A REVIEW ARTICLE ON CONCEPT OF UPDHATU IN AYURVEDA

Dr. Sakshi Sharma*, Dr. Ankita Thakur, Dr. Guru Sharma, Dr. Rajesh Manglesh and Dr. Akhilesh Srivastava

ABSTRACT

Dosh, Dhatu and Mala form the essential components of the body. 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 related to the Updhatus. Updhatus are derived from the first four Dhatus. Updhatus are end product of Dhatu metabolism. Dhatavagni plays an important role in metabolism of Dhatus and Updhatus. References about Dhatus are very less in Ayurvedic literature. In this review article an effort is made to collect the information regarding the concept of Updhatu which is being scattered in Ayurvedic samhitas. The basic concept of Updhatu and various Updhatus mentioned by different Acharayas has been recollected in this article.

Keywords: Dhatu, Updhatu, agni, Dhatavagni, Strotas.