Abstract

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ASTHI DHATU

Dr. Archana Arun Kulkarni* and Dr. Rashmi Arvind Kumar Dohare

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Abstract

Ayurveda considers Dosha, Dhatu and Mala as basic constituents of Sharir. Asthi is a vital Dhatu of body. Asthi protects organs of body from external shock, maintain posture of the body, provides strength and stability, supports Majja Dhatu, imparts compactness of body. Each Dhatu has an Upadhatu, that works together to strengthen the body. The previous Dhatu nourishes the next Dhatu, and they act as the substratum for each. The constantly diminishing Dhatus are kept in a state of equilibrium by food. This means that the Dhatus are interdependent, with an increase or decrease in one causing an increase or decrease in the other. Prithivi Mahabhuta is dominant in Asthi Dhatu and Vata is the Ashrayi Dosha in Asthi. The abnormal state of Asthi Dhatu can be considered in terms of Vriddhi or Kshay. Dhatu Kshaya and Vriddhi are responsible for initiating various disease pathologies. Changes in life style, early aging have increased the incidence of bone related disorders. So, an attempt is made to review Asthi Dhatu and its disorders from Ayurvedic and Modern point of view. It can be concluded that most of the pathologies in Asthi Dhatu are due to Vata Vitiation. Genetic, hormonal, infectious, degenerative, tumorous and traumatic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of bones.

Keywords: Asthi Dhatu, Dhatu Kshaya, Dhatu Vriddhi, Bones.