Ayurveda has a very unique concept of nutrition, in which nutrition is happening through 7 different levels, which are actually translated as ‘tissues’. All the tissues in the body are divided into what Ayurveda calls the 7 dhatus – dhatus being something that essentially support the organism.
Each dhatu, apart from its physiological function, is able to support the body emotionally when properly nourished. This is a very interesting concept, and you can check its accuracy through looking at your own body.
The seven dhatus are: rasa (plasma), rakta (blood), mamsa (flesh), meda (fat), asthi (bone), majja (marrow) and shukra (reproductive tissue). These English translations of the Sanskrit terms are not the most accurate translations, but they are the ones you’ll see in most textbooks.
The seven tissues are said to be nourished in a specific sequence, which is the order in which I wrote above, being rasa the first tissue to be nourished. Rasa represent bodily fluids, such as chyle, blood plasma. Breast milk and menstrual blood are said to be the byproducts of rasa dhatu, while mucus is said to be its waste product. When we eat adequate food, rasa can offer the body prinana (nourishment, satisfaction). And one could say that when you are satisfied with life, that’s when your rasa dhatu can make the most out of nourishment.
The second tissue that gets nourished is rakta dhatu (blood tissue – red blood cells more specifically). The byproducts of rakta dhatu are blood vessels and tendons, and bile is said to be its waste product. When rakta is properly nourished, it can offer jivana (vitality/ invigoration) – physically and mentally. One could say that when you are motivated and have a passion for life, that’s when your rakta dhatu can be easily nourished.
So the same applies to the other dhatus. The third tissue, mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue), offers the function of lepana (‘plastering’ of the skeleton) to the body. The byproducts of mamsa dhatu are ligaments and skin, and its waste products are things that accumulate in body orifices, such as ear wax. Lepana does not simply refer to the tissue acting as a cover to protect the body, but it also refers to the idea of giving the individual braveness and confidence, apart from ability to protect.
The fourth tissue, meda dhatu (adipose/ fat tissue), is associated with the function of snehana, which can mean lubrication, but it also means love and affection. The byproduct of meda is sweat.
The fifth tissue, asthi dhatu (bone tissue), is associated with dharana, which does not only mean support, but also commitment.
The sixth tissue, majja dhatu (nervous tissue), is associated with purana, which can be understood as ‘filling up’ – and that’s what it essentially does physically and mentally – it completes the individual and offers him the sense of plenitude.
Lastly, the seventh dhatu, shukra dhatu (reproductive tissue), is responsible for garbhotpatti, which is reproduction – but it can also mean your own rebirth and the idea of transcendence.
Since our physical body is one with our mind and soul, our psychological/emotional state directly influences how we digest and assimilate our experiences and emotions, apart from the food we eat. So as we develop ourselves with satisfaction, with enthusiasm, with courage, with love, with commitment, with reverence, and with the desire to transcend, we also facilitate the nourishing of our physical body in the progress.