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The word rasa dhatu literally means the component of the body with nutrients and essence. There are two forms of rasa related to body physiology. Ahara rasa is the essence of food after the first level of digestion by factors responsible for digestion and metabolism (jatharagni) in the stomach. The second form is rasa dhatu. It is the component formed after the ahara rasa gets acted upon by rasa dhatvagni.
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|description=Rasa dhatu is a body component, nutrient fluid similar to plasma
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<p style="text-align:justify;">The word rasa dhatu literally means the component of the body with nutrients and essence. There are two forms of rasa related to body physiology. Ahara rasa is the essence of food after the first level of digestion by factors responsible for digestion and metabolism (jatharagni) in the stomach. The second form is rasa dhatu. It is the component formed after the ahara rasa gets acted upon by rasa dhatvagni.
</p>
{{Infobox
|title = Contributors
|label1 = Section/Chapter/topic
|data1 = [[Sharira]] / [[Dhatu]] / Rasa Dhatu
|label2 = Authors
|data2 = Deole Y.S.,Anagha S.
|label3 = Reviewer and editor
|data3 = Basisht G.
|label4 = Affiliation
|data4 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar
|label5 = Correspondence email:
|data5 = carakasamhita@gmail.com
|label6 = Publisher
|data6 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India
|label7 = Date of publication:
|data7 = April 16, 2020
|label8 = DOI
|data8 = [https://doi.org/10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.013 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.013]
}}
==Etymology and derivation==
The word ‘rasa’ is derived from the Sanskrit root “ras” having the meaning of taste, to relish, to perceive, to feel, to desire.<ref> Monier Williams (1899), “रस्”, in A Sanskrit–English Dictionary, new edition, Oxford: At the Clarendon Press, OCLC 458052227, page 0869 </ref>
The word ‘rasa’ is derived from the Sanskrit root “ras” having the meaning of taste, to relish, to perceive, to feel, to desire.<ref> Monier Williams (1899), “रस्”, in A Sanskrit–English Dictionary, new edition, Oxford: At the Clarendon Press, OCLC 458052227, page 0869 </ref>
Rasa is derived from the root ‘gatau’ which means moving. As the nutrient fluid is continuously circulated in our body, it is known as rasa.[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/13]
Rasa is derived from the root ‘gatau’ which means moving. As the nutrient fluid is continuously circulated in our body, it is known as rasa.[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/13]
==Synonyms: ==
==Synonyms ==
• Adyadhatu(first [[dhatu]]) [A.Hr.Sutra Sthana 13/25]
• Adyadhatu(first [[dhatu]]) [A.Hr.Sutra Sthana 13/25]
• Prasada and Sara are the synonyms of rasa in the context of ahara rasa.
• Prasada and Sara are the synonyms of rasa in the context of ahara rasa.
==Meanings in different contexts: ==
== Meanings in different contexts ==
The word rasa has a wide range of meanings like taste, extract/juice, meat soup, mercury.
The word rasa has a wide range of meanings like taste, extract/juice, meat soup, mercury.
The word ‘garbharasa’ is applied to denote essence or vitality (ojas) in embryonic life. This is transformed into unctuous body fluids. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 30/10]. It is known as ‘sharira rasa’ in later life leading to the formation of ojas. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 30/11].
The word ‘garbharasa’ is applied to denote essence or vitality (ojas) in embryonic life. This is transformed into unctuous body fluids. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 30/10]. It is known as ‘sharira rasa’ in later life leading to the formation of ojas. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 30/11].
==Panchabhautika constitution and properties:==
==Panchabhautika constitution and properties==
The rasa dhatu has [[jala mahabhuta]] predominance in its constitution. It possesses liquidity(drava), fluidity (sara), opaque(manda), viscous(snigdha) and unctuous(pichchila) properties.<ref name=Dwarakanath>Dwarkanath C. Introduction to Kayachikitsa. Chaukhambha Orientalia. Varanasi; 1996. Third edition.pg.320</ref>
The rasa dhatu has [[jala mahabhuta]] predominance in its constitution. It possesses liquidity(drava), fluidity (sara), opaque(manda), viscous(snigdha) and unctuous(pichchila) properties.<ref name=Dwarakanath>Dwarkanath C. Introduction to Kayachikitsa. Chaukhambha Orientalia. Varanasi; 1996. Third edition.pg.320</ref>
==Formation and metabolism of rasa dhatu==
== Physiological aspects ==
=== Formation,circulation and metabolism of rasa dhatu ===
Rasa dhatu is formed from essence of food(ahara rasa). The ingested food is disintegrated into two parts: essence or useful part (prasada) and waste (kitta). The prasada is called as essence of food (ahara rasa). This essence is transformed into a nutrient fluid called ‘rasa dhatu’. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/4]. It is the ultrafine form of ahara rasa. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/3]
Rasa dhatu is formed from essence of food(ahara rasa). The ingested food is disintegrated into two parts: essence or useful part (prasada) and waste (kitta). The prasada is called as essence of food (ahara rasa). This essence is transformed into a nutrient fluid called ‘rasa dhatu’. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/4]. It is the ultrafine form of ahara rasa. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/3]
During the metabolic process, this rasa is transformed into [[rakta dhatu]] by action of ranjaka [[pitta]]. It acquires a red colour during this process. This metabolism takes place at yakrit (liver) and pliha(spleen). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/4]
During the metabolic process, this rasa is transformed into [[rakta dhatu]] by action of ranjaka [[pitta]]. It acquires a red colour during this process. This metabolism takes place at yakrit (liver) and pliha(spleen). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/4]
===Metabolic byproducts and waste products(Upadhatu and mala)===
Breast milk(Stanya) and menstrual blood including ovum (artava) are formed as metabolic byproducts(upadhatu) of rasa dhatu.[Cha. Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/17]. Sharangadhara considers only breast milk(stanya) formed as upadhatu. [Sha. Sa. Purvakhanda chapter 5].
Breast milk(Stanya) and menstrual blood including ovum (artava) are formed as metabolic byproducts(upadhatu) of rasa dhatu.[Cha. Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/17]. Sharangadhara considers only breast milk(stanya) formed as upadhatu. [Sha. Sa. Purvakhanda chapter 5].
Various secretions and discharges are formed in this process as ‘''[[kapha]]''’. This is termed as ''"malarupakapha"''.
Various secretions and discharges are formed in this process as ‘''[[kapha]]''’. This is termed as ''"malarupakapha"''.
===Quantity of rasa dhatu in body :===
===Quantity of rasa dhatu in body ===
The total quantity of rasa is nine anjali. One anjali is equal to the quantity that can be filled in a space formed from joining one’s palms together. This measurement is person-specific.[Cha. Sam. [[Sharira Sthana]] 7/15]
The total quantity of rasa is nine anjali. One anjali is equal to the quantity that can be filled in a space formed from joining one’s palms together. This measurement is person-specific.[Cha. Sam. [[Sharira Sthana]] 7/15]
===Time span:===
===Time span===
The rasa dhatu is formed in a time span of 3015 kala (five days). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/14].
The rasa dhatu is formed in a time span of 3015 kala (five days). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/14].
The rasa dhatu is circulated through twenty-four vessels(dhamani) originating in the cardiac region. The upper and lower part of the body is nourished by ten vessels each. The remaining four nourish lateral parts of the body. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/3] All the twenty-four vessels are described in a separate chapter named ‘dhamanivyakarana sharira'[Su.Sa.Sharira Sthana 9] Vyana[[vayu]] carries out the circulation of rasa dhatu. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/36]
The rasa dhatu is circulated through twenty-four vessels(dhamani) originating in the cardiac region. The upper and lower part of the body is nourished by ten vessels each. The remaining four nourish lateral parts of the body. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/3] All the twenty-four vessels are described in a separate chapter named ‘dhamanivyakarana sharira'[Su.Sa.Sharira Sthana 9] Vyana[[vayu]] carries out the circulation of rasa dhatu. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/36]
===Rasavahi/ Rasaharini:===
===Rasavahi/ Rasaharini===
The heart of the fetus is linked to the mother’s heart through the channels carrying nutrients(rasavahi). The fetus expresses its wishes to the mother through these channels. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 3/15].
The heart of the fetus is linked to the mother’s heart through the channels carrying nutrients(rasavahi). The fetus expresses its wishes to the mother through these channels. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 3/15].
During the eighth month of gestation, the vital essence(ojas) is unstable. It moves from mother to fetus and from fetus to mother through these channels.[Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 3/24].
During the eighth month of gestation, the vital essence(ojas) is unstable. It moves from mother to fetus and from fetus to mother through these channels.[Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 3/24].
===Rasavaha srotas:===
===Rasavaha srotas ===
Rasavaha srotas is the transport system of circulating rasa all over the body. It originates from the heart and circulates rasa through ten vessels. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/8] The same organs and channels form pranavaha srotas. [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 9/12]. This means the heart and channels transporting rasa also carry vital force (prana) in the body.
Rasavaha srotas is the transport system of circulating rasa all over the body. It originates from the heart and circulates rasa through ten vessels. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/8] The same organs and channels form pranavaha srotas. [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 9/12]. This means the heart and channels transporting rasa also carry vital force (prana) in the body.
It is responsible for satiety(tushti), nurturing body(preenana), nourishing [[rakta dhatu]](raktapushti).[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]
It is responsible for satiety(tushti), nurturing body(preenana), nourishing [[rakta dhatu]](raktapushti).[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]
==Importance in diagnosis: ==
==Importance in diagnosis ==
===Causes of vitiation===
===Causes of vitiation===
Excess consumption of heavy to digest, cold, over-unctuous food, overeating and excessive mental stress cause vitiation of rasavaha srotas. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/13]
Excess consumption of heavy to digest, cold, over-unctuous food, overeating and excessive mental stress cause vitiation of rasavaha srotas. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/13]
* ** [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/14], [A. Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/7-8]
* ** [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/14], [A. Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/7-8]
===Clinical features of vitiation of rasavaha srotas:===
===Clinical features of vitiation of rasavaha srotas===
If the transport channels of rasa dhatu are vitiated, then following clinical features are observed:
If the transport channels of rasa dhatu are vitiated, then following clinical features are observed:
Emaciation(Shosha),crying due to pain(akroshana), bending(vinamana),confusion(mohana),vertigo(bhramana), trembling(vepana)and death. [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 9/12]
Emaciation(Shosha),crying due to pain(akroshana), bending(vinamana),confusion(mohana),vertigo(bhramana), trembling(vepana)and death. [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 9/12]
===Role of rasa dhatu as vitiated factor in disease:===
===Role of rasa dhatu as vitiated factor in disease===
Rasa dhatu is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases like jwara [Cha. Sa. NidanaSthana 1/20], obstinate urinary diseases including diabetes(prameha) [Cha. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 4/7] and emaciation including tuberculosis(shosha) [Cha. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 5/8].
Rasa dhatu is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases like jwara [Cha. Sa. NidanaSthana 1/20], obstinate urinary diseases including diabetes(prameha) [Cha. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 4/7] and emaciation including tuberculosis(shosha) [Cha. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 5/8].
The extremes of body frames i.e. obesity(sthaulya) and emaciation(karshya) depend on the quantity and quality of rasa dhatu, its distribution, conversion, and utilization in the body [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/32]. These two conditions are risk factors for a wide range of metabolic disorders and lifestyle disorders.
The extremes of body frames i.e. obesity(sthaulya) and emaciation(karshya) depend on the quantity and quality of rasa dhatu, its distribution, conversion, and utilization in the body. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/32] These two conditions are risk factors for a wide range of metabolic disorders and lifestyle disorders.
==Importance of concept in the preservation of health and prevention ==
The existence of [[purusha]] depends upon rasa. Therefore, one should protect and maintain the quality and quantity of rasa dhatu with utmost care.[Su. Sam. Sutra Sthana 14/12] It can be achieved through proper diet and lifestyle.
The existence of [[purusha]] depends upon rasa. Therefore, one should protect and maintain the quality and quantity of rasa dhatu with utmost care.[Su. Sam. Sutra Sthana 14/12] It can be achieved through proper diet and lifestyle.
Rejuvenating therapy ([[Rasayana]]) is a special branch of Ayurveda dealing with the promotion and preservation of health. It helps in maintaining the best qualities of rasa dhatu and other body components. The quality of rasa is directly responsible for the quality of other tissues, immunity, promoting health and longevity. [Dalhana, Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/1]
Rejuvenating therapy ([[Rasayana]]) is a special branch of Ayurveda dealing with the promotion and preservation of health. It helps in maintaining the best qualities of rasa dhatu and other body components. The quality of rasa is directly responsible for the quality of other tissues, immunity, promoting health and longevity. [Dalhana, Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/1]
==Management of diseases: ==
==Management of diseases ==
===Conditions including increase in rasa dhatu:===
===Conditions including increase in rasa dhatu===
Fasting and other reduction therapies(Langhana) is the principle of treatment for the disorders due to vitiation of rasa dhatu. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/25]
Fasting and other reduction therapies(Langhana) is the principle of treatment for the disorders due to vitiation of rasa dhatu. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/25]
It is also indicated in jwara. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/142]
It is also indicated in [[jwara]]. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/142]
In the context of dhatugata jwara, for the management of rasadhatugata jwara, therapeutic emesis([[vamana]]) and fasting(upavasa) are mentioned as the treatment choices. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/315]
In the context of dhatugata jwara, for the management of rasadhatugata jwara, therapeutic emesis([[vamana]]) and fasting(upavasa) are mentioned as the treatment choices. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/315]
===Conditions including decrease in rasa dhatu:===
===Conditions including decrease in rasa dhatu===
In the conditions like emaciation including tuberculosis (rajayakshma or shosha), nourishment therapy(tarpana) is indicated. The treatment regimen includes a variety of meat soups and juices. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/149-172]
In the conditions like emaciation including tuberculosis (rajayakshma or shosha), nourishment therapy(tarpana) is indicated. The treatment regimen includes a variety of meat soups and juices. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/149-172]
==Current researches: ==
==Current researches==
In view of modern physiology, the rasa dhatu includes plasma, interstitial fluids and lymph.<ref> Dwarkanath C. Introduction to Kayachikitsa. Chaukhambha Orientalia. Varanasi; 1996. Third edition.pg.318 </ref>The rasa dhatvagni is related to glucose metabolism, circulation in portal vein, the formation of white blood cells.<ref>Amardeep Kour, Gupta Vikas, Sodhi Danisha. Importance of Nyayas on Body’s Well-Being – A Conceptual Study. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2015, 4 (1).pg.95-106 available from www.ijapc.com </ref>
In view of modern physiology, the rasa dhatu includes plasma, interstitial fluids and lymph.<ref> Dwarkanath C. Introduction to Kayachikitsa. Chaukhambha Orientalia. Varanasi; 1996. Third edition.pg.318 </ref>The rasa dhatvagni is related to glucose metabolism, circulation in portal vein, the formation of white blood cells.<ref>Amardeep Kour, Gupta Vikas, Sodhi Danisha. Importance of Nyayas on Body’s Well-Being – A Conceptual Study. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2015, 4 (1).pg.95-106 available from www.ijapc.com </ref>
1.Vaidya M.D.(1963): Rasavaha Srotasa Pareeksha, Dept of Kayachikitsa, IPGT &RA, Jamnagar.
1.Vaidya M.D.(1963): Rasavaha Srotasa Pareeksha, Dept of Kayachikitsa, IPGT &RA, Jamnagar.
2.Mishra R. K. (1967): Physio-pathological approach on the concept of Rasa- KshayaandRasa- Vriddhi. Dept of Kayachikitsa, IPGT &RA, Jamnagar.
2.Mishra R. K. (1967): Physio-pathological approach on the concept of Rasa- Kshaya and Rasa- Vriddhi. Dept of Kayachikitsa, IPGT &RA, Jamnagar.
3.Pandey H. N. (1987): Rasavaha Sroto-Dushti Ka Naidanika Adhyayana Hrid- Rogon Ke Pariprekshya Mein. Dept of Kayachikitsa, NIA Jaipur.
3.Pandey H. N. (1987): Rasavaha Sroto-Dushti Ka Naidanika Adhyayana Hrid- Rogon Ke Pariprekshya Mein. Dept of Kayachikitsa, NIA Jaipur.
The list of references for rasa dhatu in Charak Samhita can be seen [[Media:Rasa dhatu References- Charak Samhita.pdf|here.]]
The list of references for rasa dhatu in Charak Samhita can be seen [[Media:Rasa dhatu References- Charak Samhita.pdf|here.]]
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==References==
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