Concept of raktha dhatu in ayurveda

Summary of article contents:

Rakthadhatu (Blood) is one of the seven dhatus . Word Raktha is taken from Devanagari “Raj Ranjane” which determines red shading. The functions of Raktha dhatu are clarified in many different views as Kala, Matrujabhav Twacha, Avayava Utpatti in Garbhavastha , Formation of Srotas , its Panchabhautiktva, Upadhatu, Pramana, Gunas, Mala have been clarified. Acharya Sushruta says its extreme importance for the sustainability of life. Therefore, it is very important to do the protect the Raktadhatu. Acharya Sharangadhara states that Rakthadhatu is life of shareer. The shareerdoshasangraha, dehasambhavahetava, Trayodoshasamasataha , that shows that Vata, Pitta and Kapha are 3 doshas and raktha cannot be called as Dosha. As we known, Rakthadhatu is different from the blood according to modern and carrier of Agni /pitta that invigorates the body and mind. All Dhatus get digested by the Tejas of Pitta dosha. As Yakrut is responsible for Rakthautpatti. The liver plays important role in metabolism. Acharyas h ave opined about the genesis of Yakrut (liver) from Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue). Parallel opinion in conventional anatomy states that abundant quantity of blood is responsible for the formation of sinusoids of liver. Ayurveda covers Raktadhatu in much wider aspect. Ayurvedic texts reveal that Raktadhatu has much broader concept than blood. Hence in this article concept of Raktha in Ayurveda are highlighted. Keywords: Raktadhatu , Blood , Raktautpatti, Dhatu, Pitta INTERNATIONAL AYURVEDIC MEDICAL JOURNAL Seeta M