Ayurveda, with its roots reaching back more than 5000 years ago in ancient India, stands as a beacon of wisdom that continues to shape our present society. This ancient system of medicine is characterized by its holistic approach to health and well being that emphasizes the balance of the body, mind, and spirit through the lens of dosha, dhatu and mala.
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.
What is Majja Dhatu?
In the enumeration of the saptdhatu, ‘Majja dhatu’ is renowned as the sixth dhatu after ‘Asthi dhatu.’ The etymological definition (Nirukti) of Majja – ‘मज्जति अस्थिषु इति मज्जा’ (Majjati asthishu iti majja.) – translates to ‘that which is present within the bones is called Majja.’ In other words, Majja, snuggled within the cavities of bones, particularly prominent in the spinal column, is considered as marrow tissue.
Being deeply intertwined with the skeletal tissue, its influence goes far beyond the bone tissue. It permeates the network of nerves, playing a role in maintaining the harmony of the nervous system.
Elemental Organization (Panch-Bhautik Sanghtan)
‘मज्ज्ञि सोमस्य’ (Majjni somasya)
~(Ref- Dalhan on Sushruta Sutrasthana 15/10)
Dalhan categorized Majja Dhatu as predominant of water element. While all Dhatus are considered Panchabhautika, Majja exhibits a notable presence of the water Mahabhuta, leading to its designation as ‘Soma.’ This fluid nature is attributed to the higher concentration of the oily (snigdha) component within Majja Dhatu.
Quantity (Praman) of Majja Dhatu
In a healthy being, there is some fixed quantity of dosha, dhatu, and mal. Any deviation from this quantity can manifest into diseases. Majja in the body is said to be present in a quantity of 1 anjali.
Anjali is the hollow space created by joining the palms of both hands.
How is Majja Dhatu Formed?
The verse ‘मेदसोऽस्थि ततो मज्जा’ (Medaso-asthi tato majja), from Charak Samhita (Sutrasthana 14/10) suggests the sequential formation of tissues in the human body, stating that Majja dhatu originates from Asthi dhatu (bone tissue) and Asthi dhatu, in turn, forms from Medo dhatu (adipose tissue).
Basically what happens is that the ‘Aahar rasa’ formed by the action of ‘Pachaka Agni’ (digestive fire) on the food that we take, imbued with qualities suitable for the body, travel alongside the circulation of Rasa and Rakta. Upon reaching the dhatus, aahar rasa is acted upon by the ‘Dhatvagnis’ (tissue-specific metabolic fires).
Sequentially, as the ‘Asthyagni’ (metabolic fire associated with asthi) functions to build Asthi dhatu, concurrently, with the support of Vata, cavities within the bones are also formed. These cavities are called Majja (marrow). It is formed on the eighth day after formation on Aahar rasa.
During the formation of Asthi dhatu, Majja nirman ansh located in its prasad portion contributes to the creation of Majja through the action of Majja Agni (metabolic fire related to the marrow). As a result, the ‘sthula’ part of the prasada portion is responsible for the formation and nourishment of the marrow.
Majja Agni
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. Majja Agni, as the name suggests, is the digestive fire that operates within the context of marrow metabolism.
During the formation of bones, with the assistance of Vata, the Meda (adipose tissue) particles reach the cavities within the bones. The activity of Majja Agni takes place on these Meda particles, resulting in the creation of white and red blood cells along with yellow marrow.
Functions of Majja Dhatu
Majja Dhatu serves several vital functions within the body. The verse ‘मज्जा प्रीतिं स्नेहं बलं शुक्रपुष्टिं पूरणमस्थ्नां च करोति ।’ (Majja preetim sneham balam shukrapushtim puranamasthanam cha karoti) from Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthana 15/7) describes the functions attributed to the Majja dhatu in Ayurveda. Here's the breakdown of the phrase:
· Majja Preeti (Delight of Majja) – Majja brings about joy and happiness to the body
· Sneha (lubrication) – It is responsible for the smooth functioning of joints and tissues.
· Bala (strength) – It imparts strength to the body.
· Shukrapushti (Nourishment of Shukra) – Shukra is associated with reproductive tissues, and this suggests that Majja Dhatu supports reproductive health and vitality.
· Puranamasthana (fulfillment of the cavities) – It occupies the cavities in bones, contributing to the structural integrity of the skeletal system.
Imbalance in Majja Dhatu
The imbalance in Majja dhatu is often associated with disruptions in its qualities and functions, basically disrupting its equilibrium. An imbalanced diet, impaired digestive fire, sedentary lifestyle, emotional stress, anxiety, etc can contribute to its imbalance, which in turn can lead to several health issues. Here are some common imbalances as discussed in various ancient Ayurvedic scriptures.
Decreased Majja Dhatu (Majja Kshaya)
The verse ‘मज्जक्षयेऽ ल्पशुक्रता पर्वभेदोऽस्थि निस्तोदोऽस्थिशून्यता च’ (Majjakshaye alpashukrata parvabhedo'sthi nistodo'sthishunyatā cha) from Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 15/13, indicates the symptoms associated with the depletion of Majja Dhatu.
Explanation:
· Alpashukrata – The decrease in Majja Dhatu affects the reproductive system, leading to reduced semen quality and quantity.
· Parvabheda – It causes pain and discomfort resembling the sensation of joints being pierced.
· Asthi Nistoda – Fractures or breaking of bones.
· Asthi Shunyata – Emptiness or hollowness in the bones.
The verse Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 17/68 – ‘शीर्यन्त इव चास्थीनि दुर्बलानि लघुनि च । प्रततं वातरोगीणि क्षीणे मज्जनि देहिनाम् ।।’ (Shīryantha iva cāsthīni durbalāni laghuni cha. Pratataṁ vātarogīṇi kṣīṇe majjani dehinām) suggests when Majja dhatu is diminished, bones resemble the condition of being broken, loosing their inherent strength, leading to a state of vulnerability.
Astanga Hrdaya in Sutrasthana 11/19 describes Majja kshaya as 'अस्थ्नां मज्जनि सौषिर्यं भ्रमस्तिमिरदर्शनम् ।' (Asthanam majjani sausiryam bhramastimira-darshanam) meaning that in the state of Majja Kshaya, there is dryness in the bones, accompanied by sensations of confusion, dizziness, and even darkness or impaired vision.
Explanation:
· Sausiryam – Dryness in the bones.
· Bhrama (Confusion) – The nervous system being closely associated with majja dhatu is influenced by its depletion, leading to symptoms like mental confusion.
· Timiradarśanam – Darkness or impaired vision.
Increased Majja Dhatu (Majja Vriddhi)
The verse ‘मज्जा सर्वांगनेत्रगौरवं च ।’ (Majja sarvāṅga-netra-gauravaṁ cha) from Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 15/19 suggests that when there is an increase in Majja dhatu, it results in heaviness or a sense of fullness in the entire body and eyes.
Ashtanga Hridaya too in Sutrasthana 11/11-12 – ‘.. मज्जा नेत्राङ्गगौरवम् । पर्वसु स्थूलमूलानि कुर्यात्कृच्छ्राण्यरूषि च ।।’ (Majja netrangagauravam. Parvasu sthulamulani kuryatkṛcchraṇyaruṣi cha) – mentions a sense of heaviness in the entire body and eyes when Majja dhatu is increased. It further elaborates the consequences of increased Majja indicating that it produces thick-rooted, challenging, and painful conditions, resembling thorns.
Signs of Person Enriched in Majja Dhatu (Majja 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 Majja Sar.
‘मृद्धङ्गा बलवन्तः स्निग्धवर्णस्वराः स्थूलदीर्घवृत्तसन्धयश्च मज्जसाराः। ते दीर्घायुषो बलवन्तः श्रुतवित्तविज्ञानापत्यसंमानभाजश्च भवन्ति’ (Mriduangā balavantaḥ snigdhavarṇasvarāḥ sthūladīrghavṛttasandhayashcha majjasarāḥ। Te dīrghāyuṣo balavantaḥ śrutavittavijñānāpatyasaṁmānabhājaścha bhavanti.)
~(Ref Charak Vimansthana 8/108 )
The individuals characterized by abundant Majja are described with specific attributes:
· Mriduanga – Well developed body
· Balavantah – Possess strength
· Snigdhavarna – Smooth and bright complexion
· Sthuladirghavrttasandhayah – Well-built and proportionate physique with broad joints.
· Dirghayush – Longevity
· Srutavittavijnanapatyasaṁmanabhajah – Knowledge, wealth, progeny, and respect in society
Understanding Majja Dhatu, as described in ancient Ayurvedic texts like Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, provides an insight into how our body works. Being closely linked with the bone marrow, it is crucial for maintaining the structure and function of our body. In our contemporary pursuit of health and wellness, integrating Ayurvedic principles related to Majja Dhatu offers a holistic perspective that complements modern approaches.
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