Rasa Dhatu is the first dhatu that is formed after digestion of food. It is produced in the digestive tract after digestion and contains the nutrients from digested food.
Rasa Dhatu is the first dhatu that is formed after digestion of food. It is produced in the digestive tract after digestion and contains the nutrients from digested food.
The element linked to Rasa Dhatu from the five basic elements - Water (Jala) 2
The dosha primarily linked to Rasa Dhatu - Kapha 2
Functions of Rasa Dhatu:
- Nourishes all tissues, organs and systems of the body
- Produces joy and satisfaction
- Helps in production of rakta dhatu 1
- Helps in production of sub dhatus - Breastmilk (Sthanya) or Menstrual Blood (Arthava) in women, Seminal secretions in men (The liquid carrying the sperm) 2
Symptoms of increase in Rasa Dhatu:
Most of the symptoms of increase in Rasa Dhatu are similar to that of symptoms of increase of Kapha or decrease of Vata. 2
- Decrease in digestive power
- Excess salivation
- Nausea, vomiting, lethargy
- Heaviness
- Coolness
- Weakness
- Looseness in limbs
- Bronchial asthma
- Cough
- Excessive sleep
- Healthy cravings for bitter, pungent and astringent taste 2
Symptoms of decrease in Rasa Dhatu:
Most of the symptoms of decrease in Rasa Dhatu are similar to that of symptoms of decrease of Kapha or increase of Vata. 2
- Dryness in mouth and other organs
- Dryness of skin
- Fatigue
- Increased thirst
- Sensitivity to sound
- Increased heartbeat
- Cardiac pain
- Feeling of emptiness in stomach and heart
- Tired and rapid breathing
- Decrease in quantity of other dhatus
- Healthy cravings for sweet, salty and sour taste 2
Rasaja Roga (The diseases caused by vitiation of rasa dhatu):
- Loss of appetite
- Bad taste in mouth
- Loss of sense of taste
- Pain, fever
- Fainting
- Blockages in body channels
- Impotency
- Yellow skin tone
- Weakness
- Loss of body weight
- Reduction in digestive power
- Premature wrinkling
- Premature greying of hair
Treatment:
- Strength promoting herbs and medicines
- Localised treatments like application of heating herbs to treat water retention caused by increase in Rasa Dhatu
- Dosha balancing diet and lifestyle 2
- In case of increase of Rasa Dhatu - take Kapha pacifying diet
- In case of decrease of Rasa Dhatu - take Vata pacifying diet
- Panchkarma treatment after proper Oleation and Sudation 2
- Panchkarma recommended in case of increase of Rasa Dhatu - Emesis
- Panchkarma recommended in case of decrease of Rasa Dhatu - Enema
Sources:
Primary Source: Acharya Balakrishna - A Practical Approach to The Science of Ayurveda - A Comprehensive Guide for Healthy Living
- Susruta Samhita
- 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.
