Ayurveda performs extensive and elaborate examination to understand the pathogenesis of disease. It recognizes patient and the disease separately.

Method of diagnosis in Ayurveda

In the West, the term diagnosis generally refers to identification of the disease after it has manifested. However, in Ayurveda, the concept, of diagnosis implies a moment-to-moment monitoring of the interactions between order (health) and disorder (disease) in the body. The disease process is a reaction between the bodily humors and the tissues. The symptoms of disease are always related to derangement of the balance of the tri-dosha. Once we understand the nature of the imbalance, balance may be reestablished through treatment. Observation of the pulse, tongue, face, eyes, nails and lips provide subtle indicators.

Examination of the patient is done in two steps. First is the general examination and second is the examination of the different systems of the body.

• General Examination or Ashta Vidha Pariksha: This consists of the following parameters: Examination of the pulse (Naadi Pariksha), Tongue, Urine and stool examination, Speech, Examination by palpation and percussion, Gait (bodily movement), General appearance of the patient, and, Examination of the constitution (Prakriti).
• Systemic Examination: This consists of examination of the following systems: Digestive system, Respiratory system, Heart and Circulatory system, Nervous system, Urinary system, Musculo-skeletal system, Reproductive system, Skin and Hair, and Eyes.

Let us know about some important Ayurvedic diagnostic methods.

There are several methods of diagnosis (parıksa) in Ayurveda, identified as astasthana parıksa, consisting of eight (asta) seats (sthana):

1. Examination of general appearance (akriti pariksha): The doshic influences that reflect on the face of the patient enable physicians to gauge the basic constitution and the nature of the disease.
2. Examination of the voice (sabda pariksha): Healthy and natural when the doshas are in balance, the voice will become heavy when aggravated by Kapha, cracked under Pitta effect and hoarse & rough when afflicted by Vata.
3. Examination of eyes (Drig or netra pariksha): Vata domination makes the eyes sunken, dry and reddish brown in color. On aggravation of Pitta, they turn red or yellow and the patient suffers from photophobia and burning sensations. High Kapha makes them wet & watery with heaviness in the eyelids.
4. Examination of skin (sparsha pariksha): The health of the skin is tied to the health of the gut. Often, the condition of the skin can be a reflection of what is going on internally. Rashes, acne - even psoriasis and roseacea have roots in the gastrointestinal system. Also used for assessing the state of organs and tissue, palpation is an important clinical method for examination of skin. Noted for doshic influences, a Vata aggravated skin is course & rough with below normal temperature, a Pitta influenced one has quite high temperature and Kapha effected it becomes cold & wet.
5. Examination of urine (mutra pariksha) : Both examination of urine sample and questioning of patient are important for assessing doshic influence. A modification of this is the oil (taila) drop (bindu) test (pariksha) in which the effect of an oil drop on urine sample suggests the curability of disease.
6. Examination of stool (Purısa or mala pariksha): If digestion & absorption of food are poor, the stool carries a foul odor and sinks in water. Vata aggravated, the stool is hard, dry and grey / ash in color. Excess Pitta makes it green / yellow in color and liquid in form. And high Kapha lines it with mucus.
7. Examination of the pulse (Nadi pariksha): The foremost clinical art in ayurvedic diagnosis it can provide deep insights into the history of the patient. The ideal time for pulse examination is early morning in empty stomach. But in case of emergency, it can be examined at any time of the day or night. An experienced ayurvedic physician can assess your body?s nature (prakriti), pathological state (vikruti), imbalances of body type, very subtle observations & even prognosis of disease through the pulse.
8. Examination of the tongue (jivha pariksha): Assessed through its doshic state, a Vata aggravated tongue is dry, rough & cracked, Pitta suffered tongue is red with a burning sensation and Kapha influenced it is wet, slimy and coated. Tongue examination suggests the state of the digestive system.

According to Ayurveda, the three basic doshas may appear in various combinations resulting in seven composite body types. 

Every human has varying degrees of vata, pitta and kapha dosha usually in unequal proportions. Rarely few individuals may have equal proportions of all doshas. Generally, one dosha dominates and is considering as the main dosha. The next dominating dosha is considering as their secondary dosha. 

What are Purusha, Prakriti, and Vikriti?

Purusha is a Sanskrit word means original source of the universe (Supreme Being, Supreme Sprit, or Brahman). Purusha was pre-existing before this universe creation; thus, purusha is supreme spirit and soul of the universe.

Prakriti is a Sanskrit word; Pra means the beginning (commencement) and kriti means creation, work & composition. It literally means beginning of creation or natural state of existence; here it is the basic trait. This determines ones suitable diets, exercise and lifestyle to maintain harmony and good health.

Vikriti is a Sanskrit word means change, modification, variation, sickness, agitation, defection, alteration, or disease. The vikriti is the opposite of prakriti; means modified or altered from its natural state.

Liberation for purusha depends on the ability to discriminate between the supreme spirit and the material form. The unbound pure spirit of Purusha is finally separates and liberate from Prakriti as total absorption in God (Samadhi) is experienced.

According to Ayurveda, Prakruti refers to the basic constitution determined at the time of conception, which is permanent throughout the lifetime. Prakruti of an individual is a specific combination of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Prakruti is unique just like fingerprint and DNA. Thus, it is necessary to determine once Prakruti to understand and heal that person.

Prakruti defines the subtle differences between individuals: why everyone is unique and why two persons react differently when exposed to the same environment. 

Available dosha Composites

According to Ayurveda, the three basic doshas may appear in various combinations resulting in seven composite body types. They are:

• Single dosha types: only one dosha predominates in these individuals. They are Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. Only few individual have single-dosha type.
• Dual dosha types: combination of two doshas, one dosha predominates with another one strong secondary dosha. They are Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha, or Kapha-Vata. Most of the individuals have dual dosha type. 
• Tri dosha type: combination of all three doshas in equal proportions Vata-Pitta-Kapha. Rarely, very few individuals have tri dosha type. 

Most of the individuals will have a combination of two of the Ayurveda Body Types. About 80% of us have a dual dosha (such as Vata/Pitta, Vata/Kapha, or Pitta/Kapha). Few of us have single dosha body type (for example pitta dosha). Even very fewer percentages of us have all the three dosha i.e. Vata Pitta Kapha in about the same amount.

Agni is the Vedic term meaning transforming or burning. It is composed of different types of enzymes responsible for good digestion. 

Agni digestive fire

According to Ayurveda, Agni (digestive fire) is a dynamic concept determines one’s energy, vitality, wellbeing, and overall health of the individual.

An individual with a strong enough fire can able to take in various food types and properly absorb, metabolize and eventually eliminate unused waste products.

Agni's heat influence various body tissues to produce secretions, metabolic reactions, and other processes require to produce energy, and maintain & repair the body. Agni is part of immune system, its inherent heat destroys harmful organisms & toxins and expel from the body. You need agni for proper digestion, effective immune function, and resistance to disease. Agni is vital to form ojas (vital energy).

There are four types of Agni:

• Mandagni: Manda means slow and agni means fire; low digestive fire due to influence of kapha. Low digestive fire makes it unable to digest even small quantity of easily digestible food leads to abdomen heaviness, and loose bowel movements. Mandagni is associated with edema, limbs heaviness, feel heavy head, asthma, respiratory problems, bronchitis, cough, nausea, fatigue, and excessive salivation. 
• Tikshnagni: Tikshn means acute, quick or strong; strong digestive fire due to the influence of pitta. Acute digestive fire makes it digest easily even a heavy meal quickly (in short time). It produces hunger (or desire for food). Tikshnagni is associated with dryness (of throat, palate and lips) through intense heat, bodily heat, rashes and other pitta signs.
• Vishamagni: Visham means uneven or oddity; strange digestive fire due to the influence of vata. An irregular and sporadic digestive fire results in proper digestion in some time and at other times produces abdominal distension, colicky pain, and constipation. Vishamagni is associated with cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal tumor, colic, flatulence, and other vata diseases.
• Samagni: Sama means balanced; optimal digestive fire due to the normal balanced functioning tridoshas. It digests food, assimilates properly, and increases the dhatus (tissues) quality. Individuals with Saman-agni are always healthy. 

When agni is not at an optimal level, then ama (waste) toxic byproduct of undigested food clogs the channels. In due course, leads to a diseased state. Thus, Ayurveda emphasis the most to keep the digestive fire strong throughout the entire life.

Ojas was also known as mahadhatu (superior dhatu) is the essence of seven dhatu providing strength and stability for every dhatu. 

Ojas is a Sanskrit word means "vigor." As per Ayurveda, Ojas has a color of ghee, taste of honey, and smell of fried paddy. As per Ayurveda, Ojas production takes about 30 to 48 days of digestive refinement. It is the final finest refined product from the food you eat.

Ojas is the first thing formed in the body. If you destroy it, the human being will perish. Ojas refers to the essential energy responsible for vitality, immunity, strength, youthfulness, radiance, and psycho-emotional resiliency. Ojas in Ayurveda is comparable to the immune system in the modern medicine.

Thousands of bees collect the nectar or essence of thousands of flowers and concentrate them into honey; it is the ojas of the flowers.

In the same way, when we eat real food, the healthy digestion process produce microscopic amounts of essence from this food. This essence accumulates over time and becomes ojas. If the digestive process is disturbed, the food essence will not extract properly, and no ojas will produce.

Health, virility, fertility, reproduction, regeneration and good health & immunity all depends on the healthy supply of ojas.

A person with strong ojas is attractive with lustrous eyes and a spontaneous and calming smile. On the psychological level, ojas is responsible for compassion, love, peace and creativity.

Ojas decreases by anger, fear, worry, sorrow, drugs, pollutions, overwork, and unhealthy foods.

Types of Ojas

Ojas are of two types, they are:

1. Para Ojas – It is eight drops in quantity, resides in the heart. It is a stable (no movement) component. It is vital for the existence of life.
2. Apara Ojas – It is of about a fist volume (10 to 15 ml). It is a mobile component, circulates all over the body.

Why you need ojas?

For newly diagnosed diabetes, the doctor prescribes to take medicines. For the same medicine, one person with comparatively high ojas has better control than the other who struggle to achieve the target.

A person with good ojas is less prone to cold, cough, and fever. Even the risk for diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure and insomnia is remote for a person with optimal ojas.

5000-year-old ancient Ayurveda text describes disease are resulting from impaired immune system due to ojas depletion.

Ojas is your immune system, vitality, and energy. You might have worst diseases, but if you have adequate ojas, then you can recover from it.

How is Ojas made?

According to Ayurveda, the entire digestive process to produce ojas takes 48 days to complete. During this time, nutrients from the food are used to build seven major tissues of the body. Ojas is the final additional product of the seventh dhatu. Remember, ojas is the most refined product of digestion.

Mother's milk promotes ojas in the body of the child. So mother's milk is important for the child biological strength.

What weakens Ojas?

Ojas is diminished by

• Under eating, overeating, eating before previous food has digested, consuming poor quality foods, faulty digestion, consuming stale foods, canned foods, irregular diet, and too much of fasting. Excessively salty, pungent and bitter tasting diet.
• Excessive exercise,
• Stressors such as anxiety, anger, sadness, grief, hatred, jealousy, long held resentment, fear, and grief.
• Alcohol and smoking.
• Lack of sleep - Waking up at night, skipping night sleep.
• Any excessive waste matter discharge such as mucus, semen, and other waste products.
• There is any depletion of tissues such as by hemorrhage.
• Frequent injury by other organisms; assault by microorganisms like bacteria, virus, etc.
• Too much expose to the wind and the sun.
• Excessive sexual activity.
• Poisoning.

Signs of weakened Ojas

Below is the list of signs of a person with weak ojas:

1. Timid - lack of courage or confidence and easily frightened.
2. Weak - lacking the power to perform physically demanding tasks.
3. Anxious - nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
4. Depressed - in a state of unhappy or downhearted.
5. Lack of luster (poor complexion) - Lack of shine or glow.
6. Poor appetite - a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need (food).
7. Fatigue - extreme tiredness.
8. Emaciated - abnormally thin or weak.
9. Sense organs disorders
10. Low immunity

Vitiation of Ojas

You require balanced ojas for healthy biological function and strong immunity.

Ojas is closely associate with kapha, aggravation of kapha vitiate ojas and vice-versa. Vitiated ojas creates kapha related disorders such as diabetes, bone & joint looseness, and numbness of limbs.

Ojas deficiency causes vata related disorders such as fear, weakness, sense organ deficiency, and unconsciousness.

Decreased Vata and Kapha cause ojas vitiation by pitta that leads to debility, sense organ weakness, excess thirst, fainting, and depleted body functions.

Increased pitta burnout body tissue, depletion of body tissues leads to ojas depletion.

8 Ojas increasing Lifestyle changes

1. Cow’s milk is the best ojas and immune building food. Other ojas building foods are ghee, almonds, dates, and avocados.
2. Ojas nourishing herbs are Amalaki, ashwagandha, and Shatavari.
3. Proper digestion restores ojas.
4. Proper breathing and practicing pranayama increases ojas.
5. Yoga and meditation help to increase ojas.
6. Socializing – mix with the community helps to reduce stress, increase happiness, makes you joyful, and provides emotional support. Research has shown socializing helps to prevent age-related cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Spending time with nature – provide stress relief, reduce inflammation, boost immune function, improves mental health, betterment cardiac function, and increased creativity.
8. Daily routines – maintain proper regular timing for eating, sleeping, and other activities.

6 Ojas enhancing herbs

1. Ginger – improves digestion and decreases vata and kapha aggravation. Helps to fight infections, improves immunity, and boost ojas.
2. Turmeric – balances all three doshas (vata, Pitta & kapha), thus useful for a large variety of ailments, enhance immunity, and boost ojas.
3. Licorice – calms down the stomach and digestion disturbances. When taken with honey and ghee help revive immunity and enhance ojas.
4. Ashwagandha – increases ojas, restore energy, and slow down aging. Ayurveda text depicts ashwagandha as natural stimulator and rejuvenator.
5. Amla (Emblica Officinalis) - contains a very high concentration of vitamin C, a natural antioxidant. It supports healthy metabolism, digestion, and elimination. Builds ojas, support healthy immunity and youthfulness.
6. Brahmi - help build strong ojas, reduce bad habits, and treat addictions.

Ayurveda medicines like Saraswatarishta help boost ojas.

How to improve ojas in a kapha person?

Balanced kapha itself acts as Bala (immunity). Kapha individuals are usually nourished well compared to vata or pitta that is why they have a relatively better body built.

The best way to improve ojas is to keep the right balance of kapha dosha. If kapha goes uncontrolled, leads to obesity and respiratory disorders.

You can control kapha with an active lifestyle, diet control, and regular exercise. Seasonal Vamana (emesis) therapy helps to bring back kapha to control. Herbs Tulsi and long pepper can be useful.

How to improve ojas in a vata and pitta person?

The best way to improve increase ojas in vata and Pitta individuals is cow’s ghee. Ayurveda recommends regular but limited intake of cow’s ghee in your diet. Amla is also useful to increase ojas in pitta and vata individuals

Home remedies to increase ojas

• Almonds – Soak 5 to 10 almonds in water in the night; next day morning peel off & discard the skins and eat the almonds.
• Milk - take a cup of milk with a pinch of cardamom & ginger power (support proper digestion), one teaspoon ghee, a pinch of saffron, and one or two teaspoon brown sugar blend all the ingredient and drink to increase your ojas.
• Amla - is another great food ingredient to increase Ojas. Eat fresh/steamed Amla or Amla powder with ghee or honey.
• Dates & Raisin – to increase ojas soak 10 to 20 raisins and 2 to 3 dates; on the next day morning blend it well with a pinch of saffron, cardamom & black pepper and drink it.

You can help built healthy ojas by practicing yoga, meditation and pranayama regularly. 

Refined Majja dhatu (Marrow & Nerve) processed further by Shukragni to form Shukra dhatu (Seminal fluid - sperm & ovum). Shukra dhatu is the most refined product of all the preceding dhatu. The upadhatu for Shukra is the Ojas. Shukra dhatu primary function is a reproduction.

The Sanskrit word “Shukra” means "seed,” “bright, pure and radiant,” also means the essence of something (all other dhatu of the body). Ayurveda commonly used this term to describe both the male semen and the female egg.

 Shukra is the seventh final dhatu, end of the line in the dhatu transformation cycle. However, Shukra dhatu undergoes sublimation transformation into Ojas; it becomes a part of every dhatu to provide strength and stability.

The transformation from rasa to ojas is a dhatu cycle. Shukra is the seventh final dhatu in the dhatu transformation cycle.

Water element containing diet and fire (Shukragni) build the Shukra dhatu. For healthy Shukra dhatu, you require greasy foods such as milk, meat juice, ghee, and nuts.

A person with healthy Shukra has their eyes and skin radiate light, and they look confident & bright.

An individual with healthy Shukra dhatu looks bright, energetic, well-formed teeth, healthy, strong sexual desires, sensitive, and fertile. Psychologically they are strong, healthy, and cheerful.

How to evaluate Shukra dhatu health?

In a male, evaluation of the health of Shukra dhatu is by inspecting the ejaculate. It's color, volume, sperm count, and motility. Visually examination is possible to observe the color and volume. Gray shade indicated vata domination, yellow in the case of Pitta, and pale or white in the case of kapha. Shukra dhatu quantity is most significant in kapha and lowest in the case of vata.

Microscopic examination of Shukra dhatu shows:

Low sperm count with low motility in the case of vata. 

Normal sperm count with low motility in the case of kapha,

Low sperm count with normal motility in the case of Pitta.

In a female, evaluation of the health of Shukra dhatu is by the regularity of the menstrual cycle. An irregular menstrual cycle indicates vata vitiation associated with ovulatory disorders. Intense menstrual flow shows pitta vitiation. Prolonged menstruation with mucosal discharge means kapha vitiation.

Shukra dhatu vitiation

• Shukragni vitiated by vata - the Agni becomes variable, thus develops the low quantity and poorly formed Shukra dhatu. In men, the sperm count is low or decreased motility. In women, egg formation, and compromised ovulation.
• Shukragni vitiated by Pitta - the Agni becomes high thus develops low quantity overheated Shukra dhatu, Possibility for inflammation in the ovaries and testes. Shukra dhatu vitiated by Pitta can burn out the creative instinct as well as the ability through completion.
• Shukragni vitiated by kapha - the Agni becomes low thus develops a large quantity of poor quality Shukra dhatu. In men, an increase in sperm count but decreased motility. In women, obstruction to the ovum development or its release that may cause ovarian cysts. On a psychological level, it provides natural creative instinct and the ability to sustain creativity until completion.

Symptoms of increased unhealthy Shukra dhatu are sexual desire increase, perversion, preoccupation with sex, excessive semen but low sperm content, premature ejaculation, multiple cystic ovaries, premature orgasm, multiple orgasms, and sterility. Additionally, they have creative instinct, but their ability to sustain it through completion may be lacking.

Symptoms of decreased Shukra dhatu are difficult ejaculation, ejaculating low quantity of semen, weakness, early aging, tired quickly, erectile dysfunction, and impotent. Additionally, have an absence of creative instinct. However, any creativity arises is most likely to be slow and steadily manifested.

Causes of vitiated Shukra

Unhealthy unbalanced food combinations,

spermicidal chemicals,

intoxicants & drugs,

midnight/afternoon intercourse,

sex immediately after food,

a couple of orgasms in a single night,

sex during menses,

sex in unhealthy positions,

overindulgence,

physical/mental trauma,

retention of ejaculation, and

stress/worry.

Lifestyle changes to balance Shukra Dhatu

1. Practice moderate sexual activity and no to masturbation.
2. Eat dinner before 7.30 pm and go to bed before 10 pm.
3. Eat nurturing foods like dates, fresh fruits & vegetables (Asparagus, mangoes, and steamed Pears & Apples).
4. Stop using the laptop by placing it on your lap. Because sperm loses its life when exposed to heat.
5. Avoid stress and learn reducing it by managing correctly.
6. Cautiously use antibiotic and don't use proton pump inhibitors.

Proper Treatment of the Shukra Dhatu

Why nowadays people with infertility increasing steeply? Because all the precursor six dhatu must be perfectly healthy for the formation of healthy reproductive tissue (Shukra dhatu). The pesticide use, infertile earth, chemical fertilizers, antibiotic overuse, proton pump inhibitor use, sedentary lifestyle, and too much stress. These all affect proper digestion and formation of many of the precursor dhatu. That’s why people with infertility are rising.

Proper treatment for the depletion of Shukra dhatu due to vata or pitta vitiation is by an appropriate diet that is nourishing and rebuilt shukra. Water element containing sweet-tasting foods such as milk, ghee, and nuts are among the best food to feed Shukra dhatu. Nuts are warming, thus for pitta individuals handle it with caution. All these foods are dense and must digest adequately; otherwise, instead of nourishment, it will result in ama (poisonous waste) formation.

Proper treatment for the excess of Shukra dhatu due to kapha vitiation is purification diet with bitter and pungent tastes.

Herbs useful for Shukra dhatu are Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Bala, gokshura, and wild yam. Ashwagandha is for men and Shatavari & wild yam for women, still all these herbs are useful for both men and women. Maximize the herb effectiveness by taking it as herbal ghee (ghrita) added to warm milk with spices to assist digestion. 

Refined asthi dhatu (bone tissue) processed further by majjagni to form majja dhatu (marrow). The upadhatu (secondary dhatu) for majja is the sclerotic fluid in the eyes. The mala (waste products) are oily secretions in the eyes, skin & feces. Majja dhatu main function is to lubricate the body.

The Sanskrit word “Majja” means “marrow and nerve tissue.” It is soft jelly-like filling present in nerve channels, bones, and brain cavity. Majja dhatu means the entire nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. As per Ayurveda, both the nervous system and the bone marrow are homologous structures.

 Air & water element containing diet and fire (majjagni) build the tissue. Majja is responsible for the lubrication of the body.

Healthy majja dhatu produces soft, flexible physique & voice and strong well-developed joints.  Psychologically have a love of learning.

For healthy majja dhatu, you need adequate air (such as leafy greens) and water (such as milk and ghee) element foods with adequate majjagni. Jatharagni and majjagni need to be healthy to transform asthi dhatu into majja dhatu. Mental exercise can directly influence Majjagni; more you do mental work stronger your majjagni.

Balanced majjagni with adequate air & water element containing diet forms nerve tissues that are healthy to maintain softness and flexibility.

How to evaluate majja dhatu health?

Evaluation of the health of majja dhatu is by inspecting quantity of morning exudate from the eyes. Vata dosha imbalance may produce dry and crusty eye exudate. Kapha dosha imbalance may produce large quantities of oily or mucous eye exudate. Pitta dosha imbalance may produce little oily eye exudate.

Inspection of the color of sclera is important. When vata dosha is in imbalance, the color of sclera is dark, dull, and gray. When kapha dosha is in imbalance, the color of sclera is dull white. When pitta dosha is in imbalance, the color of sclera is yellow.

Inspection of the luminosity of the eye is also important. When kapha is in imbalance, the luminosity decreased, cloudy dull eye, and process slowly. When pitta is in imbalance, the luminosity increased, deeply engaged and highly focused. When vata is in imbalance, the eye appears vacant, attention lacking and low interest.

Healthy majja dhatu exhibits a sense of fullness and completion. Deficient majja dhatu exhibits a hollow feeling of emptiness. Increased majja dhatu exhibits a feeling of stagnation comes with a feeling of fullness.

Majja dhatu vitiation

• Majja dhatu vitiated by increased kapha has an excess of low quality tissue formation that is denser and thicker resulting in slow movement of nerve impulse, reflected in mind as low processing of sensory information. Severe increase in kapha even blocks the nerve impulse movement.
• Majja dhatu vitiated by pitta results in minimal to moderate tissue formation, but efficient tissues that process information quickly. However, too much of pitta prone to inflammation that results in neuritis, multiple sclerosis, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
• Majja dhatu vitiated by vata results in irregular low quality and fragile tissue. But the reaction of the tissue are varying some time too quick (hyperactivity) and in other times too slow (hypoactivity).

Symptoms of increased unhealthy majja dhatu are excess sleep, eye heaviness, tumors of pineal & pituitary, body heaviness, sluggishness, and peripheral nerve tumors.

Symptoms of decreased majja dhatu are attention lacking, epilepsy, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, poor communication, difficult understanding, and other neurological problems.

Causes of vitiated Majja

Artificial stimulants, drugs, alcohol, smoking, marijuana, toxicity, unhealthy diets, leftover foods, and high vata lifestyle (dry foods, irregular schedule, lack of sleep, etc.).

Viral or bacterial infection, high fever, physical trauma, poisoning, hectic lifestyle, stress, conflicts, hatred, and unresolved emotions.

Proper Treatment of the Majja Dhatu

The best treatment for majja dhatu vitiated by vata is to increase the water element diet that has moist and oily quality foods such as milk and ghee. Milk should be taken warm with spices to help proper digestion. Add ghee to other foods or the milk. Also, you can include healthy fats such as bone marrow, sesame oil, and muscle fat. Majja dhatu herb combinations for vitiated vata are Ashwagandha & shankhpushpi and jatamansi & bala.

The best treatment for majja dhatu vitiated by pitta is to increase sweet taste in the diet to nourish and cool down dhatu. Additionally, you can increase milk and ghee consumption. However, you should not take sesame oil because it is too warm. Bitter taste has a cooling effect that pacifies Pitta, but use it with caution because it reduces the dhatu and aggravates vata. Majja dhatu herbs for vitiated pitta are Brahmi, shankhpushpi, kapikachhu, skullcap, vidari kanda, chrysanthemum flower, St. Johns Wort, and oat straw.

The best treatment for majja dhatu vitiated by kapha is to decrease the water element quantity in the diet. Bitter and pungent tastes help decrease water element. Increase the intake of raw vegetables specifically leafy greens. It is better to go on fasting with light vegetable juices with spices for several days to a week. Should increase physical activity. Majja dhatu herbs for vitiated kapha are calamus, bayberry, Tulsi, and sage.

Gentle physical activities such as swimming, water aerobics, yoga asana (gentle and slow practice), meditation, and mantra chanting can support overall treatment of majja dhatu.

Ways to balance Majja Dhatu

• For vata vitiation, you should get more rest, avoid stress, reduce travel, and establish daily routines.
• For pitta vitiation, you should get more rest, avoid conflicts/competition, and do fun activities.
• For kapha vitiation, you should be more active and less sleep.

Refined meda dhatu (adipose tissue) processed further by asthyagni to form asthi dhatu (skeletal tissue) and upadhatu (secondary tissue) teeth. The mala (waste products) of asthi are hair and nails.

The Sanskrit word “Asthi” means “Bone.” Asthi dhatu means bone that gives a solid structure to the body.

Earth & air containing diet and digestive fire (jatharagni & asthiagni) build this tissue. Earth element containing foods are grains, nuts, and beans. Air element containing foods are mostly vegetables that are bitter and pungent. Jatharagni and asthyagni needs to be healthy to transform meda dhatu into asthi dhatu.

Balanced asthyagni with adequate earth & air element containing diet forms bone tissues that are healthy to maintain structural stability.

Asthi dhatu health has a strong affinity towards large intestine. The large intestine is the home of vata dosha. The close relationship between these two reveals the susceptibility of the bones to vata disorders. When there is any large intestinal problem such as gas or constipation will cause the bone more porous (more air) such as osteoporosis.

How to evaluate asthi dhatu health?

Evaluation of the health of asthi dhatu is by inspecting the upadhatu teeth and its mala hair & nails. The teeth should be healthy with bright white color. The healthy hair should be dense, strong, natural color, and no hair loss. The healthy nail should be with enough thick and strength.

Deficient asthi dhatu due to vata reveals as thin hair, hair loss, thin nails that break easily, and crooked teeth and dark (gray) colored. Vitiated pitta causes asthi dhatu deficiency that leads to pale (yellow) colored teeth & nails, hair discoloration (gray), nails become weaker, and hair may fall out.

Excess asthi dhatu due to kapha reveals as full hair density without hair loss. The nails are thick, and teeth are large, straight, and white colored.

Asthi dhatu vitiation

• Asthi dhatu vitiated by vata has variable asthyagni that lead to weak or fragile bones that become osteoporotic and fracture easily.
• Asthi dhatu vitiated by Pitta has strong asthyagni that lead to bone infections (osteomyelitis) and inflammation.
• Asthi dhatu vitiated by kapha has low asthyagni that lead to excessively thick, dense bones.

Osteoarthritis is a combined vata-kapha condition causes provoking growth leading to bone spurs. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where vata pushes kapha to cause irregular bone growth. Osteoblastic bone cancer where vata (fans the Agni) and pushes kapha (bone growth) within the affected bone, creating a high metabolic growth. Osteoclastic bone cancer where vata along with pitta destroys bone tissue.

Causes of vitiated Asthi dhatu

Excess or low proteins intake, insufficient minerals, unbalanced diets, vata producing foods, dry foods, beans, and stale/leftover foods.

Menopause, hormone imbalance, poor body posture, accident, thyroid/parathyroid disorders, lack/excess of physical exercise, and vata provoking irregular/intense exercise. And loneliness, insecurity, and mental trauma.

Proper Treatment of the Asthi dhatu

The best treatment for asthi dhatu increased by kapha is to decrease earth element foods such as grains, meats, nuts, and bones and increase the quality of the air element such as most fruits and leafy green vegetables.

The best treatment for asthi dhatu vitiated by pitta is to decrease the quality of the fire element by ingesting whole milk, wheat, and other grains.

The best treatment for asthi dhatu vitiated by vata is to increase the quantity of earth element in the diet such as grains, meats, nuts, and bones.

Ways to balance Asthi dhatu

Healthy asthi dhatu carry us throughout the lifespan and allow us to move freely.

Regular intake of calcium-rich foods such as sesame seeds, broccoli, soaked/steamed almonds, freshly cooked asparagus, and exposing to early morning sun for a long time.

Herbs useful for asthi dhatu vitiated by vata, Pitta, or kapha are Triphala. Herbs useful for osteoporosis and heals fracture are comfrey, oat straw, and Amalaki. Comfrey balances vata and Pitta dosha and is traditional in use for healing bones after a fracture.  Amalaki is a tonic, traditionally used for bone development. Bhringaraj has tonic and purifying for bones; it is more suitable for Pitta. Guggul and kurki are suitable for kapha; it does a purification of the bones.

Refined mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue) processed further by medagni to form meda dhatu (adipose tissue). Additionally, sebum (skin oil) and the greater & lesser omentums are upadhatus. These tissues are the primary storage sites for excess body fat in the abdomen. The mala (waste products) of meda are skin secretions of sweat and sebum.

The Sanskrit word “Meda” means “Fat.” Meda dhatu means adipose tissues.

 Earth & water element containing diet and fire (jatharagni & medagni) build the tissue. Meda is responsible for the lubrication of the body causes sudoration and a greasy appearance of the skin.

Healthy meda dhatu produces general elasticity to the body. The oily & pliable skin, supple joints (that do not click), smooth voice, and healthful vitality. Psychologically have frankness and friendliness to others.

For healthy meda dhatu, you need adequate earth element foods (such as grains, nuts, meats, and legumes), water element foods and adequate medagni. Jatharagni and medagni need to be healthy to transform mamsa dhatu into meda dhatu. Exercise can directly influence Medagni; more you exercise stronger your medagni.

Balanced medagni with adequate earth & water element containing diet forms healthy fat tissues that maintain elasticity.

How to evaluate meda dhatu health?

Evaluation of the health of meda dhatu is by visual inspection of the skin and hair. The skin and hair are neither too oily nor dry, and the voice is melodiously soft. Additionally, inspect the greater & lesser omentums.

Excessive meda dhatu reveals as the excess of soft tissue around the abdomen. Additionally, there is an excess of moist and oily skin & hair and the voice obstructed by oily phlegm. Individuals with deficient meda dhatu have minimal body fat that exposes the articulations of the body and the ribs. Dry skin & hair and deep cracks on the lips and tongue. Often voice may crack or may be piercing, whiney, or high pitched.

The rasa dhatu plays an important role for feeling satisfied; it is often short-lived. Healthy meda dhatu is a deeper and longer lasting satisfaction less easily disturbed. Psychologically meda dhatu plays an important role in our capacity to love and be loved.

Meda dhatu vitiation

1. Meda dhatu vitiated by Kapha slow the neurological responses; so slow thoughts and the mind appears dull. The mind has attachment such as dependency, clinging, and desire. Their love becomes conditional and with deep attachment.
2. Meda dhatu vitiated by vata or pitta (i.e. decreased kapha) fasten the neurological responses; so thoughts and the mind appears extraordinarily clear but fragile, irritating and agitating. The mind has fear, anxiety, or anger. Their love becomes difficult to feel when felt it is intense but fragile. They are easily hurt and difficult to recover from betrayal or grief.

Meda dhatu excess; Increased but unhealthy (i.e. impure)

People with increased meda dhatu is apparently have breathing problems, excess buttocks/abdomen, lethargy, sluggish metabolism, excessive Sweating, joint pains, hypertension, diabetes, excess thirst, sweet taste in the mouth.

Disorders of increased meda dhatu are diabetes, gall stones, underactive thyroid, fatty tumors, and low libido.

Meda dhatu deficiency

People with reduced meda dhatu apparently had sensation loss, emaciation, dry skin, and cracking sound in the joints.

Disorders of decreased meda dhatu are osteoarthritis, lumbago, overactive thyroid, osteoporosis, and enlarged Spleen.

Causes of vitiated Meda

Eating excess of Sugar, salt, dairy, cold drinks & foods, meat, fried foods, or water. Food lack in high-quality fats, unhealthy food combinations, artificial drugs/chemicals, alcohol, tobacco, steroids, and marijuana.

Sleeping during the day, excessive or insufficient physical exercise, typhoid, emotional eating, and stress/unresolved emotions.

Proper Treatment of the Meda Dhatu

The best treatment for meda dhatu increased by kapha is to reduce heavy foods and increase Agni to enhance fat metabolism. Minimize the intake of fatty foods such as nuts and fatty meats and maximize lighter foods such as vegetables and seeds. Best Agni increasing pungent followed by the bitter taste to reduce meda dhatu. Exercise, sun exposure, and saunas increase medagni and reduce the meda dhatu. Heating pranayama’s such as kapalabhati can reduce the meda dhatu. Chanting bija mantras such as ham, yam, and ram can help reduce meda.

The best treatment for meda dhatu vitiated by pitta is to reduce the strength of jatharagni and medagni. You can reduce the strength of jatharagni by consuming cooling foods such as milk, butter, bitter vegetables, wheat, and oats. Agni reducing taste is bitter that reduce medagni and increase meda dhatu.

The best treatment for meda dhatu vitiated by vata is to stabilize the strength of jatharagni and medagni. You can stabilize the strength of the jatharagni is by slowly increase the consumption of the water and earth elements containing diet as the Agni becomes stronger and more stable.  Develop regular daily routines. To support and stabilize Agni take warm spices such as fennel, ginger, and fenugreek. Sour taste increases and stabilizes the Agni and nourishes your body. Sweet taste increased meda dhatu but should be taken along with warm spices to ensure strong Agni and to digest it. Practice alternate nostril breathing (pranayama) in proportion to the patient’s state of ojas.

Ways to balance Meda Dhatu

1. Consume more fiber rich foods,
2. Replace GMO with the organic foods,
3. Always Use unrefined oils in place of chemically refined oils,
4. Consume steamed sprouted Mung dal and steamed leafy vegetables,
5. Exercise more.

Herbs useful for meda dhatu are black pepper, mustard, ginger, cinnamon, Guggulu, Aloe Vera, and turmeric.

Refined rakta dhatu (blood tissue) processed further by mamsagni to form mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue). Additionally, ligaments and the skin are upadhatus (secondary tissue) arises from the metabolism of primary tissues. The mala (waste products) of mamsa is excrement from the eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and hair roots.

The Sanskrit word “Mamsa” comes from the word ‘Mam” means to “Hold Firm.” Mamsa dhatu means muscle tissues.

Earth containing diet and fire (jatharagni & mamsagni) build this tissue, air (Udana Vayu) initiates muscle contraction to perform work (expression). Earth provides the substance for the bulky structure of muscle, fire directs its focus, and air provides action.

Healthy mamsa dhatu produces strong muscles capable of doing more work without injury; psychologically strength, courage, fortitude, and self-confidence; conveys emotion and show expression through the facial muscle tissues.

For healthy mamsa dhatu, you need adequate earth element foods (such as grains, nuts, meats, and legumes) and adequate mamsagni. Jatharagni and mamsagni need to be healthy to transform rakta dhatu into mamsa dhatu. Exercise directly influence Mamsagni; more you exercise stronger your mamsagni.

Balanced mamsagni with adequate earth element containing diet forms muscle that is healthy and capable of doing more work without injury.

How to evaluate mamsa dhatu health?

Evaluation of the health of meda dhatu is by visual inspection of the muscles, ligaments, and skin. Additionally, inspect the excreta from the eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and hair roots.

Well-developed muscles at the temples, forehead, nape of the neck, around the eyes, cheeks, jaw, shoulders, abdomen, chest, arms, legs, over the pelvis, and hands & feet joints. The muscle tensile strength is important and not the muscle size. Healthy mamsa dhatu capable of doing more work without injury. Healthy mamsa dhatu conveys emotion and show expression through the facial muscle tissues.

• Mamsa dhatu vitiation by vata produces low pain intensity with high pain sensitivity. Tissues surrounding the pain area is dry and cool to touch.
• Mamsa dhatu vitiation by pitta produces pain, and the tissue surrounding the pain area is warm and reddened.
• Mamsa dhatu vitiation by Kapha rarely produce pain, and the tissue surrounding the pain area is tough, tissue feels fluidic or boggy with limited motion.

Psychological signs of a healthy mamsa dhatu are self-confidence, courage, patience, perseverance, stability, openness, forgiveness, happiness, and a feeling of strength & vitality. 

Mamsa dhatu vitiation

1. Low mamsagni due to Kapha vitiation with adequate earth element containing diet forms low-quality bulk weak muscles and tissues. These weak muscles do little work proportional to their size. These individuals may have benign tumors, muscle tumors, and muscular hypertrophy.
2. High mamsagni due to pitta vitiation with adequate earth element containing diet forms lean strong muscles and tissues, prone to inflammation. High mamsagni with inadequate earth element containing diet to sustain the muscles then the Agni begin to consume the mamsa dhatu, and there will be muscle wasting. These individuals may have tendonitis, muscular rheumatism, fibromyalgia, multiple boils, hemorrhoids, piles, cough, irritation in the throat, and snoring.
3. Varying mamsagni due to vata vitiation with adequate earth element containing diet forms lean weak muscles and tissues. These individuals may have muscular tics, spasm, muscular weakness, fatigue, improper coordination, muscle twitching, and muscular atrophy.

Mamsa dhatu excess; Increased but unhealthy (impure)

Increased mamsa dhatu is apparently had larger muscle mass with thicker skin and ligaments.  The chubby cheeks, lips, upper thighs, calves, abdomen, and penis. Typical diseases are swellings in the region of the neck and also small to medium sized tumors.

Disorders of increased mamsa dhatu are fibrocystic changes in the breasts, enlarged lips, enlarged cheeks & tongue, uterine fibroids, muscle flaccidity, muscle hypertrophy, the undue growth of muscle, and fibromas & myomas.

Mamsa dhatu deficiency

Reduced mamsa dhatu is apparent as wastage of the muscular tissues of the neck, abdomen, cheeks, lips, penis, upper thighs, calves, armpits, breasts, and around the eyes. Pinching pains and sore joints are quite usual.

Disorders of decreased mamsa dhatu are craving for proteins, emaciation, joints dislocation, fatigue, muscle power loss, muscle rigidity, atrophy, and muscle wasting.

Causes of vitiated Mamsa

Unhealthy food combinations, lack or excess protein intake, too much of meat & dairy products (acidic foods), lack or excess eating, old leftover foods, aged cheese, cold foods, old meat, deep fried foods, and eating meat or cheese late in the day.

Daytime sleeping, sleep deprivation, insufficient or excess physical exercise, physical Trauma, and diseases (such as Typhoid and Tuberculosis).

Proper Treatment of the Mamsa Dhatu

The best treatment for mamsa dhatu vitiation by Kapha is to increase the strength of mamsagni and lower the intake of heavy foods. Minimize heavy foods such as nuts, grains, meats & legumes and increase light foods such as vegetables and seeds. Additionally, increase the mamsagni by moderate exercise (aerobic), yoga postures (to improve flexibility), heating pranayama, sun exposure, and pungent taste. Hot spicy herb combination such as Trikatu is also useful.

The best treatment for mamsa dhatu vitiation by pitta is to reduce the strength of mamsagni and increase the intake of heavy foods. Reduce mamsagni by the intake of cooling foods such as milk, butter, bitter vegetables, wheat, and oats. Exercise should totally avoid because it increases mamsagni; however, after recovery from the inflammation, you can slowly begin doing exercise. Exposing to the sun should be avoided. Practice cooling Pranayama and yoga asana. Bitter herbs Kutki, Gentian, and Barberry help heal inflammation of ligament and muscle.

The best treatment for mamsa dhatu vitiation by vata is to stabilize jatharagni, mamsagni, and increase earth element rich foods proportional to the strength of the agni.

Ways to balance Mamsa Dhatu

1. Doing Yoga, Stretching & other light exercises.
2. Prefer eating a vegetarian diet.
3. Regularly take amla preparations.
4. Eating three dates per day.
5. Take milk, ghee, cheese and other dairy products.
6. Consuming Raisins, dry fruits, nuts, beans, and pomegranate.

Herbs useful for mamsa dhatu are Mustard, Cinnamon, Shatavari, Valerian, Jatamamsi, Bala, and Ashwagandha.

Rakta dhatu is formed from refined rasa, the mala of the blood is bile. Healthy rakta dhatu make you feels energized with a passion for life. Rakta dhatu has a special relationship with the liver and spleen.

Part of the rasa dhatu forms its successor tissue called Rakta dhatu (blood). Rasa dhatu is having the property of water; it gains its color (red) from Ranjaka Pitta (Pitta subtype - hemoglobin). Ranjaka pitta resides in the liver and spleen provides red color to the rakta dhatu. The volume of Rakta dhatu (Blood) is 8 Anjali (8 times of liquid that fills both hands when joined). In the metabolism of Rakta dhatu, Pitta is the mala (excretion) produced.

Modern science described blood as fluid of life; it carries respiratory gasses and nutrients required for the basic life process. Blood is responsible for the sensation of touch.

Symptoms of pure optimal Rakta Dhatu (blood)

• Attractive complexion and glowing skin. Healthy complexion, feet & nails.
• Beautiful dazzling ears, face, tongue, nose, lips, and forehead.
• Normal functioning of sense organs and perception of objects.
• Good digestion and unobstructed intestinal movement.
• Endowed with health, cheerful, genius, enthusiasm, and kindliness.
• Have the strength to fight the pathogenesis.
• Energetic and active.
• It nourishes Mamsa Dhatu (muscle).

Vitiated Rakta Dhatu

Rakta dhatu deviation due to VATA causes – Anemia, abnormal pulse, low blood pressure, dizziness, vertigo, cardiac arrhythmia, and gout. Blood vitiation by Vata is reddish, non-slimy, foamy, and thin.

Rakta dhatu deviation due to PITTA causes – bleeding gums, hemorrhoids, bleeding gastrointestinal tract (symptom - black stools), hives, rashes, urticaria, and sickle cell anemia. Blood vitiation by Pitta are yellow, black, and take longer to coagulate (due to inherent heat -pitta).

Rakta dhatu deviation due to KAPHA causes – high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, and hyperglycemia (diabetes). Blood vitiation by Kapha is slightly pale, slimy, sticky and thick.

Symptoms of increased but unhealthy (i.e. impure) Rakta Dhatu (blood)

• Increased fire and the quality of pitta dosha.
• Feels warmer as heat builds up in the body.
• The body tries to release heat; one way is through the skin, this makes the skin redder.
• The body tries to reduce excess heat; thus, often experienced as an increase in sweat.
• Increased frequency of urination.
• In the beginning, the skin has a nice luster. But if the heat continues to build, rashes develop.
• Increased bowel movements and the stools become loose.
• Unremoved excess heat can lead to burning sensations within the mucous membranes and eventually inflammation & fever.
• Various skin infection
• Abnormal growth
• Red eyes, skin & engorgement of blood vessels.

Health conditions linked with increased rakta dhatu are

• Erysipelas (large raised red patches on the skin, recurrent disease caused by a bacterial infection),
• Abscess (swollen body tissue with an accumulation of pus),
• Syncopal attack (due to a decreased blood flow to the brain usually from low blood pressure),
• Gout (defective metabolism of uric acid causes arthritis),
• Hemorrhagic disease (bleeding),
• Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums),
• Enlarged Liver & Spleen,
• Hypertension,
• Skin diseases (acne, eczema, dermatitis, and rashes),
• Abdominal tumors,
• Jaundice, and
• Digestion problems.

Causes of impure blood are 

• Sleeping during day time after drinking liquid or eating oily and heavy foods.
• Acidic foods such as Tomatoes, and Vinegar.
• Fermented foods such as aged cheese.
• Baking Soda.
• Toxins such as alcohol, nicotine, drugs & chemicals, pesticides, artificial Colors, and Preservatives.
• Hot Spicy Foods,
• Frequent Anger & Frustration. Violent Movies, Stimulating & Exciting News shows.
• Sleeping late.
• Excess exposure to the sun & fire
• Suppression of the urge to vomit.
• Exertion, injury, and heat.
• Taking food before the previous meal is digested.

Examine the health of rakta dhatu by seeing the complexion, liver palpation (for size and tenderness), eyes sclera (for red/yellow discoloration) and tendons palpation (also inquire about the history of tendonitis). 

Symptoms of Rakta Dhatu deficiency

Deficiency of Raktadhatu (Blood) might be due to malnutrition and improper diet.

• Diminishes fire and the quality of pitta dosha.
• Feel coldness.
• Reduction in urine and sweat.
• Skin loses its luster; pale, dry, rough, and cracked.
• Coldness causes the body to hold on heat; this leads to constipation and reduced urination & sweat.
• Craving for hot spicy, sour, citrus, and iron rich foods.
• Collapsing veins.
• Become mentally dull, difficult processing and understanding new information; this leads to confusion and misunderstandings.

Lifestyle change to balance Rakta Dhatu

• Eat neutral-tasting foods and reduce spicy foods,
• Drink plenty of water,
• Take more Fruits & Vegetables,
• Don’t Skip Meals and maintain regular timings,
• Drink 1/4 cup of fresh Aloe Vera juice daily,
• Go to bed before 10 pm,
• Reduce Anger,
• Meditate regularly.

Herbs for Rakta dhatu treatment are turmeric, red clover, manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), and Amalaki (Phyllanthus Emblica).

Rakta dhatu cleansing herbs are turmeric, red clover, manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) are helpful. For anemia, take green vegetables along with Amalaki (Phyllanthus Emblica) can be used.