Difference between revisions of "Asthi Dhatu (अस्थी धातु)"

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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 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 ===
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=== 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. 
  
अभ्यन्तरगतैः सारैर्यथा तिष्ठन्ति भूरुहाः | अस्थिसारैस्तथा देहा ध्रियन्ते देहिनां ध्रुवम् ||२१||
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Thus Asthi dhatu is also termed as the extract (सारः | sara) of the body.
  
तस्माच्चिरविनष्टेषु त्वङ्मांसेषु शरीरिणाम् | अस्थीनि न विनश्यन्ति साराण्येतानि देहिनाम् |
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== 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 (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.
  
मांसान्यत्र निबद्धानि सिराभिः स्नायुभिस्तथा | अस्थीन्यालम्बनं कृत्वा न शीर्यन्ते पतन्ति वा ||२३||
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== 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 (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.
  
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.
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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>
  
Thus Asthi dhatu is also termed as the extract (sara) of the body (Su.sha 5/21-22]
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== अस्थि उपधातु॥ Upadhatu of Asthi ==
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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.
  
== Panchabhautika constitution  ==
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== अस्थि मलाः॥ Malas of Asthi ==
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.
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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>
== Metabolism and Development ==
 
The asthi dhatu is formed from its predecessor adipose tissue (meda dhatu). The nourishing portion of adipose tissue (meda dhatu) and constituents of nutrient fluid (ahara rasa) are transformed into asthi dhatu by action of factors responsible for its metabolism (asthi dhatvagni). Agni mahabhuta and vayu mahabhuta play a major role in the solidification and roughness of asthi by acting upon prithvi mahabhuta components of adipose tissue (meda dhatu).[Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/30]
 
  
Porosity in bones are due to actions of vayu and akasha mahabhuta. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/30]
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== अस्थिसारता लक्षणानि॥ Characteristics of best quality or essence (asthisara) ==
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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>
  
=== Metabolic byproducts and waste products (Upadhatu and mala) ===
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== अस्थिधातु स्थानानि तथा भेदाः॥ Location and types of asthi dhatu ==
During the process of metabolism and development of asthi dhatu, nails (nakha) are formed as the metabolic byproducts (upadhatu). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/529] Sharangadhara considered teeth (danta) only as metabolic byproduct.[Sha. Sa. Purva khanda chapter 5]
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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,
  
Scalp hair (kesha) and body hair(loma) are waste products of metabolism of asthi dhatu. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/18]
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{|
 +
|+'''Asthi bheda (अस्थिभेदाः Types of Asthi)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutram 20)</ref> <ref name=":0">Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Asthi_dhatu#Bones_.28asthi.29 charaksamhitaonline.com]</ref>'''
 +
!
 +
!Type
 +
|'''Site'''
 +
|-
 +
|1.
 +
|Kapala (कपाल Flat bones)
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|Knee (Janu), jaghana(pelvic), shoulder(amsa),
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Cheek(ganda),palate(talu),temples(shankha),skull(shiras)
 +
|-
 +
|2.
 +
|Ruchaka (रुचक Teeth) ruchaka
 +
|Teeth
 +
|-
 +
|3.
 +
|Taruna (तरुण Cartilages )
 +
|Nose(Ghrana), Ear(karna), Neck(griva),orbit of the eye(akshikosha)
 +
|-
 +
|4.
 +
|Valaya (वलय curved/Annular bones)
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|Ribs(Parshuka), vertebrae (prushthakasheruka)
 +
|-
 +
|5.
 +
|Nalaka (नलक Tubular bones)
 +
|All other long bones
 +
|}
  
== Utpatti of Asthi dhatu ==
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=== अस्थिवहस्रोतसम् ॥ Asthivaha Srotas ===
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 and generation of excess dryness in the processed part. Excess dryness and hardness are thus the distinguishing features of asthi dhatu from all other dhatus.
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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> 
  
== Characteristics of best quality or essence (asthisara) ==
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=== ॥ Other anatomical structures related to Asthi dhatu mentioned in Ayurveda ===
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]
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There are various other anatomical structures related to asthi dhatu. These can be included in the system.  
  
== Anatomical and physiological structures ==
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==== अस्थिजालानि ॥ Asthi Jala ====
The asthi dhatu is present in various forms as below.
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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>
  
=== Channels for transportation and transformation of asthi dhatu (asthivaha srotas) ===
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==== अस्थिसंघातानि ॥ Asthi sanghata ====
The channels originate from predecessor meda dhatu and buttocks (jaghana). [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/8] There are various other anatomical structures related to asthi dhatu. These can be included in the system. The structures are as described below.
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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" />
  
== Functions ==
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==== अस्थिमर्माणि ॥ Asthi Marmas ====
The important function of asthi dhatu is providing structure and support to the body. It also nourishes the successor bone marrow tissue (majja dhatu).[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]
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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" />
  
=== Causes of vitiation ===
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== कार्यम्॥ Functions ==
The following are causative factors for the vitiation of channels for transport and transformation of asthi dhatu (asthivahasrotasa). [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/17]
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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>
  
==== Dietary causes ====
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== अस्थिधातुदुष्टिहेतवाः॥ Causes of vitiation ==
* 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).
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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>
  
==== Lifestyle causes ====
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==== आहारहेतवाः ॥ Dietary causes ====
* Excessive physical exercise
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* 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.  
* Excessive jerks to the body or jerky movements
 
* Excessive pressure on bones.
 
  
==== Signs of decrease ====
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==== विहारहेतवाः ॥ Lifestyle causes ====
* loss of scalp and body-hair, beard, nails and teeth
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* Excessive physical exercise (अतिव्यायाम)
* fatigue
+
* Excessive jerks to the body or jerky movements (अतिसंक्षोभात)
* loose joints
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* Excessive pressure on bones. (अतिविघट्टनात्)
* pain in bones
 
* dryness
 
* breaking of teeth and nails
 
[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/67], [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/9]
 
  
==== Signs of increase ====
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== अस्थिधातु॥ Importance in preservation of health and prevention ==
* extra tooth and bony growth [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/14]
+
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.  
  
== Importance in preservation of health and prevention ==
+
== References ==
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]
+
<references />
 
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[[Category:Ayurveda]]
The enthusiasm, endurance, strength, body structure, firmness, and longevity depend upon quality of asthi dhatu. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/107]
 

Latest revision as of 22:56, 26 July 2021

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.

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,

अभ्यन्तरगतैः सारैर्यथा तिष्ठन्ति भूरुहाः | अस्थिसारैस्तथा देहा ध्रियन्ते देहिनां ध्रुवम् ॥

तस्माच्चिरविनष्टेषु त्वङ्मांसेषु शरीरिणाम् | अस्थीनि न विनश्यन्ति साराण्येतानि देहिनाम् ॥

मांसान्यत्र निबद्धानि सिराभिः स्नायुभिस्तथा | अस्थीन्यालम्बनं कृत्वा न शीर्यन्ते पतन्ति वा ॥ (Sush. Samh. 5/21-23)[1]

abhyantaragataiḥ sārairyathā tiṣṭhanti bhūruhāḥ | asthisāraistathā dehā dhriyante dehināṁ dhruvam ॥

tasmācciravinaṣṭeṣu tvaṅmāṁseṣu śarīriṇām | asthīni na vinaśyanti sārāṇyetāni dehinām ॥

māṁsānyatra nibaddhāni sirābhiḥ snāyubhistathā | asthīnyālambanaṁ kr̥tvā na śīryante patanti vā ॥ (Sush. Samh. 5/21-23)

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 (सारः | sara) of the body.

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 (पृथ्वी महाभूतम्) dominance in it. At the same time it is also khara (खरः | dry and rough) in texture.[2] 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

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.[2] 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 (सौषिर्यम् | Porosity) in bones are due to actions of vayu (वायु) and akasha (आकाश) mahabhuta.[3]

अस्थि उपधातु॥ Upadhatu of Asthi

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.[4] [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.

अस्थि मलाः॥ Malas of Asthi

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.[6]

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

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.

पार्ष्णिगुल्फजान्वरत्निजत्रुचिबुकशिरःपर्वस्थूलाः स्थूलास्थिनखदन्ताश्चास्थिसाराः|

ते महोत्साहाः क्रियावन्तः क्लेशसहाः सारस्थिरशरीरा भवन्त्यायुष्मन्तश्च॥ (Char. Samh. 8.107) [7]

pārṣṇigulphajānvaratnijatrucibukaśiraḥparvasthūlāḥ sthūlāsthinakhadantāścāsthisārāḥ|

te mahotsāhāḥ kriyāvantaḥ kleśasahāḥ sārasthiraśarīrā bhavantyāyuṣmantaśca॥ (Char. Samh. 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.[8]

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.[9] These 5 types are as below,

Asthi bheda (अस्थिभेदाः Types of Asthi)[10] [11]
Type Site
1. Kapala (कपाल Flat bones) Knee (Janu), jaghana(pelvic), shoulder(amsa),

Cheek(ganda),palate(talu),temples(shankha),skull(shiras)

2. Ruchaka (रुचक Teeth) ruchaka Teeth
3. Taruna (तरुण Cartilages ) Nose(Ghrana), Ear(karna), Neck(griva),orbit of the eye(akshikosha)
4. Valaya (वलय curved/Annular bones) Ribs(Parshuka), vertebrae (prushthakasheruka)
5. Nalaka (नलक Tubular bones) All other long bones

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.[12]

॥ 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.

अस्थिजालानि ॥ Asthi Jala

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.[11][13]

अस्थिसंघातानि ॥ Asthi sanghata

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).[11][13]

अस्थिमर्माणि ॥ Asthi Marmas

There are eight vital points formed from bones (अस्थि मर्माणि | asthi marma). [14] Katikataruna (कटिकतरुणम्), Nitamba (नितंब), Ansaphalaka (अंसफलकम्) and Shankha (शंख) are those 4 marmas.[11]

कार्यम्॥ Functions

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.[15]

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.[16]

आहारहेतवाः ॥ Dietary causes

  • 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

  • Excessive physical exercise (अतिव्यायाम)
  • Excessive jerks to the body or jerky movements (अतिसंक्षोभात)
  • Excessive pressure on bones. (अतिविघट्टनात्)

अस्थिधातु॥ Importance in preservation of health and prevention

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.

References

  1. Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutra 21-23 )
  2. 2.0 2.1 Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 24, 25)
  3. Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana Adhyaya 15 Sutram 30)
  4. Sushruta Samhtia (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 46 Sutram 529)
  5. Sharangadhara Samhita (Purvakhanadam Chapter 5)
  6. Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 18)
  7. Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutram 107)
  8. Available from charakasamhitaonline.com
  9. Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutram 20)
  10. Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutram 20)
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Available from charaksamhitaonline.com
  12. Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutram 8)
  13. 13.0 13.1 Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhaya 5 Sutram 12-16)
  14. Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutram 4)
  15. Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhaya 15 Sutram 5)
  16. Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutram 17)