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Majja literally means the marrow. Majja dhatu is the body component similar to bone marrow, thesoft organic material that fills the cavities of the bones.(SAT-B.443)
Majja literally means the marrow. Majja dhatu is the body component similar to bone marrow, the soft organic material that fills the cavities of the bones.(SAT-B.443)
{{Infobox
{{Infobox
==Etymology and derivation==
==Etymology and derivation==
It is derived from the Sanskrit dhatu“majjan” meaning that which is sunken, or seated within, which denotes the marrow of bones and flesh, pith of plants etc.
It is derived from the Sanskrit dhatu “majjan” meaning that which is sunken, or seated within, which denotes the marrow of bones and flesh, pith of plants etc.
==Synonyms ==
==Synonyms ==
• Asthija / Asthisambhava derived from bones (asthi dhatu)
• Asthisneha special type of fat found inside bones
• '''Asthija / Asthisambhava''' : derived from bones ([[asthi dhatu]])
• Asthisara/Asthiteja the essence of asthi
• Dehasara the essence of body
• '''Asthisneha''' : special type of fat found inside bones
• Shukrakara that which produce shukra
• '''Asthisara/Asthiteja''' : the essence of [[asthi]]
• '''Dehasara''' : the essence of body
• '''Shukrakara''': that which produce [[shukra]]
==Meanings in different contexts ==
==Meanings in different contexts ==
• In physiology, the word denotes structural and functional components mainly of bone marrow.
• In physiology, the word denotes structural and functional components mainly of bone marrow.
• In the contexts of drugs, the word majja is used to denote the pulp, fleshy parts of fruits.Ex. Pulp of Indian jujube (kola)[Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 20/29]
• It is included as a animal product(jangama dravy).[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/68] and considered as one among the four unctuous substances(maha sneha) for therapeutic purposes. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/86]
• In the contexts of drugs, the word majja is used to denote the pulp, fleshy parts of fruits.Ex. Pulp of Indian jujube (kola)[Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 20/29]
• It is included as a animal product(jangama dravy).[Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 1/68] and considered as one among the four unctuous substances(maha sneha) for therapeutic purposes. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 1/86]
==Panchabhautika constitution and properties==
==Panchabhautika constitution and properties==
There is predominance of jala mahabhuta in majja dhatu.It possesses unctuous(snigdha) and soft (mridu) properties.
There is a predominance of [[jala mahabhuta]] in majja dhatu. It possesses unctuous(snigdha) and soft (mridu) properties.
==Formation and metabolism of majja dhatu==
==Formation and metabolism of majja dhatu==
During metabolism, vata dosha produces hollowness inside the asthi dhatu. These hollow cavities arefilled by adiposetissue(meda dhatu). The adipose tissue in hollow cavities of bones is known as majja dhatu (bone marrow).[Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/31-33]
Metabolic byproducts and waste products(Upadhatu and mala)
During metabolism, [[vata dosha]] produces hollowness inside the [[asthi dhatu]]. These hollow cavities are filled by adipose tissue([[meda dhatu]]). The adipose tissue in hollow cavities of bones is known as [[majja dhatu]] (bone marrow).[Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/31-33]
=='''Metabolic byproducts and waste products(Upadhatu and mala)'''==
Sharangadhara considered hairs (kesha) as metabolic byproduct of majja dhatu. [Sharangadhara Sam. PurvaKhanda chapter 5]
Sharangadhara considered hairs (kesha) as metabolic byproduct of majja dhatu. [Sharangadhara Sam. PurvaKhanda chapter 5]
Unctuousness in eyes, skin and stools (akshi-twacha-vit sneha) aremetabolic waste of majja dhatu. [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/20]
Quantity of majja dhatu in body
Unctuousness in eyes, skin and stools (akshi-twacha-vit sneha) are metabolic waste of majja dhatu. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/20]
The total quantity of majja is one anjali. One anjali is equal to the quantity that can be filled in a space formed from joining one’s palms together. This measurement is person specific. [Cha. Sa. Sharira Sthana 8/15]
Time span
==Quantity of majja dhatu in body ==
The majja dhatu is formed on 6th day from nutrient fluid (ahara rasa). [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/20-21] Sushruta opines that the majja dhatu is formed in a time span of 15075 kala (twenty-fivedays). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/14]
Characteristics of majja sara (best quality of bone marrow)
The total quantity of majja is one anjali. One anjali is equal to the quantity that can be filled in a space formed from joining one’s palms together. This measurement is person-specific. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 8/15]
The persons having superior quality of majja dhatu are endowed with soft body parts, strong, unctuous complexion and sweet voice. They have prominent (sthula), long (dirgha) and rounded joints. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/108]
==Time span==
The majja dhatu is formed on 6th day from nutrient fluid (ahara rasa). [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/20-21]
Sushruta opines that the majja dhatu is formed in a time span of 15075 kala (twenty-five days). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/14]
==Characteristics of majja sara (best quality of bone marrow)==
The persons having superior quality of majja dhatu are endowed with soft body parts, strong, unctuous complexion, and sweet voice. They have prominent (sthula), long (dirgha) and rounded joints. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/108]
==Anatomical and physiological aspects ==
==Anatomical and physiological aspects ==
===Brain ===
===Brain ===
Brain (mastulunga) is a part of majja dhatu present inside the skull (mastak majja). It is present in the form of half melted clarified butter (ardha vilina ghrita)[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 23/12, Dalhana]
Channels of transportation and transformation of Majja dhatu (Majjavaha srotas)
Brain (mastulunga) is a part of majja dhatu present inside the skull (mastak majja). It is present in the form of half-melted clarified butter (ardha vilina ghrita)[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 23/12, Dalhana]
The channels of transportation and transformation of meda dhatu originate from bones and joints. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/8].
There are various structures related to majja dhatu. These can be included in the system. The structures are as described below
===Channels of transportation and transformation of Majja dhatu (Majjavaha srotas)===
Layer of majja (Majjadhara Kala)
Kala is the layer in outer coverings of body observed in sagittal section.The layer of adipose tissue (Medodharakala)present inside the long bonesis known as majja.Though there are no direct references illustrating the layer of bone marrow(majjadharakala) in the classical texts,it can be observed as the thin layer of tissue called endosteum. This is the lining in the bone cavity that separates bone cells and bone marrow.
The channels of transportation and transformation of [[meda dhatu]] originate from bones and joints. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/8].
Types of bone marrow
There are two types of bone marrow viz. red bone marrow and yellow bone marrow.
There are various structures related to majja dhatu. These can be included in the system. The structures are as described below.
In yellow bone marrow, there is abundance of fat cells with less amount of blood forming tissue.In early childhood, red bone marrow is predominantly observed.In adult life, the fatty bone marrow retains the essential reticular structure of the haemopoietictissue.It is capable of turning into red bone marrow under suitable stimulus like starvation.
In red bone marrow, there are phagocytic endothelial cells. It is full of erythrocytes in different stages of formation and immensely vascular consisting of arteries, veins and rich plexus of sinusoids.
===Layer of majja (Majjadhara Kala)===
Function
The functions of majja dhatu are providing unctuousness(snehana), strength(bala), filling of bone cavity (asthi poorana) and nourishment of its successor shukra dhatu (shukra pushti). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]
Kala is the layer in outer coverings of the body observed in sagittal section. The layer of adipose tissue (Medodharakala)present inside the long bones is known as majja. Though there are no direct references illustrating the layer of bone marrow(majjadharakala) in the classical texts, it can be observed as the thin layer of tissue called endosteum. This is the lining in the bone cavity that separates bone cells and bone marrow.
===Types of bone marrow===
There are two types of bone marrow viz. red bone marrow and yellow bone marrow.
In yellow bone marrow, there is an abundance of fat cells with less amount of blood-forming tissue. In early childhood, red bone marrow is predominantly observed. In adult life, the fatty bone marrow retains the essential reticular structure of the hemopoietic tissue. It is capable of turning into red bone marrow under suitable stimulus like starvation.
In red bone marrow, there are phagocytic endothelial cells. It is full of erythrocytes in different stages of formation and immensely vascular consisting of arteries, veins, and rich plexus of sinusoids.
==Function==
The functions of majja dhatu are providing unctuousness(snehana), strength(bala), filling of bone cavity (asthi poorana) and nourishment of its successor [[shukra dhatu]] (shukra pushti). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]
==Importance in diagnosis ==
==Importance in diagnosis ==
===Causes of vitiation===
===Causes of vitiation===
The channels of transportation and transformation of majja dhatu are afflicted due to following causes[Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/18]
The channels of transportation and transformation of majja dhatu are afflicted due to the following causes[Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/18]
Dietary causes
'''Dietary causes'''
Excess and frequent consumption of incompatible food (viruddha ahara)
Excess and frequent consumption of incompatible food (viruddha ahara)
Exogenous causes
'''Exogenous causes'''
• crushing injury
• crushing injury
• excessive discharge causing pressure
• excessive discharge causing pressure
• trauma
• trauma
• Compression
• Compression
===Abnormal states===
===Abnormal states===
The increase or decrease in quality and/or quantity of majja dhatu can lead to various abnormal conditions. These states can be assessed by following clinical features.
The increase or decrease in quality and/or quantity of majja dhatu can lead to various abnormal conditions. These states can be assessed by the following clinical features.
==== Signs of decrease ====
==== Signs of decrease ====
*atrophy of bone tissues
*atrophy of bone tissues
* weakness/giddiness
* weakness/giddiness
*lightness of bones (porosity of bones or decreased bone density)
*lightness of bones (porosity of bones or decreased bone density)
* susceptibility to vata dominant disorders / frequent vata disorders
* susceptibility to vata dominant disorders / frequent vata disorders
*depletion of semen formation
*depletion of semen formation
*pain in joints
*pain in joints
*cutting pain in bones
*cutting pain in bones
*constant dull pain and emptiness of bones
*constant dull pain and emptiness of bones
*dimness of vision
*dimness of vision
[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/68], [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/9], [A. Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/19]
[Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 17/68], [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/9], [A. Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/19]
==== Signs of increase ====
==== Signs of increase ====
*Heaviness in eyes
*Heaviness in eyes
* heaviness in entire body
* heaviness in entire body
*formation of carbuncles/ with broad base on joints/synapses which are difficult to cure
*formation of carbuncles/ with broad base on joints/synapses which are difficult to cure
[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/14], [A. Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/11]
[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/14], [A. Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/11]
Clinical features of vitiation of channels of transport and transformation ofmajja dhatu
*Pain in the joints, giddiness, unconsciousness, blackouts and deep rooted abscess in joints are caused due to vitiation of channels of transport and transformation of majja dhatu. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 28/17-18].
===Clinical features of vitiation of channels of transport and transformation of majja dhatu===
Role of majja dhatu as vitiated factor in disease
Majja dhatu is involved in the pathogenesis of followingdiseases
*Pain in the joints, giddiness, unconsciousness, blackouts and deep-rooted abscess in joints are caused due to vitiation of channels of transport and transformation of majja dhatu. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/17-18].
• Urinary disease including diabetes (Prameha)[Cha. Sa. Nidana Sthana 4/7]
• Diseases due to vitiation of vata [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana28/73]
===Role of majja dhatu as vitiated factor in disease===
Majja dhatu is involved in the pathogenesis of the following diseases
• Urinary disease including diabetes (Prameha)[Cha. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 4/7]
• Diseases due to vitiation of vata [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/73]
• Abscess (vidradhi)[Su. Sa. Nidana Sthana 9/34]
• Abscess (vidradhi)[Su. Sa. Nidana Sthana 9/34]
• When the vitiated dosha afflict bonemarrow (majja dhatu),the quaternary fever (chaturthaka jwara) is manifested. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/64]
When the vitiated dosha are located in the majja dhatu then the following signs and symptoms appear hiccups, bronchitis, cough, feeling of entering into darkness frequently, cutting pain in the vital organs (marmas), feeling of cold externally and internal burning sensation. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/64]
• When the vitiated doshas afflict bone marrow (majja dhatu), the quaternary fever (chaturthaka jwara) is manifested. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/64]
Majja is mentioned as one among the eight locations of wounds (vrana), and the other sites being skin, blood vessels, flesh, bone, ligament, vital parts and viscera. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 25/26]
When vitiated vata is located in bones (asthi) and marrow(majja), it leads to splitting pain of bones and joints, arthralgia, loss of muscle strength, insomnia and continuous pain. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/ 33]
When the vitiated doshas are located in the majja dhatu then the following signs and symptoms appear hiccups, bronchitis, cough, feeling of entering into darkness frequently, cutting pain in the vital organs (marmas), feeling of cold externally and internal burning sensation. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/64]
When the vata is occluded in the marrow, there will be stretching and stiffening of the trunk and extremities, excess yawning, twisting and colicky pain. The patient gets relief on pressing with the hand (gentle massage). [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/ 67-68]
Prognosis
Majja is mentioned as one among the eight locations of wounds (vrana), and the other sites being skin, blood vessels, flesh, bone, ligament, vital parts, and viscera. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 25/26]
• If the vitiated doshas are located in majja dhatu in case of jwara, it is difficult to treat.[Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/83]
• A type of abscess (vidradhi) in bone marrow(majjaparipaka vidradhi)has bad prognosis. Surgical intervention. (shastra sadhya) is needed to treat it. [Su. Sa. Nidana Sthana 9/38]
When vitiated [[vata]] is located in bones ([[asthi]]) and marrow(majja), it leads to splitting pain of bones and joints, arthralgia, loss of muscle strength, insomnia and continuous pain. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/ 33]
==Importance in preservation of health and prevention ==
When the [[vata]] is occluded in the marrow, there will be stretching and stiffening of the trunk and extremities, excess yawning, twisting and colicky pain. The patient gets relief on pressing with the hand (gentle massage). [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/ 67-68]
'''Prognosis'''
• If the vitiated doshas are located in majja dhatu in the case of jwara, it is difficult to treat.[Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/83]
• A type of abscess (vidradhi) in bone marrow(majjaparipaka vidradhi)has a bad prognosis. Surgical intervention. (shastra sadhya) is needed to treat it. [Su. Sa. Nidana Sthana 9/38]
==Importance in the preservation of health and prevention ==
Majja dhatu is specifically important for providing strength to bones and nourishment to reproductive tissues.
Majja dhatu is specifically important for providing strength to bones and nourishment to reproductive tissues.
Longevity, strength,learning ability, wealth, understanding, progeny and social respectdepend upon superior quality of majja dhatu. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/108]
Longevity, strength, learning ability, wealth, understanding, progeny, and social respect depend upon superior quality of majja dhatu. [Cha. Sa.[[ Vimana Sthana]] 8/108]
== Principles of management of diseases ==
== Principles of management of diseases ==
=== Therapeutic and conservative management ===
=== Therapeutic and conservative management ===
• The diseases of vitiation of Majja dhatu shall be treated with food and medicineshaving sweet and bitter taste. Exercise and body purification treatments in proper dose and time are also indicated .[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 28/28]
• When the doshas causing fever (jwara) are located in bone tissue (asthi dhatu) and marrow(majja dhatu), un-unctuous enema (niruha) and unctuous enema (anuvasana basti) are indicated. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/317]
• The diseases of vitiation of Majja dhatu shall be treated with food and medicines having sweet and bitter taste. Exercise and body purification treatments in proper dose and time are also indicated. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/28]
• The diseases due to aggravation of vata dosha are treated with medicated ghee, oil, muscle fat and bone marrow obtained from animal bones. This is done either by oral administration or by external application likemassage or enema. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/317]
Internal administration of animal bone marrow(majja) for therapeutic oleation
• When the doshas causing fever (jwara) are located in bone tissue ([[asthi dhatu]]) and marrow(majja dhatu), un-unctuous enema (niruha [[basti]]) and unctuous enema (anuvasana [[basti]]) are indicated. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/317]
• Animal bone marrow(majja) is used for therapeutic purpose to improve strength, semen (shukra),nutrient fluid (rasa), kapha dosha, adipose tissue (meda) and bone marrow (majja) itself. It especially strengthens bones and useful for oleation. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 13/17]
• The diseases due to aggravation of [[vata dosha]] are treated with medicated ghee, oil, muscle fat, and bone marrow obtained from animal bones. This is done either by oral administration or by external applications like massage or enema. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/317]
Suitable conditions
Animal bone marrow (majja) is administered in those persons with strong digestive power; can tolerate excessive physical exertion; who often eat excess food, unctuous fatty substances; whosuffer from vata disorders and have hard bowel movement(habitual constipation). [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 13/50-51]The most suitable season for consuming marrow is spring. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 13/18]
'''Internal administration of animal bone marrow(majja) for therapeutic oleation'''
'''Indications'''
• Animal bone marrow(majja) is used for therapeutic purposes to improve strength, semen ([[shukra]]),nutrient fluid ([[rasa]]), [[kapha dosha]], adipose tissue ([[media]]) and bone marrow (majja) itself. It especially strengthens bones and useful for oleation. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 13/17]
'''Suitable conditions'''
Animal bone marrow (majja) is administered in those persons with strong digestive power; those who can tolerate excessive physical exertion; who often eat excess food, unctuous fatty substances; who suffer from [[vata]] disorders, and have hard bowel movement(habitual constipation). [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 13/50-51] The most suitable season for consuming marrow is spring. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 13/18]
== Contemporary approach ==
== Contemporary approach ==
Majja dhatu can be referred as bone marrow tissue in contemporary physiology. The following information is available and can be referred to further understand concept of majja dhatu.
Majja dhatu can be referred as bone marrow tissue in contemporary physiology. The following information is available and can be referred to further understand concept of majja dhatu.