E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Shukra Dhatu

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2022 Volume 7 Number 4 May
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Shukra Dhatu - A Conceptual Study from Modern Perspective

Balwani R.1*, Choudhari V.2, Varade S.3, Patil M.4
DOI:

1* Rajani D. Balwani, Associate Professor, Department of Rachana Sharir, Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

2 Vinod M. Choudhari, Professor & HOD, Department of Rachana Sharir, Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

3 Shilpa A. Varade, Associate Professor, Department of Rachana Sharir, Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

4 Minakshi S. Patil, Assistant Professor, Department of Rachana Sharir, Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

Ayurveda suggests one with balanced Agni, perfect Dhatus, proper excretion of all Malas and whose mind, soul and senses are full of bliss is called a healthy person. There are seven Dhatus explained in Ayurveda texts. According to Ayurveda, Shukra is considered as seventh Dhatu in the body. It is the terminal tissue element of the body. From words such, the word shuka is derived. The word Shukra has multiple meanings like bright, white, and resplendent. Refined Majja Dhatu was processed further by Shukraagni to form Shukra Dhatu. Thus, it is the most elegant and evolved product of all Dhatus. Shukra is the substance that controls all entire body systems, including metabolic activities, and is released during sexual activity.

Keywords: Shukra, Dhatu, Shukraagni, Sperm, Ayurveda

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Rajani D. Balwani, Associate Professor, Department of Rachana Sharir, Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Rajani D. Balwani, Vinod M. Choudhari, Shilpa A. Varade, Minakshi S. Patil, Shukra Dhatu - A Conceptual Study from Modern Perspective. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(4):53-55.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1770

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2022-04-02 2022-04-04 2022-04-11 2022-04-18 2022-04-25
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 16%

© 2022by Rajani D. Balwani, Vinod M. Choudhari, Shilpa A. Varade, Minakshi S. Patiland Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(4)53
Balwani R et al: Shukra Dhatu A Conceptual Study from Modern Perspective

Introduction

Acharya Charaka stated that Shukra is composed of all Bhuta except Akash Mahabhuta, i.e., Vayu, Jala, Agni, and Prithvi. However, Acharya Chakrapani emphasizes that while Akash Mahabhoot is present in Shukra, it is not present in Shukra due to its ubiquitous nature during ejaculation, supporting Acharya Charak.[1] According to Acharya Sushrut, Shukra contains all Mahabhut, but it is principally Soumya.[2]

Embryological origin: According to Acharya Charaka, Shukra originated from Pitruj Bhava.[3]

Rasa of Shukra: According to Acharya Charaka, Shukra includes all Shadrasa.[4]

Dosha predominance: Acharya Vagbhata rightly said Shukra as Ashray Sthan of Kapha Dosha.[5]

Location of Shukra Dhatu: Ayurveda considers Shukra situated all over the body as entire sugarcane is pervaded with its juice. The whole curd consists of ghee which is visible after churning it, and oil is present in all parts of the sesame seed, which can be extracted.[6]

Functions of Shukra: The main function of Shukra Dhatu is reproduction; besides, many other functional characteristics are also attributed.[7]

These can be classified as under:

1. Sarvadaihika,e., systemic function.

2. Maithunagata,e., related to the sexual act.

3. Roopa Dravyagata,e., functions related to seminal fluid.

4. Other functions Specific function of Shukra is to maintain generations by producing healthy progeny. Sushruta Acharya says that the primary part of Shukra is Beejartha, which means for production of offspring.

Discussion

A view on infertility and Ayurveda

The biological incapacity of a person to participate in conception is referred to as infertility. The diagnosis of infertility can cause stress, concern, and melancholy. Infertility is linked to various medical, physiological, mental, psychological, financial, societal, and marital

situations. Individuals are sometimes driven to suicidality by the solitude and depression that this challenge brings. The Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue) in men and Artava Dhatu (usually referred to as Shukra) in women is essential for healthy conception, according to this ancient literature. Physical and mental illnesses, as well as catastrophic diseases, can impact this tissue. The Shukra Dhatu is formed via a long chain of metabolic processes that begin with digestion and culminate with the synthesis of blood, muscle, fat, bone, bone marrow, and finally, the Shukra Dhatu. Male and female reproductive systems should function normally. However, aberrations of this function are one of nature’s quirks. While fertility is necessary for a species’ survival and continuation, not all partners are capable of expanding their families. As a result, the issue of infertility can be traced back to ancient civilizations.

Shukra Dhatu and Spermatogenesis

Shukra Dhatu derives from the Prasad Bhag of Majja Dhatu by the action of Shukra Dhatvagni.[8] Shukra seeps out like water from a fresh clay pot, spreading all throughout the body, owing to Akash and Vayu creating pores in Asthidhatu.[9] Similarly, during embryo development, germ cells migrate to the testis and become spermatogonia, which remains present on the inner surface of the testis, which further undergoes mitosis during puberty and differentiates into sperm.

Mental health and Shukra

The first and most important is that almost all hormonal imbalance results from a deficiency in the seventh tissue level, i.e., Shukra, as Shukra gradually develops from the other six tissues. By evolutionary metamorphosis, any vitiation in Shukra will signify the chronic deficiency in the previous Dhatus. Shukra can also be affected by the mind, which will also hamper its byproduct Ojas. A mental disturbance can destroy the last tissue level and, subsequently, Ojas. Majja is the analysis on Sushrut Mastihka or Mastulunga by Acharya Dalhana.[10]

The brain and pituitary gland can be taken as functional representatives of Majja as Shukra is produced from Majja Dhatu, so any disturbance at the site of Majja Dhatu will disturb its metamorphosis into Shukra and further will affect its byproduct Ojas. Thus, a balanced mind is required for the proper formation of Shukra.


Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(4)54
Balwani R et al: Shukra Dhatu A Conceptual Study from Modern Perspective

Shuddha Shukra and semen

Shuddha Shukra Lakshanas refers to the attributes of Shuddha Shukra.

  • Sphatikabha (crystalline), Ghrita- Ksaudra-Taila- Nibha (colour that of ghee, honey, oil)
  • Madhugandhi (smelling like honey)
  • Drava (liquid), Picchila
  • Bahu (abundant), Bahala (thick)
  • Avisra (no bad smell), Shukla (white)
  • Kaphavarga
  • Madhura (sweet), Snigdha (unctuous).[11]

1. Sphatikabha refers to the white and transparent nature of sperm.

2. The amount of sperm represented by Bahu / Bahala is the standard 1/2 Anjali Pramana.

3. The scent imparted to sperm by its various components is known as Madhugandha.

4. Madhura taste of Shukra is due to fructose in the seminal plasma.

5. The term Avidahi refers to the pH of the sperm, which is defined as not creating a burning sensation after ejaculation, showing neither an acidic nor a strongly alkaline pH.

6. Characters such as Drava (fluid), Picchila (swelling), Snigdha (unctuous), and Sara (liquid) show normal viscosity of semen according to varied elements of seminal plasma.

7. The semen discharged during the extreme pleasure of copulation is often indicated by the tendency to flow out (Pravana Bhava).

Conclusion

Shukra is the utmost Sara of Ahara Rasa. Shukra is a molecule that is released after ejaculation and is accountable for all systemic bodily functions, particularly metabolic activities. It is considered the essence of all Dhatus. It is situated in the whole body, and both Shukra and semen function is reproduction. A healthy mindset is required for the proper formation of Shukra Dhatu.

Reference

1. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha,

by Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya Edited with Ayurveda Deepika, Hindi Commentary by Sri Cakrapanidatta, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi. Shareer sthana 2nd chapter, shloka no.4, pp 301.

2. Sushruta Samhita, Dr Anant Ram Sharma, Susruta Vimarsini Hindi commentary Varanasi Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashana Varanasi 2nd volume Shareera sthana chapter no 3rd, sloka no 3, pp 29.

3. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, by Vaidya H.C. Kushwaha Edited with Ayurveda Deepika, Hindi Commentary, 1st volume, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, 2016 Shareer sthana 3rd chapter, shloka no.7, pp 772.

4. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, by Vaidya H.C. Kushwaha Edited with Ayurveda Deepika, Hindi Commentary, 1st volume, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, 2012 chikitsasthan 15th chapter, shloka no.15 pp 382.

5. Astanga Hrudaya Sutrasthana, by Dr T. Sreekumar English translation & Commentary 1st volume chapter No 11 sloka no 26 pp 297.

6. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, by Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya Edited with Ayurveda Deepika, Hindi Commentary by Sri Cakrapanidatta, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi, 2004. Shareer sthana 9th chapter, shloka no.07, pp 301.

7. Sushruta Samhita, Dr Anant Ram Sharma, Susruta Vimarsini Hindi commentary Varanasi Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi 1st volume sutra sthana chapter no 5th sloka no 347, pp 130.

8. Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, revised by Charaka and Dridhbala with Ayurveda Deepika, commentary, by Chakrapani, edited by Vd. Jadavaji Trikamaji Acharya, Chaukhambha Surabharati Publications, Varanasi - 221001, (India), reprint 2004, Charak Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 15/15-16.

9. Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, revised by Charaka and Dridhbala with Ayurveda Deepika, commentary, by Chakrapani, edited by Vd. Jadavaji Trikamaji Acharya, Chaukhambha Surabharati Publications, Varanasi - 221001, (India), reprint 2004, Charak Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 15/32-33.



Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(4)55
Balwani R et al: Shukra Dhatu A Conceptual Study from Modern Perspective

10. Sushruta Samhita, Ayurveda tatvasandipika Hindi vyakhya by Ambikadatta Shashtri Published by Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 2010, Sushruta Samhita Shareera Sthana10/42 and Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthan 14/15,17.

11. Charak Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 2/4/50, Sushruta Samhita’ Shareera Sthana 2/11


Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(4)56