A LITERARY REVIEW: RAJA (UPADHATU OF RASA)

*Dr. Swati Vedpathak, Dr. Sunil G. Topre and Dr. Ravindra Bhurke

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda has an aspect of prevention & curative as well & also based on keen observations. Ayurveda gives priority to maintain the healthy state of a normal human being and treat the disease of patient. Success of any science depends on its fundamental principles. Human being has emerged as a very specialized species in the process of evolution. For the existence of body, two elementary factors are there, one that form structural configuration and second which control physiological aspects. Ayurveda has explained the physiological functions of human body under three elements viz. Dosha, Dhatu and Mala. Updhatus are important physiological units and are derived from Dhatus and resemble Dhatus in terms of structure, function and nature. Updhatus are sub tissues or secondary tissues in the body which serve as important components and have certain fixed functions to render. Dhatus are closely associated with the Updhatus. Updhatus are derived from the first four Dhatus. Updhatus are finest product of Dhatu metabolism. Dhatavagni plays major role in metabolism of Dhatus and Updhatus. Updhatu is subsidiary tissue arises from Dhatus. They are important physiological units and engaged to design the structural composition of the body. Dhatu form the basic structure of the body, they are not able to execute the functions of body without the support of Upadhatus. Upadhatu acts as a bridge between these fundamental entities. Upadhatus are also involved in emergence of diseases and the knowledge is necessary to understand the pathological conditions. Stanya (breast milk) and aartava (menstrual flow) being the Updhatus of Rasa Dhatu; their quality, quantity excellence depends on metabolic and functional status of Rasa Dhatu.

Keywords: Upadhatu, stanya, Raja.