Majja Dhatu (मज्जा धातु)

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Majja Dhatu is one of the 7 dhatus described in Ayurveda. It is 6th in order of dhatu sequence. The word majja literally means marrow. Thus majja dhatu in Ayurveda is equivalent to the soft bone marrow tissue described in western medicine. Also, majja (marrow) of animals is described in Ayurveda at many places especially where oleation (Snehana) therapy is described. There it refers to the marrow tissue of animals which possesses unctuous and nourishing properties. When the word majja is used in the context of pharmacology and herbs in Ayurveda it refers to the 'fleshy part of the fruit or seed'.

Etymol0gy and definition

The word 'Majja' is derived from root word 'Majjan' which means to be immersed, drowned or submerged into something. Therefore in human body, the dhatu which is present inside the other i.e. Asthi dhatu is called as the 'Majja dhatu'. This has been explained in depth while describing the formation of dhatus in Charaka samhita.

Majja dhatu is thus defined as, the body component which fills the cavities of bones.

Panchabhoutikatwam

Sneha dominant hence the mahabhuta having sneha dominant quality i.e. jalam is in abundance in majja dhatu

Location of majja dhatu

Inside asthi dhatu, eyes, joints

The channels of transportation and transformation of meda dhatu originate from bones and joints. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/8].

Formation or utpatti

During metabolism, vata dosha produces hollowness inside the asthi dhatu. These hollow cavities are filled by adipose tissue(meda dhatu). The adipose tissue in hollow cavities of bones is known as majja dhatu (bone marrow).[Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/31-33]

Upadhatu of majja dhatu

Sharangadhara considered hairs (kesha) as metabolic byproduct of majja dhatu. [Sha.Sa. Purva Khanda chapter 5]

Mala of Majja dhatu

Unctuousness in eyes, skin and stools (akshi-twacha-vit sneha) are metabolic waste of majja dhatu. [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/20]

Majja sara characteristics

The persons having superior quality of majja dhatu are endowed with soft body parts, strong, unctuous complexion, and sweet voice. They have prominent (sthula), long (dirgha) and rounded joints. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/108] (https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php/Majja_dhatu)

Function

The functions of majja dhatu are providing unctuousness(snehana), strength(bala), filling of bone cavity (asthi poorana) and nourishment of its successor shukra dhatu (shukra pushti). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]

Causes of vitiation

The channels of transportation and transformation of majja dhatu are afflicted due to the following causes[Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/18]

Dietary causes

Excess and frequent consumption of incompatible food (viruddha ahara)

Exogenous causes

• crushing injury

• excessive discharge causing pressure

• trauma

• compression

Importance in the preservation of health and prevention

• Majja dhatu is specifically important for providing strength to bones and nourishment to reproductive tissues.

• Longevity, strength, learning ability, wealth, understanding, progeny, and social respect depend upon superior quality of majja dhatu. [Cha. Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/108]