L8 Ayurveda II - Anatomy - Plasma & Blood Flashcards
What is the term for the tissues that form the structure and substance of the body in Ayurveda?
Dhatus
Dhatus means ‘that which supports’.
What is the Ayurvedic term for Plasma?
Rasa
Rasa is one of the seven Dhatus.
What is the Ayurvedic term for Blood?
Rakta
Rakta is the second Dhatu in Ayurveda.
What is the Ayurvedic term for Muscle?
Mamsa
Mamsa is the third Dhatu in Ayurveda.
What is the Ayurvedic term for Fat?
Medas
Medas is the fourth Dhatu in Ayurveda.
What is the Ayurvedic term for Bone?
Asthi
Asthi is the fifth Dhatu in Ayurveda.
What is the Ayurvedic term for Nerve / marrow?
Majja
Majja is the sixth Dhatu in Ayurveda.
What is the Ayurvedic term for Reproductive fluids?
Shukra
Shukra is the seventh Dhatu in Ayurveda.
What are tissues formed from?
Digested nutrients
What does each tissue produce?
Raw material for the next tissue
How long does each stage of tissue formation take?
Around five days
How long does it take for food to nourish all seven tissues?
Around 35 days
What causes weakness in all the tissues and systems of the body?
Poor digestion / nutrition
What is Rasa/plasma ?
Basic solution in which all other tissues are suspended.
What are the functions of plasma?
- Lubricating and hydrating function
- Gives nourishment
- Provides pleasure and joy in life
- Contributes to a sense of beauty.
Where does plasma permeate in the body?
- Heart
- Blood vessels
- Lymphatic system
- Skin
- Mucous membranes.
Which dosha is closely related to plasma?
Kapha.
What qualities do plasma and Kapha share?
- Moist
- Lubricating.
What are the symptoms of excess plasma tissue disorders?
- Too much saliva
- Phlegm
- Appetite loss
- Nausea
These symptoms indicate an overproduction of plasma in the body.
What are the symptoms of deficient plasma tissue disorders?
- Dry, rough skin
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Palpitations
These symptoms indicate a lack of plasma in the body.
Name some foods that increase plasma.
- Fruit and vegetable juices
- Coconut water
- Barley water
- Broths
These foods are hydrating and nourishing, promoting plasma tissue health.
Which herbs promote plasma by strengthening digestion?
Spices such as ginger.
Ginger is known for its digestive benefits and can help enhance plasma production.
In which conditions is it important to support plasma?
- Dehydration
- Convalescence
- Malnourishment
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
Supporting rasa tissue is crucial during these vulnerable states to maintain overall health.
What is blood tissue (rakta) responsible for?
Life energy
Blood gives colour and passion to life
What are the functions of blood?
- Provides ease of movement
- Oxygenates and maintains cellular health
- Ensures abundance of life energy when sufficient
To which dosha is blood closely related?
Pitta
Blood has similar qualities to Pitta: warm, moist, intense
What are the disorders associated with excess blood tissue?
- Skin disease
- Abscesses
- High blood pressure
- Inflammation
- Jaundice
- Delirium
- Bleeding
- Fever
What are the symptoms of deficient blood tissue?
- Pallor
- Low blood pressure
- Anaemia
- Loss of skin lustre
- Dry skin
Name some foods that increase blood and strengthen blood vessels.
- Red / purple coloured food
- Beetroot
- Meat
- Chard
- Berries
- Dark leafy greens
Which herbs are known to support blood tissue?
- Elderberry
- Nettle
True or False: High blood pressure is a symptom of deficient blood tissue.
False
What conditions can herbs like elderberry and nettle support?
Anaemia, low blood pressure, poor circulation, low vitality.
