Abstract

THE CONCEPT OF MAJJA DHATU

Dr. Vishnu Patel*, Dr. Gitanjali Sasmal and Dr. Ashok Kumar

Abstract

Majja means marrow, as in bone-marrow (asthi-majja). However, the term has become synonymous with nervous system, which is encased within bone like bone marrow. The skull is casing of brain. The vertebrae are the casing of spinal cord. While the brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system, the majjadhatu is associated with the entire nervous system. The nervous system and the bone marrow are treated as homologous structures in Ayurveda. In order to produce majjadhatu 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 myline that surrounds the structure of the nerve consists largely of fat. It is composed primarily of the element water and has kapha-like characteristics.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Majja-Dhatu, Nervous system, Brain, spinal cord.