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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.   

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.   

Thus Asthi dhatu is also termed as the extract (sara) of the body.  

Thus Asthi dhatu is also termed as the extract (सारः | sara) of the body.  

== पांचभौतिकत्वम् ॥ Panchabhautika constitution  ==

== पांचभौतिकत्वम् ॥ 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 (पृथ्वी महाभूतम्) dominance in it. At the same time it is also khara (खरः | dry and rough) in texture.<ref name=":1">Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 24, 25)</ref> This property of Asthi is developed during its generation from meda dhatu by the action of Teja (तेजः) and Vayu (वायुः) along with Pruthvi (पृथ्वी). 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.

== अस्थिधातु उत्पत्तिः॥ 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 (अस्थि 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 form of asthi dhatu happens due to action of Pruthvi, Teja and Vayu mahabhutas.<ref name=":1" /> 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 (सौषिर्यम् | Porosity) in bones are due to actions of vayu (वायु) and akasha (आकाश) mahabhuta.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana Adhyaya 15 Sutram 30)</ref>

== अस्थि उपधातु॥ 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 (नखाः | nails) and Danta (दंताः | teeth) are considered to be the Upadhatus (उपधातु | metabolic byproducts) of Asthi Dhatu. Those develop during the process of metabolism and development of asthi dhatu.<ref>Sushruta Samhtia (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 46 Sutram 529)</ref> <ref>Sharangadhara Samhita (Purvakhanadam Chapter 5)</ref> 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.  

== अस्थि मलाः॥ 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]

During the micro-transformation of asthi dhatu inside body and formation of upadhatus, some entities are generated as waste byproducts and those are called Kesha (Scalp hair) and Loma (body hair). Thus hair on scalp and all over body are believed to be the waste products of metabolism of asthi dhatu and called as malas of asthi.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 18)</ref>

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

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

पार्ष्णिगुल्फजान्वरत्निजत्रुचिबुकशिरःपर्वस्थूलाः स्थूलास्थिनखदन्ताश्चास्थिसाराः|

Those who have supreme quality of asthi dhatu in a body are identified by some characteristic features. These features are called as asthi-sarata features (अस्थिसारता लक्षणानि). Most of these features are manifested on joints, nails and teeth. Thus one can identify the quality of asthi dhatu by assessing presence or absence of following signs in skin.<blockquote>पार्ष्णिगुल्फजान्वरत्निजत्रुचिबुकशिरःपर्वस्थूलाः स्थूलास्थिनखदन्ताश्चास्थिसाराः|</blockquote><blockquote>ते महोत्साहाः क्रियावन्तः क्लेशसहाः सारस्थिरशरीरा भवन्त्यायुष्मन्तश्च॥ (Char. Samh. 8.107) <ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutram 107)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>pārṣṇigulphajānvaratnijatrucibukaśiraḥparvasthūlāḥ sthūlāsthinakhadantāścāsthisārāḥ|</blockquote><blockquote>te mahotsāhāḥ kriyāvantaḥ kleśasahāḥ sārasthiraśarīrā bhavantyāyuṣmantaśca॥ (Char. Samh. 8.107)</blockquote>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.<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Asthi_dhatu charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref>

 

ते महोत्साहाः क्रियावन्तः क्लेशसहाः सारस्थिरशरीरा भवन्त्यायुष्मन्तश्च||१०७|| [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]

== अस्थिधातु स्थानानि तथा भेदाः॥ 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.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutram 20)</ref> These 5 types are as below,  

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{|

=== अस्थिवहस्रोतसम् ॥ 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.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutram 8)</ref> 

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

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

==== अस्थिजालानि ॥ 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 (जाल | jala) in body including, bone network (अस्थिजालानि | asthijala). There are four such networks formed from each of these types. They are present in wrist and ankle joints and interlinked together.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhaya 5 Sutram 12-16)</ref>

==== अस्थिसंघातानि ॥ 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 (गुल्फ़ | gulpha), knee (जानु | janu), and groin (वंक्षणम् | vankshana) in lower limbs and their counter parts wrist (मणिबंधम् | anibandha), elbow (कूर्परम् | kurpara) and axilla (कक्षा | kaksha) in upper limbs on each side. One is in the lower back (त्रिकम् | trika) and the other on the skull (शिरः | shira).<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />

==== अस्थिमर्माणि ॥ 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 (अस्थि मर्माणि | asthi marma). <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutram 4)</ref> Katikataruna (कटिकतरुणम्), Nitamba (नितंब), Ansaphalaka (अंसफलकम्) and Shankha (शंख) are those 4 marmas.<ref name=":0" />

== कार्यम्॥ 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 dharana (धारणम् | 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.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhaya 15 Sutram 5)</ref>

== अस्थिधातुदुष्टिहेतवाः॥ 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.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutram 17)</ref>

==== आहारहेतवाः ॥ 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 (वातल आहारसेवनम्) in body lead to asthi dhatu imbalance in the body. This includes the dietary items which possess properties like laghu (लघु), ruksha (रुक्ष), sheeta (शीत), khara (खर), chala (चल) etc.  

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

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

* Excessive physical exercise

* Excessive physical exercise (अतिव्यायाम)

* Excessive jerks to the body or jerky movements

* Excessive jerks to the body or jerky movements (अतिसंक्षोभात)

* Excessive pressure on bones.

* Excessive pressure on bones. (अतिविघट्टनात्)

 

 

== अस्थिधातु॥ 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]

Asthi is that dhatu of body which provides framework in the form of skeleton which is responsible for providing shape to body and protection to inner organs. Thus the human body is held and sustained due to asthi. The locomotor activities or voluntary movements of body are possible due to presence of strong and firm asthi. Along with this asthi dhatu is also responsible for overall strength, endurance, firmness and in general for enthusiasm and longevity of body.  

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