Majja (Bone marrow or Nerve Tissue)
It also produces joint fluids and fluids to moisten the eye, skin and stools. When it is present in sufficient quantity, bone marrow gives a feeling of fulfillment. If it is not, a feeling of emptiness and anxiety results. Thus shortage of this dhatu causes weakening and porosity of the bones, painful joints, dizziness, dark circles under the eyes, sexual weakness, a feeling of emptiness and anxieties.
Vata disorders may occur in this condition. The reverse is also true. Vata dosha often lead to a deficit of nerve tissue.
The health of the majja dhatu is dependent upon the state of the majjagni. When it is infiltrated by vata dosha, agni becomes variable. When it is infiltrated by pitta dosha, agni typically become increased. When kapha dosha infiltrates it, agni becomes low. The state of agni determines the quantity and quality of the tissues that are formed,
मज्जा धातु - यह धातु इस क्रम में छठे स्थान पर आती है एवं अर्ध ठोस प्रकार की
पीला व लाल रंग लिए अस्थियों को भरने का कार्य करती है। मस्तिष्क व रीढ़ में भी यह
पर्याप्त मात्रा में पाई जाती है। आधुनिक विज्ञान यह स्वीकार रहा है कि स्नायु
तन्त्र की मजबूती के लिए मुख्य रूप् से यह धातु ही उत्तरदायी है। जैसा कि हम जानते
हैं कि यह धातु तीन भाग जलीय व एक भाग पृथ्वी तत्व का अंश लिए होती है।
लम्बे समय तक वायु दोष अथवा असन्तुलन
बने रहने से स्नायु तन्त्र के उत्तक सूखने लगते हैं जिससे उनमें प्राणों का प्रवाह
उचित प्रकार से नहीं हो पाता। अधिक कफ से भी स्नायु तन्त्र भारी व स्ािूलता लिए हो
जाता है जिससे धीमा प्राण प्रवाह रहता है। पित्त प्रधान व्यक्ति में स्नायु तन्त्र
का रक्षा कवच ;डलबसमपद ेीमंजीद्ध जलने का भय रहता है। जिससे उनसजपचसम ेबसंतवेपे के लक्षण
उत्पन्न होने प्रारम्भ हो जाते हैं। यह कवच मुख्यतः वसा के उत्तकों से निर्मित
होता है।
मज्जा धातु के निर्माण में मूलतः जल तत्व का हाथ होने के कारण इसकी पुष्टि के
लिए जलीय पदार्थों का सेवन करना चाहिए। जिनमें मज्जा धातु स्वस्थ व समुचित मात्रा
में होती है वो स्वयं में पूर्णता का अनुभव करते हैं। इसकी कमी से व्यक्ति में कोई
भी कार्य करने की इच्छा का अभाव होने लगता है।
मज्जा धातु के परीक्षण के लिए अनेक प्रकार के टैस्ट प्रयोगशालाओं में कराए
जाते हैं परन्तु आॅंखों की पुतली के निरीक्षण से इसका पता आसानी से चल सकता है।
चमकदार नेत्र स्वस्थ धातु की ओर इंगित करते हैं। नेत्रों का सूखापन वात दोष को
बताता है व पीलापन पित्त दोष की अधिकता को सूचित करता है। पित्त दोष की शान्ति के
लिए मीठे व ठण्डे पदार्थों का सेवन करना होता है। यदि कफ दोष द्वारा मज्जा धातु की
गुणवत्ता में कमी आ रही हो तो व्रत उपवास बहुत ही सार्थक रहते हैं। सब्जियाॅं
विशेष रूप् से हरी पत्तेदार उपयोगी होती हैं।
गौ दूध व घी का सेवन से वात व पित्त द्वारा कमजोर किए हुए मज्जा धातु के
निर्माण में विशेष लाभ मिलता है।
वात दोष प्रधान व्यक्ति का स्नायुतन्त्र यदि कमजोर हो तो उसे अश्वगन्धा का
सेवन करना चाहिए। यात्रा व तनाव को कम करें व हल्का-फुल्का जीवन जीएॅं।
पित्त प्रधान व्यक्ति स्नायुतन्त्र की मजबूती के लिए शतावर, ब्राह्मी व शंखपुष्पी का सेवन करें। व्यक्ति झगड़े झंझट व प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं
से बचे। इसके अतिरिक्त अन्य औषधियों में कौंच के बीज ;कपिकच्छूद्ध व विदारीकन्द भी महत्वपूर्ण हैं। कौंच थोड़ा पचने में भारी होते
हैं अतः उत्तम पाचन वाले व्यक्ति ही कौंच का सेवन करें। सूक्ष्म शरीर में स्वस्थ
मज्जा धातु के लिए स्वाधिष्ठान व अनाहत चक्र उत्तरदायी है। स्वाधिष्ठान चक्र की
जाग्रति के लिए वं बीज मन्त्र का जप उस चक्र में करें।
Majja is the finer essence of the Asthi Dhatu. It is basically a semi- solid substance, yellow and red in color. Its primary function is filling the bone. It is also found inside the brain and spinal cord. It also produces joint fluids and fluids to moisten the eye, skin and stools. When it is present in sufficient quantity, bone marrow gives a feeling of fulfillment. If it is not, a feeling of emptiness and anxiety results. Thus shortage of this dhatu causes weakening and porosity of the bones, painful joints, dizziness, dark circles under the eyes, sexual weakness, a feeling of emptiness and anxieties.
Vata disorders may occur in this condition. The reverse is also true. Vata dosha often lead to a deficit of nerve tissue.
The health of the majja dhatu is dependent upon the state of the majjagni. When it is infiltrated by vata dosha, agni becomes variable. When it is infiltrated by pitta dosha, agni typically become increased. When kapha dosha infiltrates it, agni becomes low. The state of agni determines the quantity and quality of the tissues that are formed,
Kapha
dosha vitiation results in excessive tissue formation
though it is of low quality. Majja dhatu (nervous system) becomes denser and
thicker resulting in slowing down the movement of nerve impulses (prana). This
is observable in the mind as slower processing of sensory information and in
the body as slower response times. Should kapha dosha increase further,
not only might it slow down the flow of prana, it may block or obstruct its flow.
This results in aberrant flow. Symptoms of aberrant pranic flow secondary to a
blockage mimic those of vata dosha and are often misdiagnosed as a primary vata
imbalances.
Pitta
dosha vitiation results in minimal to moderate tissue formation. The tissue
formed is highly efficient. Prana moves effectively through the nervous system.
Processing and response times quick. However when pitta dosha increases too
much the tissue formed becomes overly heated and prone to inflammation and
excessive metabolism. Inflammation results in neuritis. Excessive metabolism
results in burning out the protective structures surrounding and within the
nerves. Deterioration of the myelin sheath as occurs in multiple
sclerosis and post viral syndromes are examples. Within the brain,
neurological structures may burn out as well. This occurs in some cases of
Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Vitiation
of vata dosha results in irregular tissue formation and the tissue that is
formed is of low quality and fragile. Prana may move excessively or
irregularly. When formation is minimal the stabilizing factors within the nerve
are diminished and prana move quickly without restraint. Reactions are often
sudden, too quick and not measured. Thus they may be dramatic. When formation
is irregular, prana may also move in an irregular manner appearing at times to
be excessive and other times deficient. This results hyper and hypo activity.
In addition motion may be jerky as occurs in tics and some tremors . Long term
vata imbalance ultimately results in drying and thinning of the tissues of the
nervous system resulting in an inability of prana to move effectively. This
appears like a kapha imbalance as flow of prana is deficient. Its inability to
move however is not due to obstruction but to damaged structure. Discerning
this condition from a primary kapha condition requires observing the broader
effects of the dosha upon the body.
In
order to produce majja dhatu the primary elements that must be taken in the
proper balance are air and water. The balance of air regulates the flow of
nerve impulses. Water provides a counter balance to air, protecting the nerve
against excessive motion and agitation. The brain as well the myelin that
surrounds the structure of the nerve consists largely of fat. It is composed
primarily of the element water and has kapha-like characteristics.
Psychology
and the Majja Dhatu
On
a psychological level majja provides our sense of fulfillment, filling the void
that we experience within. When majja dhatu is healthy, there is a sense of
fullness and completion. When deficient, there exists a hollow feeling of
emptiness. In excess, there is the feeling of stagnation that comes with being
too full. Neither the body nor mind wants to move or work. There is a loss of
motivation.
In
the subtle body, the majja dhatu is dependent upon the flow of prana primarily
through svadhistana and anahata chakras. Through these chakras the qualities of
water and air circulate respectively.
Evaluating
the Majja Dhatu
The
state of the majja dhatu may be assessed in many ways. While the nerves
themselves can not ordinarily be seen, their function can be easily tested
using standard Western neurological tests. Without western medical training,
the health of the majja dhatu can also be inferred by observing the quantity of
exudate produced from the eyes in the morning, the color of the sclera and the
general luminosity of the eyes. This latter criterion is based on the subtle
perception of the practitioner.
Exudate
that is dry and crusty is indicated of vata dosha imbalance. A large quantity
of oily or mucousy exudate is indicative of a kapha imbalance. Yellow exudate
which may be a little oily is indicative of the involvement of pitta dosha.
Evaluation of the color of sclera is important
as well. A dark, dull, gray indicates that vata has become vitiated. A yellow
sclera indicates that pitta is vitiated. A white sclera that is dull indicates
that kapha is vitiated.
In
observing the general luminosity of the eyes, a decrease in luminosity
indicates the kapha has become vitiated. The eyes appear cloudy and dull.
Interest is present but processing occurs slowly. An increase in luminosity is
indicative of pitta vitation. The eyes
appear to intensely interested, deeply engaged and too highly focused.
Vitiation of vata dosha causes the eyes to appear vacant, lacking in attention
and real interest.
Proper
Treatment of the Majja Dhatu
Healing
the majja dhatu means restoring the proper balance of the qualities of water
and air within the dhatu. This process begins with taking the qualities of the
elements in through the senses and then properly digesting them. While dietary
intake is always the most important factor in healing the physical body, the
nervous system is particularly sensative to input from all of the other senses
as well.
Diet and the Majja Dhatu
When
vata dosha has entered the majja dhatu the best treatment is to increase the
quantity of water element in the diet. Water is found in the largest amounts in
moist, oily foods and in those that are the most nourishing. Milk and ghee are
the two most important substances. Milk and ghee restore deficient majja dhatu.
Milk should always be taken warm with spices added to assure proper digestion.
Ghee may be added to the milk or to other foods. In order to maximize the oily quality, the
four fats are often recommended. The four fats are: ghee, bone marrow, sesame
oil and muscle fat. Either ghee by itself or the four fats may be utilized as
an anupana for the intake of herbs that nourish the majja dhatu.
When
pitta dosha has entered the majja dhatu, the best treatment is to cool the
dhatu utilizing the sweet taste. The sweet taste is not only cool but also
nourishing. Once again, increasing milk and ghee consumption are outstanding
choices for dietary treatment. Sesame oil should not be taken however as it is
too warming for regular use. Although the bitter taste is also cooling and
pacifies pitta dosha, it should be used with caution as it can reduce the dhatu
and aggravate vata dosha.
When
kapha dosha has entered the majja dhatu, the best treatment is to increase the
flow of prana and decrease the qualities of water utilizing the bitter and
pungent tastes. Raw vegetables,
particularly leafy greens are best. In general the diet should be very light
and dry and foods should be well spiced. Fasting is often appropriate and
patients with a kapha imbalance may fast on light vegetables juices taken with
spices for several days to a week.
Herbs
and the Majja Dhatu:
When
vata has entered the majja dhatu, the patient should be given herbs with a
tonifying and sedating action. Among the best of these herbs are ashwaganda and
shank pushpi. Other beneficial herbs when combined properly include jatamamsi
and bala.
When
pitta has vitiated the majja dhatu, the best herbs are cooling and sedating.
Among the best herbs are brahmi, shank pushpi and kappikachu. Brahmi is best
when ama is present as its light and bitter nature will not increase ama. Shank pushpi and kappikachu are best when no
ama is present as they are heavier and moist. Other beneficial herbs include:
Skull cap, vidari kand and chrysanthemum flower. St. Johns Wort and oatstraw.
When
kapha enters the majja dhatu, the patient should be given herbs with light,
mobile qualities that purify the tissue. One of the most renowned herbs for
this is calamus. Other beneficial herbs include bayberry, tulsi and sage. .
Lifestyle
and the Healing of the Majja Dhatu
Lifestyle
is the primary cause of disease and its correction is the most important
component of its cure. No where is this more obvious than when the majja dhatu
has become vitiated. When vata is vitiated, the patient should get more rest
and avoid stressful situations. Travel should be minimized. Daily routines
should be established that are practiced with consistency. It is best if a
friend is near by to provide added support and ease the burdens of daily life.
When pitta is vitiated, the patient should get more rest. It is particularly
important to avoid conflict and competition.
The patient should be educated to understand that excessive focus will
over heat the nervous system. Thus, activities that are light hearted or fun should
be encouraged. When kapha is vitiated an active lifestyle is called for that
includes less sleep and greater engagement in the world. Spontaneity should be
supported. Regular routines should be adopted so long as those activities are
active and engaging.
Decreased Majja Dhatu – “Majja Kshaya” … Symptoms!
Signs and Symptoms often associated with decreased Majja Dhatu include:
– Lack of understanding
– Poor communication
– Poor memory – Amnesia
– Insomnia
– ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
– Alzheimer’s Disease
– Osteoporosis
– Anemia
– Diminished emotional affect
– Neuromuscular dystrophy
– Poor muscle tone
– Dizziness and even coma
– Lack of understanding
– Poor communication
– Poor memory – Amnesia
– Insomnia
– ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
– Alzheimer’s Disease
– Osteoporosis
– Anemia
– Diminished emotional affect
– Neuromuscular dystrophy
– Poor muscle tone
– Dizziness and even coma
With Thanks:
Dr.
Marc Halpern is the founder and President of the California College of
Ayurveda. An internationally respected expert in the field of Ayurvedic
medicine and Yoga Therapy, Dr. Halpern received the award for Best Ayurvedic
Physician from the Indian Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. A. Ramdas.
He is a co-founder of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and the
California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine. He is on the advisory board of
Light on Ayurveda Journal in the United States and the Journal of Research and
Education in Indian Medicine in Varansi, India.
He can be reached at www.ayurvedacollege.com or drh@ayurvedacollege.com.
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