Ayurveda definition of Mamsa Dhatu ( Muscle tissue )

Related article – Ayurveda Description of 7 Tissues or Sapta Dhatu

Table of content

What is Mamsa Dhatu ?

What are the functions of Mamsa Dhatu?

Formation of mamsa dhatu or muscle tissue

Mamsadharakala a sheath that holds muscle tissue.

Mamsa saara purusha lakshana ( Features of persons with healthy muscle tissue )

Diseases that occur due to an imbalance of mamsa dhatu

What factors influence the health and balance of mamsa dhatu?

Causes of Imbalance in Mamsa Dhatu.

What is Mamsa Dhatu ?

Mamsa Dhatu or muscle tissue is one of sapta dhatu or 7 tissues. When we consider muscle tissue, its panchamahabhuta constitution is earth element. This tissue is governed by Kapha dosha. Any imbalance in kapha dosha can also imbalance mamsa dhatu. This dhatu gets its nourishment from its predecessor, rakta dhatu . mamsa dhatu provides nourishment to medha dhatu or body fat.

What are the functions of Mamsa Dhatu ?

The following functions of muscle tissue are mentioned in texts of Ayurveda

• It covers bones and body tissues (lepana)
• Body gets its shape because of this tissue.
• The quality of this tissue depends on quality of balanced kapha dosha.
• This tissue is responsible for the locomotion, functioning of the vital organ heart (heartbeat).
• Helps in movement of digestive canal, blood vessels, respiratory organs, reproductive organs etc.

Formation of mamsa dhatu or muscle tissue

shonitham swaagnina pakwam vayunaacha ghanikrutam
tadeva maamsam jaaneeyat sthiram bhavati dehinaam

According to Ayurveda Rakta dhatu or blood tissue when subjected to further processing by its agni forms mamsa dhatu. Vayu takes part in solidification and jalabhuta ( water element) helps in softening it. Thus mamsa dhatu is formed. Prithvi or Earth element (one of pancha mahabhuta) constitutes major part of muscle.

“maamsa vahaanam srotasaam snayurmoolam twakcha”

The muscles originates from snayus (ligaments) . Even few originate from skin

Mamsadharakala a sheath that holds muscle tissue.

:“Mamsadharakala” is a sheeth like structure that covers muscles (mamsa), ligaments (snayu), and blood vessels (dhamani) running through muscles.

The origin and extension of muscles along with their branches, arteries, veins, and nerves look like branches of lotus stems that spread in water giving rise to lotus buds.

Mamsa saara purusha lakshana ( Features of persons with healthy muscle tissue )

A person who has well-built muscles looks very strong. He will have well-defined muscles on the chest, abdomen, arms, calf, and thighs. The muscles are very well-defined on the temples, neck, jaws, shoulders, and cheeks. The person will have self-control, good health, and longevity.

Diseases that occur due to imbalance of mamsa dhatu

Increased mamsa dhatu ( mamsa vruddhi laxana)

When mamsa dhatu is increased beyond limit the following diseases occur

Goitre
lymphedinitis
myoma
sarcoma

Decreased mamsa dhatu ( mamsa kshaya laxana)

When mamsa dhatu decreases the following symptoms appear

Exhaustion of sense organs
Emaciation or thinning
Pain in joints like arthritis.

What factors influence the health and balance of mamsa dhatu ?

Various  factors influence the health and balance of mamsa dhatu or muscle tissue:

1. Diet:

Adequate protein intake is crucial. Consuming lean meats, legumes, dairy, and other protein-rich foods can nourish and build muscle tissue.

2. Physical Activity:

Regular exercise, especially strength training, helps in maintaining the tone, strength, and health of the muscles.

3. Rest and Recovery:

Muscles grow and repair during periods of rest, especially during sleep. It’s essential to ensure sufficient downtime after strenuous activity.

4. Emotional Well-being:

Chronic stress or unresolved emotional issues can lead to physical tension, manifesting in muscle tightness or discomfort.

5. External Applications:

Massages with nourishing oils can enhance muscle health, tone, and flexibility.

6. Detoxification:

Periodic cleansing helps in removing toxins that might accumulate and weaken muscle tissue. Regular liver detox and body detoxification are needed to strengthen mamsa dhatu.

Causes of Imbalance in Mamsa Dhatu.

Mamsa dhatu can get imbalanced due to unhealthy diets and lifestyles. Sleeping in the afternoon, eating too much salty ( lavana Rasa), sour (amla Rasa), and bitter food (tikta rasa), not exercising, etc can cause vitiation or imbalance of this tissue.

Based on the consumption of 6 varieties of tastes the following effects on mamsa dhatu have been observed.

Consuming sweet tasting ( madhura Rasa) food in moderation helps to build muscles and strengthen them. Too much of sour tasting food ( amla rasa ) in the diet can cause inflammation in this tissue.  When salt ( lavana Rasa ) intake is increased it tends to weaken muscle fibers. Spicy and pungent foods ( katu rasa ) can reduce muscle bulk. Bitter-tasting foods ( tikta rasa ) may reduce the elasticity of this tissue.