Difference between revisions of "Meda Dhatu (मेद धातु)"
DrDevashree (talk | contribs) (Created new page and added content) |
DrDevashree (talk | contribs) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | Meda dhatu is the body component which indicates fat | + | Meda dhatu is one of the 7 [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] in [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|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 | + | 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] |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
=== Channels of transportation and transformation of meda dhatu (medovaha srotas) === | === Channels of transportation and transformation of meda dhatu (medovaha srotas) === | ||
| Line 24: | Line 17: | ||
The following structures can be considered as components of the transportation and transformation system of meda dhatu. | The following structures can be considered as components of the transportation and transformation system of meda dhatu. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Panchabhautika constitution == | ||
| + | Meda dhatu is fluid, unctuous and heavy in nature. Also Meda is the site of location for kapha [[Doshas (दोषाः)|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]. Sweat and sebum are formed during this process as waste products (mala). [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/18]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == 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) == | ||
| + | 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 == | == Functions == | ||
| − | Meda dhatu is responsible for | + | 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. | ||
== Importance in diagnosis == | == Importance in diagnosis == | ||
| Line 32: | Line 44: | ||
=== Causes of vitiation === | === Causes of vitiation === | ||
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] | 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] | ||
| + | |||
| + | When Kapha vitiates the Medovaha Srotas and Medodhara Kala, the Meda Agni becomes low and as a result the qualities of earth and water takes into the body are digested slowly, causing a greater amount of fatty tissue formation. When Pitta vitiates the Medovaha Srotas and Meda Dhara Kala, the Meda Agni becomes high, qualities of earth and water burned up quickly leading to little Meda formation | ||
== Importance of concept in the preservation of health and prevention == | == Importance of concept in the preservation of health and prevention == | ||
Meda dhatu provides unctuousness to all body components. Unctuousness is the essential property of the essence of all seven dhatu (ojas). It is related to vitality and immunity of the body. [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/31] The unctuous portion (sneha) carries functions like lubrication, providing moisture, smoothening, unction, fluidity, and ooziness. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 22/11] These are important in various physiological processes and functions of the body. | Meda dhatu provides unctuousness to all body components. Unctuousness is the essential property of the essence of all seven dhatu (ojas). It is related to vitality and immunity of the body. [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/31] The unctuous portion (sneha) carries functions like lubrication, providing moisture, smoothening, unction, fluidity, and ooziness. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 22/11] These are important in various physiological processes and functions of the body. | ||
Revision as of 18:31, 12 July 2021
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]
Channels of transportation and transformation of meda dhatu (medovaha srotas)
The channels of transportation and transformation of meda dhatu originate from the kidneys(vrikka) and omentum (vapavahana), [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/8]
Sushruta opines that they originated from pelvic region(kati) and kidneys(vrikka).[Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 9/12].
Vagbhata added mamsa dhatu to the origin with kidneys (vrikka).[A.S.Sharira Sthana 6/26]
Considering the above opinions, the origin of meda dhatu can be considered in pelvic region, omentum and kidneys. The sites of origin are important for knowing the source of nourishment in diagnosis and treatment.
The following structures can be considered as components of the transportation and transformation system of meda dhatu.
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]. Sweat and sebum are formed during this process as waste products (mala). [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/18].
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)
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.
Importance in diagnosis
Causes of vitiation
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]
When Kapha vitiates the Medovaha Srotas and Medodhara Kala, the Meda Agni becomes low and as a result the qualities of earth and water takes into the body are digested slowly, causing a greater amount of fatty tissue formation. When Pitta vitiates the Medovaha Srotas and Meda Dhara Kala, the Meda Agni becomes high, qualities of earth and water burned up quickly leading to little Meda formation
Importance of concept in the preservation of health and prevention
Meda dhatu provides unctuousness to all body components. Unctuousness is the essential property of the essence of all seven dhatu (ojas). It is related to vitality and immunity of the body. [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/31] The unctuous portion (sneha) carries functions like lubrication, providing moisture, smoothening, unction, fluidity, and ooziness. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 22/11] These are important in various physiological processes and functions of the body.