Abstract

A CRITICAL REVIEW STUDY ON SHUKRA DHATU W.S.R. TO SEXUAL HEALTH AND FERTILITY

Dr. Purnandu Charan Bahuguna*, Dr. Vaishali Pande and Dr. Sharad Karande

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Abstract

According to Ayurveda, Shukra is the terminal tissue element of the body. It is considered as the Sara of all other Dhatus. Shukra Dhatu is one of the “Dasha pranayatana”. There are seven Dhatus explained in Samhitas, those are Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Ashthi, Majja and Shukra among all Dhatus, Shukra is considered as the sara of all other Dhatus. Shukra Dhatu is made from Majja Dhatu as its Sara Bhaga and it is in Kapha Pradhana form. It starts working from the brain and then it is spread all over the body through Vyana Vayu from the hridaya. After that its effect is seen all over the body. Every Dhatu is located in the entire part of the body, Saptami shukra dhara naam, ya sarva praninam sarva shariravyapini(su.su 4/19). Shukra is Saumya which is derived from Jala Mahabhuta. Nearly one month is required for metamorphosis of Ahara Rasa into Shukra Dhatu. The qualities attributed for good quality Retas are Snigdha, Madhura, Shweta, Bahal, Guru, Madhur Gandhi, Tailabham etc. According to Ayurveda Bala, Varna, Upachaya in both sexes and besides this the most important work of Shukra Dhatu is Garbhotpadana and Nourishment of Oja Dhatu because according to Sharangdhar Acharya: Oja is the Upadhatu of Shukra Dhatu. The function of Shukra Dhatu mentioned by Acharya Susruta; Dhairya (courage), Chayvanam (ejaculation), Priti (affection), Dehabala (body strength), Harsh (exhila-ration), Bijarth (procreation). Vitiation of Shukradhatu shows Shukradhatudusti (pathology) in the form of Vriddhi (hyper state) and Kshaya (waning). This vitiation may lead to male infertility. “Aharasya param dhamam Shukram tadrakshya atmanam.” In Ayurveda, the quality of sperm (Shukra) is considered crucial for fertility. Sperm quality encompasses factors such as sperm count, motility (ability to swim), morphology (shape), and vitality. When the quality of sperm is optimal, it enhances the chances of successful conception. Ayurvedic texts emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced and healthy Shukra dhatu (reproductive tissue). Ayurvedic practices such as proper diet, lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and therapeutic treatments aim to balance and nourish Shukra dhatu to support overall sexual health and well-being. By addressing imbalances and promoting the health of Shukra dhatu, Ayurveda seeks to enhance fertility, libido, and overall sexual vitality.

Keywords: Shukra dhatu, Sara bhaga, Dash pranayatan, Updhatu, Garbhotpadana, Chyavanam.