Rakta Dhatu is a life promoting substance. It is the one responsible for sustaining life-force.
Rakta Dhatu is a life promoting substance. It is the one responsible for sustaining life-force.
The element linked to Rakta Dhatu from the five basic elements - Fire (Agni) 1
The dosha primarily linked to Rakta Dhatu - Pitta 1
Functions of Rakta Dhatu:
- Governs oxygenation in all tissues and vital organs
- Improves skin glow and complexion
- Makes perception possible in the sense organs
- Nutritive elements of all the dhatus are engrossed in it
- Replenishes mamsa dhatu (muscular tissue)
- Helps in production of sub dhatus - Tendons (Kandara), Blood vessels (Sira) 1
Symptoms of increase in Rakta Dhatu:
- Redness in eyes
- Redness in complexion
- High blood pressure
- Healthy cravings for sweet, bitter and astringent taste 1
Symptoms of decrease in Rakta Dhatu:
- Weakening of blood vessels and veins
- Weakening of digestive fire
- Provocation of Vata or Kapha
- Rough, dry, dull and hard skin
- Reduced sweating
- Common cravings seen include - red meat, mud, root vegetables without washing, food cooked in iron pan 1
- Healthy cravings for salty, sour and pungent taste 1
Raktaja Roga (The diseases caused by vitiation of rakta dhatu):
- Dermatological issues such as leprosy, itching, eczema, ringworm, blemishes, pimples, corns etc.
- Pseudo tumors
- Blood cancer
- Bleeding (intrinsic haemorrhage)
- Bleeding through any of the external channels of the body
- Mouth ulcers
- Gingivitis
- Jaundice
- Redness in urine
- Auto immune disorders 1
- Anaemia 1
Treatment:
- Blood purification (through processes like purgation, nourishment etc.)
- Localised treatments like Blood letting
- Dosha balancing diet and lifestyle 1
- In case of increase of Rakta Dhatu - take Pitta pacifying diet
- In case of decrease of Rakta Dhatu - take Vata pacifying diet if the decrease of the dhatu is accompanied by darkening and dryness of the skin
- In case of decrease of Rakta Dhatu - take Kapha pacifying diet if the decrease of the dhatu is accompanied by paleness of the skin
- Panchkarma treatment after proper Oleation and Sudation 1
- Panchkarma recommended in case of increase of Rakta Dhatu - Purgation
- Panchkarma recommended in case of decrease of Rakta Dhatu linked to increase of Kapha - Emesis
- Panchkarma recommended in case of decrease of Rakta Dhatu linked to increase of Vata - Enema
Sources:
Primary Source: Acharya Balakrishna - A Practical Approach to The Science of Ayurveda - A Comprehensive Guide for Healthy Living
- School of Ayurveda and Panchkarma - Lectures and Notes
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this website are purely informative and educational and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a certified healthcare professional for advice.
