Meaning:
Majja means marrow as in bone-marrow (asthi-majja). However, the term has become
synonymous with nervous system which like bone marrow, is encased within bone. :
A special type tissue called myeloid tissue forms bone marrow. The brain and spinal
cord make up the central nervous system, the Majja dhatu is associated with the
entire nervous system. The nervous system and the bone marrow are treated as homologous
structures in ayurveda. Majja is oily, and lubricates the body. It fills in hollow
spaces in the bones, brain and spinal cord.
In the physical body, Majja dhatu is formed as posaka (unstable) asthi dhatu flows
through the majjavaha srota into the majja dhara kala and is digested by the majjagni.
Majja dhatu (nervous system) becomes denser and thicker resulting in slowing down
the movement of nerve impulses (prana). Su. Sha. 5/11-12
System carrier : The Nervous System
Formation of majja dhatu
"Karoti tatra sousheeryam astinaam madhye sameeranah
medasas taani poorayante sneho majja tatah smritah"
Ch. Chi. 15/30
During the formation of asthi dhatu or bone, vayu bhuta creates spaces in bones.
These spaces are filled with nourishing tissues of medha or fat which help in formation
of majja or bone marrow.
Action
Functions of majja dhatu:
"Majja sneham balam shukra pushtim pooranam astinaamcha karoti"
It nourishes body and helps to maintain its functions. Majja dhatu strengthens body,
fills bones and nourishes shukra dhatu (semen ).
CONTENTMENT (PURANA) The function of Marrow is filling or contentment. Marrow serves
to fill the empty spaces in the body as in the nerve channels, the bones and the
brain cavity. It also provides for the secretion of the Synovial fluid and aids
in the lubrication of eyes, stools and skin. It is of 2 types; 1. Brain and Spinal
Cord 2. Bone Marrow. It also produces Red Blood cells known as Sarakta Meda.
Marrow gives a sense of fulfillment and sufficiency in life. When it is deficient,
one feels empty and anxious. It provides affection, love and compassion by its lubricative
property. Majja comes form the root “Majj’ or “To Sink” as the nerve tissue is sunk
deep in the bones.
Originates from : Bones & Joints
Majja is the second last dhatu, being nourished by Asthi. The nutrients are refined
further and payed them forward to Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissues), the final
tissue in the chain.
Waste Product - Oily substance in the Eyes, Skin & Faeces
Majja Vriddhi lakshana ( Symptoms of increased majja dhatu )
- Netra gaurava - feeling of heaviness in eyes
- Anga gourava - feeling of heaviness of body
- Parwa stoulya - clubbing of fingers
Symptoms of Majjha Dhatu Disorders:
Increased:
- Excessive Sleep
- Heaviness of eyes
- Pineal & Pitutiary Tumors
- Sluggishness
- Heaviness throughout the body
- Tumors on the peripheral nerves
Ch. Su. 28/17-18; Su. S. 24/9; Su. S. 15/14
Majja Kshaya Lakshana (Symptoms of decreased majja dhatu)
- Asthi sousheerya (osteoporosis)
- Bhrama (vertigo)
- Timira darshana ( blurring of vision)
Ch. Su. 17/67; Su. S. 15/9
Decreased:
- Anaemia
- Lack of Attention
- Epilepsy
- Insomnia
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinsons Disease
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Sexual Debility
- Stroke Parslysis
- Lack of understanding
- Poor Communication
- Other Neurological problems