Bone Marrow

🩻 Understanding Majja Dhatu: The Bone Marrow Tissue

Majja Dhatu, associated with Earth and Water elements and Kapha dosha, fills bone cavities with nourishing fat while providing essential lubrication to the skeletal system. Imbalances can manifest as either serious bone disorders like cancer and joint problems, or deficiencies leading to osteoporosis and arthritis. Treatment approaches include protein-rich nutrition, dosha-specific diets, and specialized Panchakarma therapies including internal oleation for tissue depletion.

What is Majja Dhatu?

Majja Dhatu refers to the marrow present in the empty spaces of bones, forming the sixth tissue layer in Ayurveda's seven-dhatu system.

• Associated Elements: Earth (Prithvi) and Water (Jala)²
• Primary Dosha: Kapha²

✨ Key Functions of Majja Dhatu

• Fills the bony spaces with nourishing fat
• Provides lubrication and oiling to the skeletal system
• Supplies strength to the body¹
• Supports formation of the final dhatu (Sukra)

🔺 Symptoms of Increased Majja Dhatu

• Heaviness in the body, especially in the eyes
• Boils on the joints
• Bone and blood cancer
• Pain and boils in the finger joints
• Dizziness, fainting, and blackouts
• Increased oiliness of the skin²
• Excessively oily scalp²
• Weight gain without increase in muscles or fat²
• Deep-seated abscesses in advanced stages²
• Healthy cravings for bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes²

🔻 Symptoms of Decreased Majja Dhatu

Bone-Related Issues

• Hollowness in bones
• Osteoporosis
• Brittle bones and joints
• Pain in joints²
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Systemic Effects

• Small body frame, weak and thin physique
• Dizziness and blackouts
• Deficiency of shukra dhatu (reproductive tissue)
• Healthy cravings for sweet, salty, and sour tastes, non-vegetarian foods²

💊 Treatment Approaches

Dietary Interventions

• Intake of protein-rich substances
• Bone broth and marrow-enhancing foods

Dietary & Lifestyle Adjustments²

• For increased Majja Dhatu: Follow Kapha-pacifying diet
• For decreased Majja Dhatu: Follow Vata-pacifying diet

Panchakarma Treatments²

After proper Oleation and Sudation

• For increased Majja Dhatu: Emesis therapy
• For decreased Majja Dhatu:
  • Enema therapy
  • Internal oleation (especially helpful)

References

Primary Source: Acharya Balakrishna - A Practical Approach to The Science of Ayurveda - A Comprehensive Guide for Healthy Living

1. Susruta Samhita
2. School of Ayurveda and Panchakarma - Lectures and Notes