Meaning : Fat or Adipose Tissue
Medas dhatu refers to the fatty tissues of the body. While the term can literally
be translated to mean fat, conceptually it means the concentrated waters of the
body. In the physical body, in addition to body fat the medas dhatu relates to sebum
(skin oil) and the greater and lesser omentums which are its updhatu. Medas dhatu
is formed as posaka mamsa dhatu flows into the medo dhara kala and is digested by
the medagni. Ch. Chi. 15.
Meda Dhatu are the finer part of the mansa dhatu that are also known as fatty tissue.
They keep the lubrication between the various body organs and help the body in maintaining
right internal temperature.
“Swatejombu gunaasnigdho drktam medhobhijayate”
Meda dahtu (body fat) is formed from mamsa dhatu (muscles). The nutrients required
to form medha dhatu are present in mamsa dhatu. These nutrients get metabolized
with water and form medha dahtu. Medha dahtu is snigdha (oily) and soft .
Functions of medha dahtu
“medah snehaswedou pustimastnanncha karoti ” Su. S. 15/6
Because of medha dhatu the body looks soft and fair.
It gives a good shape to body.
It helps to produce sweat and keeps the body skin moist. It prevents drying of skin.
It strengthens the body and provides energy.
It nourishes the next dhatu asthi ( bone ).
It protects internal organs by providing them a cushioning effect.
It controls body temperature.
Medas dhatu refers to the fatty tissues of the body. While the term can literally
be translated to mean fat, conceptually it means the concentrated waters of the
body. In the physical body, in addition to body fat the medas dhatu relates to sebum
(skin oil) and the greater and lesser omentums which are its updhatu. These tissues
are the primary storage sites for excess body fat in the abdomen. Medas dhatu is
formed as posaka mamsa dhatu flows into the medo dhara kala and is digested by the
medagni. Medas dhatu is built primarily from the water element and secondarily from
earth. The presence of water reveals the nourishing nature of fatty tissue.
System carrier : The Adipose System
Action:
LUBRICATION (SNEHANA) The function of Adipose tissue is Snehana meaning lubrication
of Muscles, Tendons and other Dhatus (tissues). For eg: It helps the throat by lubricating
it to give a melodious voice. Medha Dhatu gives a sense of smoothness and ease and
on a psychological level, a sense of being "Cared For".
Originates from : Kidneys
Waste Product - Sweat
The waste products produced by the formation of medas dhatu are the skin secretions
of sweat and sebum (oil).
Symptoms of Meda Dhatu Disorders -
Increased - Ch. Su. 21/8; Su. S. 15/14
- Diabetes
- Gall stones
- Lethargy
- Pains in the Joints
- Breathlessness
- Sluggish Metabolism
- Underactive Thyroid
- Excessive Sweating
- Fatty Tumors
- Low Libido
- Excess Thirst
- Sweet taste in the mouth
Decreased - Su. S. 15/9; Ch. Su. 17/66
- Dry Skin
- Cracking Joints
- Emaciation
- Osteoarthritis
- Lumbago
- Overactive Thyroid
- Osteoporosis
- Enlarged Spleen