Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Asthi Dhatu Mean?
According to Ayurveda, the Sarira (body), Manas (mind), and Prana (life force) are all supported by tissues known as dhatu. Asthi Dhatu refers primarily to bones, but also to the formation of teeth, hair and nails. It is the densest dhatu, providing internal support, shape and structure to the body.
Ashti Dhatu is made up of 80% earth element, 15% air and 5% water. It is important to balance the consumption of earth and air through diet, in order to maintain healthy Ashti Dhatu. Earth is present in grains, nuts and beans, whilst air can be found in bitter or pungent foods and most vegetables.
Yogapedia Explains Asthi Dhatu
Self-confidence and strong teeth, nails and hair are all indicators of healthy Ashti Dhatu. Deficiency can lead to hair loss, brittle nails, joint pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, scoliosis and dental problems. Treatment focusses mainly on diet, in which calcium-rich foods such as nuts, sesame pumpkin seeds should be consumed.
From the Ayurvedic perspective, bone health is directly related to colon health, since mineral absorption takes place in the colon. Bloating and constipation can therefore deplete Ashti Dhatu, so it is also important to maintain digestive health through colon cleansing and gentle laxatives, such as Triphala.
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your Doshas May Be Unbalanced.
To help you bring attention to your doshas and to identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.
Try not to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.