understanding the dhatus: mamsa dhatu
“the doshas (energy principles), dhatus (tissues), and malas (wastes), are always the roots of the body.”
what is mamsa dhatu?
Ayurveda identifies seven tissues, or dhatus, that comprise the substratum of the functional systems of the body. When we understand the form and function of these tissues we will understand what imbalances can arise in them, and how to best care for these tissues.
Mamsa Dhatu, the third of the seven, is a connective tissue system that is formed from the by-products of Rakta Dhatu. We find overlap between Mamsa Dhatu and muscle and connective tissue in the western anatomical model. Ayurveda names Mamsa’s qualities as stable, gross (vs subtle), heavy, smooth, and hard.
Mamsa’s primary function in the body is lepanam; a kind of plastering that gives proper form and support to the body. Mamsa supports and gives form to the skeleton, like plaster supports and gives form to a lathe wall. Mamsa gives nourishment to the body generally, and provides precursors to the next tissue, Medo Dhatu.
what do imbalances of mamsa look like?
Each tissue can be produced in excess, or be deficient in each individual organism. A set of symptoms arises from each imbalance.
Where a body has excessive Mamsa Dhatu, which is made up in large part by earth element, we will experience a set of symptoms that reflect excessive structure:
general heaviness of body parts
specifically, over development of buttocks, neck, throat, lips, thighs, calves, and arms
excessive exhaustion
piercing pain
goiter or cervical lymphadenitis
cysts, myomas, and other related stagnation of tissue
Conversely we can have too little of the structural support of Mamsa. This creates symptoms like:
general weakness
emaciation of the body generally
specifically, emaciation of buttocks, neck, throat, lips, thighs, flanks, calves, chest, and arms
dryness
pricking pain
weakness of sensory organs
what imbalances mamsa dhatu?
As Mamsa is so closely related to earth element we’ll see Kapha aggravating food and activities as a primary cause for Mamsa imbalances. Causes like:
sticky, slimy, heavy foods (think dairy like yogurt and cheese, fish/seafood, and fried foods)
foods causing inflammation
sleeping after taking a meal
sleeping during the day time
how to support mamsa?
While they symptoms of Mamsa imbalance are troublesome themselves, its also important to remember that they are the precursors for more advanced disease processes. So, we want to recognize them as they arise, and turn to our Ayurvedic practices to properly nourish and balance each tissue. Luckily, imbalances of Mamsa Dhatu do well when addressed with food and lifestyle practices.
If the issue is excessive Masma Dhatu, the therapeutic approach will be a Pitta/Kapha pacifying approach:
reduce sticky, slimy, heavy foods (think dairy like yogurt and cheese, fish/seafood, and fried foods)
reduce pungent (spicy), salty, and sour (citrus, ferments, acidic) tastes
decrease the oily quality of food, especially fried
eat a generally Kapha pacifying diet, favoring pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes
include onion and garlic in your diet
include adequate movement in your daily routinue
take a short walk after meals
sleep according to the Ayurvedic Clock
utilize culinary supports like Three Pungents, Bright Fire Tea, mung beans, red lentils, quinoa flakes, or even easier - a Kapha Kitchari Kit.
If Mamsa Dhatu is depleted you’ll take a Vata pacifying approach:
favor sweet, sour, and salt of the six Ayurvedic tastes. Get an Introduction to the Six Tastes of Ayurveda with Kristin Linde.
eat whole foods, well-cooked, spiced, fatted, and eaten warm
include adequate protein: plant, like beans and lentils (easier to digest) or animal (more challenging)
include sweet fruits like mango, date, figs, and black raisins
eat soaked & peeled almonds
utilize culinary supports like Vata Churna, cultured ghee, mung beans, red lentils, basmati rice, or even easier - a Vata Kitchari Kit.
utilize herbal supports like Ashwagandha, Chyawanprash, and Well-Adapted Ghee
why it matters?
Mamsa performs a vital function of stability. There are plenty of modern challenges for Mamsa. A modern, conventional diet and lifestyle will tend to lead to excessive accumulation of Mamsa. Aging, and with it the increase of Vata Dosha, will challenge our ability to maintain healthy, adequate Mamsa. Notice if you’re experiencing symptoms of one of these imbalances check out the practices to create balance, and try a couple out. You’ll want to stick with it for a month or two before you evaluate its effect.
In the coming months we will be exploring each of the remaining dhatus:
Medas (adipose tissue)
Asthi (bone tissue)
Majja (nerve tissue)
Shukra/Artava (reproductive tissue)
We will dive deep into best practices for supporting and nourishing each of them. Up next, Medo dhatu.
Oh, and if you missed our first post of this series on Rasa Dhatu, head back and meet this important first bodily tissue.
related products
This blend of three pungent spices is an Āyurvedic formula aimed at pacifying Kapha dosha.
Ginger, black pepper, and pippali heat up and clear out the cold, heavy qualities of Kapha. Pungent taste stokes agni. The typical slow/dull Agni of Kapha dosha is awakened and stimulated by this spice blend. In particular, Pippali has an affinity to the lungs, a place where excess Kapha can accumulate and create congestion or respiratory imbalance. The inclusion of this herb provides lung support, especially important in spring (Kapha season).
Cook with it, use it as a spice at the table, or drink as a tea 20-30 minutes before a meal to stoke Agni and dial up metabolism!
2oz
vata root down tea
Root Down Tea is formulated to counter the light, dry, airy qualities of Vata Dosha. When you need to feel grounded, present, and steady of mind brew a daily cup of Root Down. This blend contains Ayurvedic Herbs that support the nervous system, strength of digestion, and the adrenals.
Boil 2-4 tsp for 10-20 minutes and strain. Add milk/mylk and sugar for an extra cozy cup. If adding milk, be sure to boil for an additional minute or two. Do not boil mylk.
In a pinch, steep 1-2tsp in hot water for 10 minutes.
pitta cool refresh tea
When Pitta get overheated and cranky, Cool Refresh is a lovely support. Cooling, blood nourishing, and a little sweet - this blend makes a Pitta pacifying and delicious cup.
Steep 2-4 tsp in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Let cool completely (for most effectiveness), or drink warm.
Alternatively, brew at room temperature or under the light of the moon for 8-12 hours. Discard herbs and refrigerate.
kapha bright fire tea
Bright Fire tea is a warming antidote to slow, sluggish Kapha-type digestive fire. A cup of this tea 20-30 minutes before a meal supports strong digestion, and lessens the physical accumulations Kapha brings.
Boil 1-2 tsp in water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and enjoy! In a pinch, try steeping 1-2 tsp in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
2oz + 5oz
a multi-use Vata pacifying digestive.
use: Add to culinary dishes for a Vata pacifying flavor, or season at the table. compliments soups, stews, and greens.
2oz
Many grains (especially wheat & rice) are categorized under sweet taste Ayurvedically, and notoriously Kapha aggravating. Quinoa is a "pseduo-grain" that leads with a more astringent taste, than sweet, making this grain more Kapha friendly.
This is especially true, when prepared as a warm breakfast cereal - making quinoa a Kapha pacifying substitute for oats. It’s light quality also helps prevents imbalances during Kapha time of day (morning).
It’s easy to cook (simply soak in boiling water), and similarly easy to digest. It is high in fiber, soothing to the digestive tract, and slightly cooling, relieving inflammatory conditions. Quinoa is also free of gluten, a common allergen found in wheat and other grains. And contains more protein than traditional grains.
Quinoa is rich in iron, and restores strength to deficient blood. It contains more calcium than milk, and is rich in magnesium, phosphorus.
16oz
Food as medicine has never been easier!
Our Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Kitchari Kits take the guesswork out of making a delicious batch of kitchari, every time.
Specially formulated to pacify each dosha, each kit contains a Mung Bean / Basmati Rice blend ratio-ed for your dosha, and a kitchari spice packet.
It’s simple; each kit is portioned so there’s no measuring or guesswork, simply use all of the contents of each kit, and follow the included instructions. That’s it!
If you do not already have some, our Organic Cultured Ghee is highly recommended when making kitchari.
Makes 4 servings.
10oz
A darling of Āyurveda, split, hulled, mung beans are a pantry staple.
Their sweet and astringent taste is both nourishing and detoxifying. They are the easiest to digest lentil (along with red lentils) making them an ideal plant protein for anyone with Vata-style, gassy digestion.
They are all the most traditional bean used in Kitchari, and are delicious in soups and stews, as well as dosa.
24oz
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