Bones and Beyond: Ayurvedic Understanding of Asthi Dhatu

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine, originated in India more than 5000 years ago. The term ‘Ayurveda’ is derived from  Sanskrit where ‘Ayur’ means life and ‘Veda’ means knowledge.

It is a timeless art that teaches us to live a life full of balance, vitality, and harmony through preventive and curative measures. It doesn't only include the physical but also the mental and spiritual aspects of our existence.

What is a Dhatu?

Sushruta, the father of surgery defined the term ‘Dhatu’ as 'धारणात् धातवः' (Dhaarnaat Dhātavaḥ) in Sanskrit, which translates to ‘that which holds or supports is a Dhatu.’ This signifies that elements in the body responsible for sustaining and supporting the structure are referred to as Dhatus. There are seven dhatus, collectively called Saptadhatu which when correlated with modern science, are called tissues.

In the context of Ayurveda, Dhatus are the elements in the human body that nourish, grow, and support the body and mind. A system of well-balanced doshas helps balance the dhatus, thus leading to the proper functioning of the entire system of the body.

When these tissues are healthy, we have a good built-in immunity. The quality and quantity of food, the fire within (Jathragni), digestion, and absorption, all contribute to tissue health.

In this blog  ‘Asthi Dhatu: The ABCs of Bone Tissue in Ayurveda’ we’ll be discussing  Asthi dhatu in detail by explaining shlokas from the ancient ayurvedic texts.

Introduction to Asthi Dhatu

In the enumeration of the saptdhatu, ‘Asthi dhatu’ is renowned as the fifth dhatu after ‘Meda dhatu.’ It stands as the sturdy foundation upon which the body's structural integrity is built.

Definition (Nirukti)

‘अस्यते क्षिप्यते इति अस्थिः’ (Asyate Kshipyate Iti Asthih.)

This means that the term ‘Asthi’ is derived from the root ‘as’ which means to throw. After death when the body decomposes, what remains are the bones, which later, as per Hindu traditions, are thrown into the water, and this is why they are called ‘Asthi,’ meaning that which is thrown.

Synonyms – कीकस  (Keekas) and कुल्य (Kulya)

Elemental Organisation

‘अस्थि पृथिव्यनिलात्मकम्।’ (Asthi prithivyanilatmakam.)

~(Ref- Chakrapani on Sushruta Sutrasthana  15/8)

‘अस्थिन पृथिव्यनिलतेजसाम्।’ (Asthin prithivyanilatejasam.)

~(Ref- Dalhan on Sushruta Sutrasthana 15/8)

Describing the elemental nature of Asthi dhatu, Acharya Chakrapani has mentioned the predominance of the earth (prithvi) and air (vayu) elements in bone tissue. Similarly, Acharya Dalhana, in his commentary, has highlighted the dominance of the earth and air elements along with the fire (agni) element in Asthi Dhatu.

Essentially, the bone tissue shares the same panch-bhautik  nature as other tissues:

1.     Prithvi (Earth) – Provides stability, heaviness, and structure, to bone tissues.

2.     Vayu (Air) – Attributes dryness, hardness, structure, and movement to bone tissues.

3.     Agni (Fire) – influences the features like shape and color of bone tissues.

4.     Jala (Water) – Provides lubrication to bone tissues.

5.     Aakash (Space) – Responsible for coolness and lightness of the bone tissues.

How is Asthi Dhatu Formed?

‘मेदसोऽस्थि........ जायते ।’ (Medaso-asthi........ Jayate)

~(Ref- Sushruta Sutrasthana 14/10)

This verse from Sushruta Samhita suggests the formation of Asthi dhatu from Meda dhatu. Acharya Dalhan further provides clarification on the formation of Asthi:

‘ततोऽपि पच्यमानान्मलः केशलोमश्मश्रूणि, स्थूलोऽस्थि, सुक्ष्मस्तु मज्जा ।’ (Tato-api pachyamanan malah keshaloma shmashrooni, sthulo'sthi, sukshma stu majja.)

~(Ref- Dalhan on Sushruta Sutrasthana 14/10)

The verse emphasizes that during the formation of Medo Dhatu (fat tissue), Asthi nirman ansh located in its prasad portion contributes to the creation of Asthi (bone) through the action of Asthyagni. As a result, the sthula part of the prasada portion (later formed) is responsible for the formation and nourishment of the bones.

In simple terms, Asthi nirman ansh from Medo dhatu, when acted upon by Asthyagni, produces the prasad (essence) as well as the mal (waste) part. The prasad has two forms, sukshma (subtle) and sthula (gross) form. The formation and nourishment of Asthi dhatu occur in the sthula form. The sukshma form assumes a superior form in the shape of Majja nirman ansh. Kesh (hairs) and Rome (body hairs) are formed in the mala part.

What is Asthyagni

In Ayurveda, each of the saptdhatu is believed to have its own agni, or metabolic fire, responsible for the transformation and assimilation of nutrients related to that particular tissue.  Asthyagni, as the name suggests, is the digestive fire that operates within the context of bone metabolism. It specifically facilitates the assimilation of minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for bone health.

What are the Functions of Asthi Dhatu?

Asthi Dhatu performs several vital functions that contribute to the overall health and structural integrity of the body.

The function of Asthi dhatu as mentioned in Sushruta Samhita:

‘अस्थीनि देहधारणं मज्ज्ञः पुष्टिं च ।’ (Asthini deha dhāraṇam majjagya puṣṭiṁ cha.)

~(Ref- Sushruta Sutrasthana 15/7)

Explanation:

·        Deha Dharana (Upholding the Body) – Bones play a fundamental role in providing structural support to the body. They form the framework that supports muscles, organs, and other tissues.

·        Majjagya and Pustim (Bone marrow and nourishment) – The bone marrow, situated within bones is responsible for the production of blood cells through a process called hematopoiesis contributing to the body's immune system and overall health. It also contains essential nutrients and fatty acids which serve as a source of nourishment for the body.

What are the Imbalances in Asthi Dhatu?

Asthi Dhatu imbalances are often associated with disturbances in Vata dosha, which governs movement and is closely linked to the skeletal system. Here are some common imbalances as discussed in various ancient Ayurvedic scriptures.

Decreased Asthi Dhatu (Asthi Kshaya)

Acharya Sushruta has described the symptoms that arise when Asthi Dhatu is decreased in the body as follows:

‘अस्थिक्षयेऽस्थिशूलं दन्तनखभङ्गो रौक्ष्यं च ।’ (Asthi kṣhay-asthiśūlaṁ dantanakhabhaṅgo raukṣyaṁ cha.)

~(Ref- Sushruta Sutrasthana 15/13)

In the condition of Asthi Kshaya, there is pain in the bones, breakage of teeth and nails, and dryness.

Explanation:

·        Asthi Kshaya – Diminished bone tissue.

·        Asthisulam – Pain in the bones.

·        Dantanakhabhaṅgo – Breakage or fracture of teeth (danta) and nails (nakha).

·        Rauksyam – Dryness

Maharshi Charak shared what we might notice when there's not enough bone tissue in the body as follows:

‘केशलोमनखश्मश्रुद्विजप्रपतनं श्रमः । ज्ञेयमस्थिक्षये लिङ्ग सन्धिशैथिल्यमेव च ।।’ (Keshalomanakhashmashrudvijapratanan shramah. Jneyam asthikshaye linga sandhishaithilyameva cha.)

~(Ref- Charak Sutrastahana 17/67)

In the depletion of Asthi Dhatu, the symptoms include loss of hair, body hair, nails, feathers (on the body), and teeth. There is fatigue in the body, and laxity in the joints is to be known.

Explanation:

The first phrase describes the loss of different structural components:

·        Kesha – Hair

·        Loma – Body hair

·        Nakha – Nails

·        Dvija –  Teeth

The second phrase indicates the symptoms, like joint laxity.

·        Linga – Symptoms

·        Sandhishaithilyam – Laxity in the joints.

 Ashtānga Hridaya described the symptoms of asthi kshya as follows:

‘अस्थन्यस्थितोदः सदनं दन्तकेशनखादिषु ।’ (Asthanysthitodaḥ sadanaṁ dantakeśanakhādiṣu.)

~(Ref- Ashtānga Hridaya Sutrasthana 11/19)

It mentions that in the condition of Asthi Kshaya, there is pain in the bones, and symptoms such as the falling (breaking) of teeth, hair, and nails are observed.

Increased Asthi Dhatu (Asthi Vriddhi)

‘अस्थ्यध्यस्थीन्यधिदन्तांश्च ।’ (Asthyadhyasthīnyadhidantāṁścha.)

~(Ref- Sushruta Sutrasthana 15/19)

‘अस्थ्यध्यस्थ्यधिदन्तांश्च ।’ (Asthyadhyasthyadhidantāṁścha.)

~(Ref- Ashtang Hridaya Sutrasthana 11/11)

Both Sushruta Samhita and Ashtānga Hridaya mention osteomas (extra bone growth) and additional teeth (supernumerary teeth) as symptoms of Asthi vriddhi.

Explanation:

·        Adhyasthy – Excessive bone growth

·        Adhidanta – Additional teeth within or above the existing teeth.

Signs of Person Enriched in Asthi Dhatu (Asthi Sar)

To understand human strength, ancient scholars have described ‘Sar’ in Sanskrit. Acharya Chakrapani considered Sar as the purest form of substance, while Amarkosh, interprets it as an indicator of strength. The ancient scriptures mention eight types of Sar.  A thorough examination is recommended for assessing the well-being of an individual, considering the characteristics of the respective Sar. Here we will discuss the characteristics of Asthi Sar.

‘पाष्गिगुल्फजान्वरलिजत्रुचिबुक शिरः पर्वस्थूलाः स्थूलास्थिनखदन्ताश्चास्थिसाराः । ते महोत्साहाः क्रियावन्तः क्लेशसहाः सारस्थिरशरीरा भवन्त्यायुष्मन्तश्च । ’ (Pāṣa-gulpha-jānu-vara-līja-trucibuk śiraḥ parvasthūlāḥ sthūlāsthi-nakha-dantāścāsthi-sārāḥ. Te mahotsāhāḥ kriyāvantaḥ kleśa-sahāḥ sāra-sthira-śarīrā bhavantyāyuṣmantaścha.)

~(Ref- Charak Vimansthana 8/107)

This verse describes the characters of the person enriched with Asthi dhatu.

Explanation:

Body Parts mentioned-

·        Pasa – Ankles

·        Gulpha – Joints

·        Janu – Knees   

·        Vara – Calves.

·        Lija – Thighs

·        Trucibuk – Fingers

·        Sira – Head   

·        Parva – Collarbone    

·        Sthulasthi – Thick Bones (Emphasis on the thickness of bones in general.)

·        Nakha – Nails

·        Danta –Teeth

Qualities of Individuals with Thick Bones

·        Mahotsahah –  Great Enthusiasm

·        Kriyavantah – Active, engaged in various activities

·        Klesa-sahah –  These individuals can withstand challenges and difficulties.

·        Sara-sthira-sarira – Possess a Sturdy Physique

·        Ayusmantah – Longevity, Such individuals are expected to have a longer lifespan.

On the whole, this shloka emphasizes the positive attributes and strengths associated with individuals who have thick bones and sturdy skeletal structures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the balance of Asthi Dhatu is integral to our overall well-being. Asthi Dhatu is not only a physical entity but a dynamic force influenced by various lifestyle factors, dietary choices, and mental well-being. Ayurveda provides a holistic blueprint for nurturing and maintaining the balance of this vital tissue, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit.

May the understanding of Asthi Dhatu not only fortify our bones but also serve as a foundation for a life marked by balance, vitality, and enduring well-being.