Ayurveda states that the body’s source is derived from anna. Following the correct metabolic process, food substances transform into anna-rasa or adhyarasa dhatu, which aids in developing and nourishing the body’s other dhatus. The primary function in creating rasa and mala is Agni, located in the stomach.
In the body, there are two kinds of rasa dhatu: one is sthayi dhatu, and the other is poshaka dhatu. The heart has been the primary location of rasa dhatu. When rasa dhatu operates effectively, it aids in creating other dhatus, nourishes the body, and enhances skin quality.
If rasa-dusti arises either from vriddhi (increase in quantity) or kshaya (decrease in quantity) of rasa dhatu, then several diseases have occurred.
What is Rasa-Dhatu, and why is it important?
The place Rasa-Dhatu holds in the world of Ayurveda is unique. It can be known as the body’s first and most elementary tissue. “Rasa” implies essence, and “Dhatu” means tissue. Rasa-Dhatu is the first tissue that forms after converting food eaten into some form. It serves like the foundation of a building – if the foundations are wrong, the whole building goes wrong.
Rasa-Dhatu is mostly water and is in direct contact with the plasma, our body’s essence. It drips everywhere in our body, nourishing every cell and tissue.
Without the correct formation of Rasa-Dhatu, it would be like a garden without water—nothing would bloom, and we may not even survive.
How is Rasa-Dhatu formed in the body?
The formation process begins in the digestive system. Once inside the body, food goes through various stages of breakdown in the stomach and intestines, in which the nutrients of this digested food become Rasa-Dhatu. This process takes five to six days to complete.
This is compared to making juice out of fruits. Similarly, the digestive system extracts the juice of food to form Rasa-Dhatu. That juice travels through special channels in our body called “Srotas” to nourish all of our tissues.
What are the primary properties of Rasa-Dhatu?
Rasa-Dhathu possesses several exciting properties. First, it is calm by nature, just like water. Second, it is sweetish in taste and liquid in consistency. If healthy, Rasa-Dhathu can nourish our body all the time and provide hydration.
Another essential characteristic is that it is white. In Ayurveda, this color symbolizes purity and proper nourishment. So, when Rasa-Dhatu is healthy, it ensures our skin’s natural glow and keeps our body full of energy.
How does Rasa-Dhatu affect our health?
Its healthiness balances many other aspects of our being.
- If one has well-balanced Rasa-Dhatu, he can work with high efficiency.
- The skin is healthy, and immunity is robust.
- The heart functions well, and the digestive system also improves.
But when Rasa-Dhatu is unhealthy, we will have many different problems.
- We will always be lethargic, our skin dry or dull, and we will not feel hungry.
- Besides this, some will have swelling in their body parts or instability in their emotional state.
What can cause Rasa-Dhatu to be unhealthy?
Certain things affect the balance of Rasa-Dhatu.
- It gets disturbed due to irregular eating times and excessive intake of processed foods.
- Rasa-Dhatu can also be harmed by stress. Even the modern evil of staying up late at night disturbs its formation.
- Pollution, heavy rain, extreme weather, or chemical exposure may also damage Rasa-Dhatu.
Thus, Ayurveda advises sticking to the natural balance and the rhythms of daily life.
What is the Precaution for maintaining healthy Rasa-Dhatu?
Healthy Rasa-Dhatu is relatively easy to maintain, but it needs to be done regularly; eat fresh, wholesome food regularly.
- Eating abundant sweet, juicy fruits and vegetables is advisable because they help form good-quality Rasa-Dhatu.
- Rest is also essential. Sleep heals and renews Rasa-Dhatu in our body. Regular bedtimes and rising helps the body keep its natural rhythm.
- Regular moderate exercise helps Rasa-Dhatu circulate appropriately in our body. Gentle activities like walking, yoga, or swimming are perfect.
What are some signs of healthy Rasa-Dhatu?
When Rasa-Dhatu is healthy, it shows in many ways. A person will have good energy throughout the day. Their skin will glow naturally, and their joints will be lubricated well. They’ll have good appetite and proper digestion.
It gives us mental balance and reduces the impact of stress on our bodies. Our sleeping patterns are good, and we wake up refreshed.
Conclusion:
How does Rasayana therapy help Rasa-Dhatu?
Rasayana therapy is one of the areas in Ayurveda that deals with reformation. A few herbs or treatments could strengthen Rasa-Dhatu. In particular, Shatavari, Guduchi, and Amalaki are suitable for nourishment.
These herbs work powerfully but gently. They improve digestion, boost immunity, and nourish all tissues, beginning with Rasa Dhatu. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that these herbs individually have certain properties which can change when combined with other herbs. So, they must be taken under proper guidance.
If you have knowledge about Rasa-Dhatu, it will help you understand your body at a deeper level. Consequently, one can stay healthy choosing best options at the right time. Simply, you can maintain good health by keeping your Rasa-Dhatu in good condition.
You must have often heard that prevention is better than cure. Ayurveda rightly tells you this. The best way to prevent health problems is to maintain a healthy Rasa-Dhatu.
REFERENCE LINKS:
- https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php/Rasa_dhatu
- https://eijppr.com/storage/models/article/RHWWBUMn8oOGaLRlpd7mPTcPZXPXHb2DNEZMZZfrB5TdAMD42ZX7T5RwcTMa/an-understanding-of-rasa-dhatu-as-described-in-ayurveda-in-the-light-of-modern-science.pdf
- https://www.ayurvedacollege.c om/blog/rasa-dhatu-plasma/
- https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/concept-of-rasa-dhatu-in-ayurved/238910255
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333519245_CORRELATION_OF_RASA_DHATU_IN_MODERN_PRESPECTIVE_A_REVIEW
- https://www.athreyaherbs.com/blogs/news/rasa-the-cascade-of-nourishment-the-first-dhatu