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→Formation and metabolism of rasa dhatu
==Formation and metabolism of rasa dhatu==
==Formation and metabolism of rasa dhatu==
Rasa dhatu is formed from ahara rasa (essence of food). The ingested food is disintegrated into two parts: prasada (essence or useful part) and kitta (waste). The prasada is called ahara rasa (essence of food). 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 ''ahara rasa'' (essence of food). The ingested food is disintegrated into two parts: ''prasada'' (essence or useful part) and ''kitta'' (waste). The ''prasada'' is called ''ahara rasa'' (essence of food). 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]
The ''rasa dhatu'' is further acted upon by ''rasa dhatvagni''. It is divided into two portions. The first portion forms ''sthayi rasa dhatu''(permanent form) for carrying out physiological functions of nourishment and maintenance of body.
The second portion called ‘''poshaka rasa’'' is carried forward to nourish the next [[''dhatu'']] i.e.[[ ''rakta'']]. [Cha.Sa. ChikitsaSthana 15/16]
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]
'''Upadhatu and mala''' (metabolic byproducts and waste products):
''Stanya'' (breast milk) and ''artava''(menstrual blood including ovum) are formed as ''upadhatu'' (metabolic byproducts) of ''rasa dhatu.''[Cha. Sa.ChikitsaSthana 15/17]. Sharangadhara considers only ''stanya''(breast milk) formed as upadhatu. [Sharangadhara Sam. Purvakhanda chapter 5].
Various secretions and discharges are formed in this process as ‘''[[kapha]]''’. This is termed as ''"malarupakapha"''.
'''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 8/15]
'''Time span:'''
The ''rasa dhatu'' is formed in a time span of 3015 ''kala'' (five days). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/14].
===Circulation of rasa dhatu===
===Circulation of rasa dhatu===
The ''rasa dhatu'' is circulated through twenty-four ''dhamani'' (vessels) originating in the cardiac region. The upper and lower part of body is nourished by ten vessels each. The remaining four nourish lateral parts of 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.ChikitsaSthana 15/36]
'''''Rasavahi/ Rasaharini:'''''
Heart of the fetus is linked to the mother’s heart through the ''rasavahi'' (the channels carrying nutrients.) The fetus expresses its wishes to the mother through these channels. [Cha. Sa. Sharira Sthana 3/15].
During the eighth month of gestation, the ''ojas''(vital essence) is unstable. It moves from mother to fetus and from fetus to mother through these channels.[Cha. Sa. ShariraSthana 3/24].
'''''Rasavahasrotasa:'''''
Rasavahasrotasa 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 pranavahasrotasa. [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 9/12]. This means the heart and channels transporting rasa also carry prana (vital force) in the body.
'''Role of ''rasa dhatu'' in embryogenesis:'''
During embryonic life, ''rasa dhatu'' is the only source of nutrition. The heart of the fetus is connected with the mother through the placenta and umbilical cord. The fetus gets ''rasa dhatu'' (nutrient fluid) through this placental circulation. Growth and development depend upon nutrition provided by ''rasa dhatu''. This promotes strength and complexion of the fetus as it is composed of materials having all six tastes. This rasa also nourishes the mother’s body and carries out lactation.[Cha. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/23]
Rasa is also one among six sources of origin of fetus along with maternal and paternal factors. During embryogenesis, it is responsible for the formation and growth of body parts, sustenance of life, satiety, nourishment and enthusiasm. [Cha. Sa. Sharira Sthana 3/12]
'''Functions of ''rasa dhatu'':'''
The functions attributed to ''rasa dhatu'' are:
• ''Tarpana'': nourishment of body at any age.
• ''Vardhana'': growth and development (especially in kids)
• ''Dharana / jeevana'': stabilizing and maintaining the [[''dhatu'']] (during middle age)
• ''Yapana'': preventing the total deterioration of [[''dhatu'']] (during old age)
Other functions like ''avashtambhana''(stabilizing the body components), ''snehana''(unction) are also carried by rasa dhatu[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/3] It is responsible for ''tushti''(satiety), ''preenana''(nurturing body), ''raktapushti''(nourishing ''rakta dhatu'').[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]
==Importance in diagnosis: ==
==Importance in diagnosis: ==