni sirābhiḥ snāyubhistathā | asthīnyālambanaṁ kr̥tvā na śīryante patanti vā ॥ (Sush. Samh. 5/21-23)</blockquote>Meaning: Physical bodies of the humans are held stable by the strong asthi like the trees are held strong rooted to the ground due to their strong stem (heartwood). Since asthi are like the essence of the body those never decay and get destroyed long after decaying of mansa and twak (Muscular tissue and skin). Various sira (vessels, nerves) and snayu (tendons, ligaments) are attached to asthi and those are held in place because of asthi which themselves never decay or fall. 

== पांचभौतिकत्वम् ॥ Panchabhautika constitution  ==

 

 

 

 

== Panchabhautika constitution  ==

Asthi dhatu is that tissue which is called as essence or extract of body. It is strong, hard and stable. Therefore it is clear that it has Prithvi mahabhuta dominance in it. At the same time it is also khara (dry and rough) in texture. (Cha chi 15/24,25) This property of Asthi is developed during its generation from meda dhatu by the action of Teja and Vayu along with Pruthvi. Also Asthi is one of the chief sites of vata residence. Thus Along with Pruthvi, Asthi dhatu has dominant vayu and teja mahabhuta as well.

Asthi dhatu is that tissue which is called as essence or extract of body. It is strong, hard and stable. Therefore it is clear that it has Prithvi mahabhuta dominance in it. At the same time it is also khara (dry and rough) in texture. (Cha chi 15/24,25) This property of Asthi is developed during its generation from meda dhatu by the action of Teja and Vayu along with Pruthvi. Also Asthi is one of the chief sites of vata residence. Thus Along with Pruthvi, Asthi dhatu has dominant vayu and teja mahabhuta as well.

== Utpatti of Asthi dhatu ==

== अस्थिधातु उत्पत्तिः॥ Utpatti of Asthi dhatu ==

The asthi dhatu is formed from its predecessor meda dhatu. When meda 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. Asthi Dhatu (धातु). This part is responsible for development and nourishment of asthi dhatu in body. Transformation of this fluid and unctuous form of meda dhatu into solid and tough (cha chi 15 24, 30) form of asthi dhatu happens due to action of Pruthvi, Teja and Vayu mahabhutas. In this process, there happens generation of excess dryness in the processed part. Such excess dryness and hardness are the distinguishing features of asthi dhatu from all other dhatus.

The asthi dhatu is formed from its predecessor meda dhatu. When meda 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. Asthi Dhatu (धातु). This part is responsible for development and nourishment of asthi dhatu in body. Transformation of this fluid and unctuous form of meda dhatu into solid and tough (cha chi 15 24, 30) form of asthi dhatu happens due to action of Pruthvi, Teja and Vayu mahabhutas. In this process, there happens generation of excess dryness in the processed part. Such excess dryness and hardness are the distinguishing features of asthi dhatu from all other dhatus.

Saushiryam ( Porosity) in bones are due to actions of vayu and akasha mahabhuta. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/30]

Saushiryam ( Porosity) in bones are due to actions of vayu and akasha mahabhuta. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/30]

== Upadhatu of Asthi  ==

== अस्थि उपधातु॥ Upadhatu of Asthi  ==

Nakha (nails) and Danta (teeth) are considered to be the Upadhatus (metabolic byproducts) of Asthi Dhatu. Those develop during the process of metabolism and development of asthi dhatu, [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/529] [Sha. Sa. Purva khanda chapter 5] Therefore it is observed that those suffering from diseases affecting Asthi dhatu may present with symptoms related to teeth and nails. Changes in the levels of asthi dhatu in body can be easily observed from the overall health of nails and teeth.  

Nakha (nails) and Danta (teeth) are considered to be the Upadhatus (metabolic byproducts) of Asthi Dhatu. Those develop during the process of metabolism and development of asthi dhatu, [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/529] [Sha. Sa. Purva khanda chapter 5] Therefore it is observed that those suffering from diseases affecting Asthi dhatu may present with symptoms related to teeth and nails. Changes in the levels of asthi dhatu in body can be easily observed from the overall health of nails and teeth.  

== Malas of Asthi ==

== अस्थि मलाः॥ Malas of Asthi ==

Kesha (Scalp hair) and Loma (body hair) are malas (waste products of metabolism) of asthi dhatu. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/18]

Kesha (Scalp hair) and Loma (body hair) are malas (waste products of metabolism) of asthi dhatu. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/18]

== Characteristics of best quality or essence (asthisara) ==

== अस्थिसारता लक्षणानि॥ Characteristics of best quality or essence (asthisara) ==

पार्ष्णिगुल्फजान्वरत्निजत्रुचिबुकशिरःपर्वस्थूलाः स्थूलास्थिनखदन्ताश्चास्थिसाराः|

पार्ष्णिगुल्फजान्वरत्निजत्रुचिबुकशिरःपर्वस्थूलाः स्थूलास्थिनखदन्ताश्चास्थिसाराः|

Meaning: The persons with essence of asthi dhatu have prominent heels (parshni), ankles (gulpha), knee joint (janu), elbows (aratni), collarbones (jatru), chin (chibuka), head (shira), flanks (parshva) and joints and also bones and teeth. Such persons are highly enthusiastic, active, enduring, having strong and firm body as well as longevity.[Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/107]

Meaning: The persons with essence of asthi dhatu have prominent heels (parshni), ankles (gulpha), knee joint (janu), elbows (aratni), collarbones (jatru), chin (chibuka), head (shira), flanks (parshva) and joints and also bones and teeth. Such persons are highly enthusiastic, active, enduring, having strong and firm body as well as longevity.[Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/107]

== Location and types of asthi dhatu ==

== अस्थिधातु स्थानानि तथा भेदाः॥ Location and types of asthi dhatu ==

Asthi dhatu is present everywhere in the body mainly forming the skeleton of the bones. There are five types of Asthi in human body. [Su .Sa Sharira Sthana 5/20] These 5 types are as below,  

Asthi dhatu is present everywhere in the body mainly forming the skeleton of the bones. There are five types of Asthi in human body. [Su .Sa Sharira Sthana 5/20] These 5 types are as below,  

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=== Asthivaha Srotas ===

=== अस्थिवहस्रोतसम् ॥ Asthivaha Srotas ===

Channels for transportation and transformation of asthi dhatu are known as asthivaha srotas. Acharya Charaka has mentioned meda dhatu and buttocks (jaghana) as the chief sites of this system. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/8]  

Channels for transportation and transformation of asthi dhatu are known as asthivaha srotas. Acharya Charaka has mentioned meda dhatu and buttocks (jaghana) as the chief sites of this system. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/8]  

=== Other anatomical structures related to Asthi dhatu mentioned in Ayurveda ===

=== ॥ Other anatomical structures related to Asthi dhatu mentioned in Ayurveda ===

There are various other anatomical structures related to asthi dhatu. These can be included in the system.  

There are various other anatomical structures related to asthi dhatu. These can be included in the system.  

==== Asthi Jala ====

==== अस्थिजालानि ॥ Asthi Jala ====

There are four types of network-like structures (jala) in body including, bone network (asthijala). There are four such networks formed from each of these types. They are present in wrist and ankle joints and interlinked together.[Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 5/12].<ref name=":0" />

There are four types of network-like structures (jala) in body including, bone network (asthijala). There are four such networks formed from each of these types. They are present in wrist and ankle joints and interlinked together.[Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 5/12].<ref name=":0" />

==== Asthi sanghata ====

==== अस्थिसंघातानि ॥ Asthi sanghata ====

The places where many bones are present is called confluences. The confluences of bones are fourteen in number. They include ankle(gulpha), knee(janu), and groin(vankshana ) in lower limbs and their counter parts wrist(manibandha), elbow(kurpara) and axilla(kaksha) in upper limbs on each side. One is in the lower back(trika) and the other on the skull(shira) [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 5/16]<ref name=":0" />

The places where many bones are present is called confluences. The confluences of bones are fourteen in number. They include ankle(gulpha), knee(janu), and groin(vankshana) in lower limbs and their counter parts wrist(manibandha), elbow(kurpara) and axilla(kaksha) in upper limbs on each side. One is in the lower back(trika) and the other on the skull(shira) [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 5/16]<ref name=":0" />

==== Asthi Marmas ====

==== अस्थिमर्माणि ॥ Asthi Marmas ====

There are eight vital points formed from bones (asthi marma). [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/4] Katikataruna, Nitamba, Ansaphalaka and Shankha are those 4 marmas.<ref name=":0" />

There are eight vital points formed from bones (asthi marma). [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/4] Katikataruna, Nitamba, Ansaphalaka and Shankha are those 4 marmas.<ref name=":0" />

== Functions ==

== कार्यम्॥ Functions ==

Asthi dhatu performs the major function of providing support to the body. The skeleton formed by asthi gives shape, stability and protection to the vital soft organs. The locomotor function of a person is dependent on the health and state of Asthi dhatu. Apart from this it provides nourishment to the succeeding Majja dhatu and  indirectly supports its function. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]

Asthi dhatu performs the major function of providing support to the body. The skeleton formed by asthi gives shape, stability and protection to the vital soft organs. The locomotor function of a person is dependent on the health and state of Asthi dhatu. Apart from this it provides nourishment to the succeeding Majja dhatu and  indirectly supports its function. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]

== Causes of vitiation ==

== अस्थिधातुदुष्टिहेतवाः॥ Causes of vitiation ==

Various diet and lifestyle related factors that adversely affect asthi dhatu have been listed by Ayurveda acharyas. They cause imbalance in the levels as well as quality of the asthi dhatu, cause disturbance in the channels of its transport across the body and thus affect its function. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/17]

Various diet and lifestyle related factors that adversely affect asthi dhatu have been listed by Ayurveda acharyas. They cause imbalance in the levels as well as quality of the asthi dhatu, cause disturbance in the channels of its transport across the body and thus affect its function. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/17]

==== Dietary causes ====

==== आहारहेतवाः ॥ Dietary causes ====

* Food items that aggravate Vata dosha in body lead to asthi dhatu imbalance in the body.  Excessive consumption of food that aggravates vatadosha in body. This includes the dietary items which possess properties like light to digest (laghu), dry(ruksha), cold(sheeta), rough(khara), highly penetrating or subtle (sukshma), mobile(chala).

* Food items that aggravate Vata dosha in body lead to asthi dhatu imbalance in the body.  Excessive consumption of food that aggravates vatadosha in body. This includes the dietary items which possess properties like light to digest (laghu), dry(ruksha), cold(sheeta), rough(khara), highly penetrating or subtle (sukshma), mobile(chala).

==== Lifestyle causes ====

==== विहारहेतवाः ॥ Lifestyle causes ====

* Excessive physical exercise

* Excessive physical exercise

* Excessive jerks to the body or jerky movements

* Excessive jerks to the body or jerky movements

* Excessive pressure on bones.

* Excessive pressure on bones.

==== Signs of decrease ====

==== अस्थिक्षयलक्षणानि ॥ Signs of decrease ====

* loss of scalp and body-hair, beard, nails and teeth

* loss of scalp and body-hair, beard, nails and teeth

* fatigue

* fatigue

[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/67], [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/9]

[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/67], [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/9]

==== Signs of increase ====

==== अस्थिधातुवृद्धिलक्षणानि ॥ Signs of increase ====

* extra tooth and bony growth [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/14]

* extra tooth and bony growth [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/14]

== Importance in preservation of health and prevention ==

== अस्थिधातु॥ Importance in preservation of health and prevention ==

Bone tissue (asthi dhatu) is considered as the essence of body tissue which remains even after destruction of all other tissues. [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 5/21-22]

Bone tissue (asthi dhatu) is considered as the essence of body tissue which remains even after destruction of all other tissues. [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 5/21-22]

The enthusiasm, endurance, strength, body structure, firmness, and longevity depend upon quality of asthi dhatu. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/107]

The enthusiasm, endurance, strength, body structure, firmness, and longevity depend upon quality of asthi dhatu. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/107]

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