Meaning:
It is compared with muscle tissue. It gets its nourishment from Rakta Dhatu. It
gives shape to the body parts and it sticks to the bones, helping in locomotor activities.
Mamsa dhatu is more than muscle; it is the provider of strength, courage, fortitude
and self-confidence. It is also the vehicle through which we express ourselves.
In the physical body, mamsa dhatu refers directly to the muscles and indirectly
to the ligaments and skin, which are upadhatus formed as the unstable form of rakta
dhatu (posaka rakta) is converted to mamsa dhatu.
Muscle is built from earth and fire and is then motivated by air. Earth provides
the substance from which the bulky structure of muscle is made. Fire ignites the
engine that directs its focus and action. Muscle is a highly metabolic tissue. While
earth and fire play their fundamental roles in building the tissue, it is air that
inspires and initiates its motion.
Mamsa dhatu, made up of earth and fire, has the following qualities: hot, heavy,
dry, hard, unstable, rough, dense, cloudy, gross and sharp. These qualities are
similar to a combination of pitta and kapha doshas and, as such, these doshas play
the greatest role in its development and health. A balanced kapha dosha provides
for proper structure and a balanced pitta dosha for proper metabolic function. Disturbances
in these doshas are responsible for alterations of form and function.
System carrier : The Muscular System
Action: LEPANA (BINDING) The function of Mamsa Dhatu is binding. Muscles
are like a gelatinous covering and give strength to the basic body’s frame. When
Mamsa Dhatu is deficient, one lacks cohesion and integrity of body structure. When
it is sufficient quantity, courage, confidence and strength along with the capacity
of openness, forgiveness and happiness comes. The word “Mamsa” comes from the word
‘Mam” which means to “Hold Firm”. Su. Sha. 15; Su. Sha. 5/23,49
Originates from : Ligaments & Skin
Waste Product - Excreta from Ears, Eyes, Mouth, Nose & Roots of hair
Mamsa Dhatu: Its main function is Lepana –It is controlled by Kapha Dosha.
Usually Kapha Dosha increase and decrease leads to Mamsa Dhatu increase and decrease
respectively.
Formation of mamsa dhatu or muscle
shonitham swaagnina pakwam vayunaacha ghanikrutam
tadeva maamsam jaaneeyat sthiram bhavati dehinaam
According ayurveda Rakta dhatu or blood tissue when subjected to further processing
by its agni forms mamsa dhatu. Vayu takes part in solidification and jalabhuta helps
in softening it. Thus mamsa dhatu is formed. Su. S.15; Ch. Chi. 15/29
"maamsa vahaanam srotasaam snayurmoolam twakcha"
The muscles originates from snayus (ligaments) . Even few originate from skin
Maamsa saara purusha lakshana
A person who has well built muscles looks very strong. He will have well defined
muscles on chest, abdomen, arms, calf and thighs. The muscles are very well defined
on temples, neck, jaws, shoulders, and cheeks. The person will be having self control,
good health and longetivity. Su. S. 35/16; Cha. Vi. 8/105
Mamsadharakala:
"Mamsadharakala" is a sheeth like structure which covers muscles (mamsa), ligaments
(snayu) and blood vessels (dhamani) running through muscles.
Su. Sha. 4/10
The origin and extension of muscles along with its branches, arteries, veins and
nerves look like branches of lotus stems which spread in water giving rise to lotus
buds.
Symptoms of Mamsa Dhatu Disorders:
Increased - Su. S. 14/15
- Fibrocystic changes in the Breasts
- Enlarged Lips
- Enlarged Cheeks & Tongue
- Uterine Fybroids
- Muscle Flaccidity
- Muscle Hypertrophy
- Undue growth of Muscle
- Fibromas & Myomas
Decreased - Su. S. 15/9; Cha. Su. 17/65
- Craving for Proteins
- Emaciation
- Dislocation of joints
- Fatigue
- Loss of Muscle power
- Muscle Rigidity
- Atrophy
- Wasting of Muscles