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The Role of Rasa Dhatu in Ayurveda
If you have ever wanted to learn more about the role of Rasa Dhatu in Ayurvda, then you have come to the right place. Read on to discover the function of Rasa Dhatu, the symptoms of its deficiency and how to treat it. There is no better time to learn more about this ancient healing system than now. So, let’s begin!
Functions of Rasa Dhatu
The functions of Rasa Dhatu are to nourish all the other tissues, induce growth, keeping the tissues intact and live, prevents depletion of tissues, provides the lubrication to all joints, imparts strength to body parts. But all these functions of Rasa dhatu in Ayurveda are largely dependent on the health of the agni. if the agni is not functioning well, then the rasa dhatu is weakened and its quality becomes low.
Rasa dhatu can be defined as the nourishing extract of food essence produced after digestion process, which is similar to chyle. Since its from Rasa dhatu that all other dhatus get nourished and that only with that once Ojus or immunity will be in best conditions, Hence its important that you must eat fresh and warm food.
Symptoms of increased Rasa Dhatu
Lack of appetite and proper digestion, Salivation, Nausea, Vomiting, Lethargic lack of enthusiasm, Feeling of heaviness in the body, whitish discoloration of the body associated with intolerance to cold, loss of integrity of body parts, Dyspnea – difficulty in breathing, Cough, tendency to sleep all the time.
If you look at these symptoms all are similar to increased Kapha dosha in the body. Integrating proper exercise in your daily activities can help to overcome this condition. Also gradually one should change their diet. The digestive power should be brought back with this diet and medicines. Doing Shamana or Samshodhana treatment according to the condition will further help.
Symptoms of Rasa Dhatu deficiency
The amount of rasa in the body is nine anjalis, which is the measurement of something that fills the palms of one’s hands. When the tissues and organs are in proper balance, the body has the right amount of rasa. Similarly, it has the right amount of rasa when the physical, mental, and emotional functions are normal.
As we all know the deficiency of a Dhatu means that the function intended by the Dhatu will not happen properly. Symptoms of Rasa dhatu deficiency includes lack of nourishment to other dhatus, depletion of tissues, dryness of mouth and body parts, emaciation, thirst, tiredness, empty feeling in heart and mind, tachycardia, palpitation, cardiac pain, fatigue etc
How to treat Rasa Dhatu deficiency
The body’s capacity to produce rasa depends on digestive power, appetite, diet that one follows. Water alone cannot replenish this component, but drinking plenty of juices and sap-type fluids can help restore it. Herbal teas, which sweeten with sap are better than plain water. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent a deficiency as well. But what about when the lack of rasa becomes a chronic problem?
Deficient Rasa Dhatu can cause a lethargic state of the body. When this happens, the metabolic fire is suppressed, and the dhatus increase, leading to a feeling of lethargy. If the body is lacking Rasa Dhatu, it may also cause skin problems, such as dry and cracked lips.
Treatment can be done in a step by step manner in such a condition, first of all one should follow a light diet which is easily digestible and nourishing at the same time. Medicines should also intended to improve the appetite and digestion. Once the digestive capacity is back one can have rasayanas etc to bring back proper health.