E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Muscle Tone

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 9 September
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Evaluation of Mamsa Dhatu in Mamsa Sara Purusha with special reference to Muscle Tone

Rohit HE1, Rakesh HR2, Chacko N3*, Rashmi NM4
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.9.13

1 Rohit HE, Associate Professor, Dept of Kriya Sharira, Ashwini Ayurvedic Medical College and Research Center, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India.

2 Rakesh HR, Associate Professor, Dept of Kayachikitsa, Ashwini Ayurvedic Medical College and Research Center, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India.

3* Nija Chacko, Assistant Professor (contract basis), Dept of Kriya Sharira, Govt Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

4 Rashmi NM, Professor, Dept of Samhita and Siddhanta, Ashwini Ayurvedic Medical College and Research Center, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India.

Mamsa Dhatu, the third of the Sapta Dhatus in Ayurveda, plays a vital role in maintaining physical strength, stability, and vitality. Following the sequential transformation from Rasa and Rakta Dhatu, Mamsa Dhatu forms through the action of Mamsa Dhatvagni and contributes to covering, protecting, and supporting the body’s internal structures. The concept of Mamsa Saara Purusha - an individual endowed with superior muscle tissue - reflects excellence in both structural and functional aspects, such as compact musculature, strength, courage, and physical endurance. In modern physiological terms, muscle tone refers to the continuous and passive partial contraction of muscles, essential for maintaining posture, joint stability, and neuromuscular readiness. Evaluating muscle tone in individuals with Mamsa Saara reveals an intrinsic connection between Ayurvedic Dhatu quality and biomedical markers of health. These individuals typically exhibit optimal muscle tone, superior healing potential, and physical resilience, signifying a well-nourished Mamsa Dhatu in both quantity and quality. The article explores the classical definitions, properties, and functions of Mamsa Dhatu, its physiological formation, and the diagnostic relevance of Mamsa Sara Pariksha. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining dhatu balance through proper diet, lifestyle, and exercise. Furthermore, the integration of Ayurvedic principles with modern neuromuscular physiology offers a holistic approach to health assessment. Understanding Mamsa Saara Purusha through this dual lens not only validates ancient wisdom but also provides practical insights into sustaining muscular health and overall well-being.

Keywords: Mamsa Dhatu, Mamsa Sara, Muscle Tone, Sara Pariksha, Muscle Strength, Manual Muscle Testing

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Nija Chacko, Assistant Professor (contract basis), Dept of Kriya Sharira, Govt Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
Email: 		Rohit HE, Rakesh HR, Chacko N, Rashmi NM, Evaluation of Mamsa Dhatu in Mamsa Sara Purusha with special reference to Muscle Tone. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(9):74-78.
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Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-07-17 2025-07-28 2025-08-08 2025-08-18 2025-08-28
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© 2025 by Rohit HE, Rakesh HR, Chacko N, Rashmi NM and 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].

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Rohit HE et al. Evaluation of Mamsa Dhatu in Mamsa Sara Purusha

Introduction

Mamsa Dhatu is third Dhatu among the Sapta Dhatus. as a sequence after the formation of Rasa and Rakta Dhatu, next Mamsa Dhatu is formed in the Dhatu Parinama sequence. According to Charaka Samhita, individuals with predominance of Mamsa Sara are endowed with well-developed chest, abdomen, joints with firm and good musculature and also conferred with well-developed muscles, physical strength, tolerance, and courage.[1] Muscle tone is defined as the tension in the relaxed muscle or the resistance, felt by the examiner during passive stretching of a joint when the muscles are at rest.[2] Evaluating muscle tone in Mamsa Sara Purusha allows us to explore the intersection towards understanding of Mamsa Dhatu in Mamsa Saara Purusha.

Review of Mamsa Dhatu

Etymology

The word “Mamsa” is formed from Mana-Sa-Dheergha Cha.[3] Here it is considered as “Dheergha” because of its length/striations.

Derivation

Mamsa is derived from root word “Maanj”. That means which can be measured in terms its structure, length, width and of numbers.[4] Mamsa is derived from root word “Maas” Which means Flesh.[5]

Synonyms[6]

Pishita (Mamsapeshi develops from Mamsa Dhatu), Taras - basal strength of the body, Mamsa - measurable, Palala - meant for movement, Kravya - means of movement, Aamisha - flesh

Location

Moola Sthana: Snayu and Twacha are roots of Mamsavaha Srotas.[7] Mamsa convening channels are two in number. Roots of origin are Snayu, Twacha and Dhamani in Mamsavaha Srotas.[8]

Mamsadhara Kala: Mamsadhara Kala is the Kala which develops first in the body. Within the muscles, branches of Sira (blood vessels), Snayu (ligaments), Strotas (channels) & Dhamani (arteries) are enclosed.[9]

Properties: Mamsa Dhatu of humans has qualities of not too cold, not too heavy, not too unctuous.

Functions

It gives strength to the body. It nourishes Meda Dhatu. It covers the skeleton of the body.[10] Mamsa is affixed very strongly to the bones by using Sira (veins) and Snayu (ligaments). That is the reason why all the organs and bones are kept intact, holding the body upright and do not wither or drop down.

Mamsa Dhatu Covers various organs, blood vessels, bones, etc. of the body. Not only protecting and securing the underlying organs and bones of the body, there is another crucial function of Mamsa Dhatu where it would be difficult for internal structures to throw the wastes out of the body but because of Mamsa Dhatu it enables the waste products to reach their destination way out.

Formation: All Saptha Dhaatus which does Dharana of Shareera including Mamsa Dhatu are formed by merit of all Sapthadhaatvagnis. They go through transformation in two different ways that is Prasaada Bhaaga and Kitta Bhaga. After formation of Rasa Dhaatu, Raktadhaatwagni acts on supplements arriving from Rasavaha Srotas and Ahararasa. Raktadhaatu which is formed in Rakthavaha Srotas becomes pathway to form next Dhatu that is Mamsa Dhatu. Small portion of Raktha Dhatu reaches Mamsavaha Srotas. There nutrients are being acted upon by Mamsadhaatvagni and give rise to Sukshma, Sthula and Kittaamsha from this Sukshma Amsha next Dhatu is produced, from Sthula Bhaga there will be nourishment and production of Mamsa Dhatu.[11] Rakta being united with Ushma of Vayu, Jala, Teja and being cooked by its own Agni becomes compact and gets transformed into Mamsa Dhatu.[12] Mamsa Dhatu which is formed from Rakta Dhatu gets nourished by Prasada Amsha of Rakta Dhatu. Mamsa conveying channels are two in number. Roots of origin are Snayu, Twacha and Dhamani in Mamsavaha Srotas. Among Dashapranayatana Mamsa is one of indispensable vital seats. Therefore, it is duty of every individual to protect it in same way. Even Acharya Sushruta opines same. Any vitiation or damage to them Mamsava Srotas responsible for transportation and transformation of Mamsa Dhatu can lead to death. So only physician should be aware of such consequences by having knowledge and knowing importance of Mamsavaha Srotas as it is responsible for vitality of each and every individual.


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Mamsa Sara Purusha Lakshanas

The features of person with Mamsa Sara are his Temples, Forehead, Neck, eyes, Cheek, Jaws, Shoulders, Abdomen, Axilla, Chest, Joints of limbs will be compact, heavy fleshy and healthy. Mamsasara persons are bestowed with the forgiving nature, patience, non-greediness, Wealth, knowledgeable, Happiness and Politeness, health, good strength and Longevity.[13] The persons do not have depressions or hollowness in body, well covered and obscured bones and joints and musculature, i.e., the muscles cover and protect these structures. Mamsa Sara Purusha are endowed with good Mamsa Dhatu in the body in terms both Matra and Guna. Because of excellence of Mamsa Dhatu in Mamsa Sara Purusha does get affected frequently by disorders of Mamsa Dhatu like Mamsa Kshaya, Mamsa Vruddhi or different types of Mamsa Pradoshaja Vikaras. But if these persons do not follow Ahara, Vihara, Vyayama properly will be prone to above said disorders because Doshas get vitiated then they will vitiate the Dhatus. Mamsa Dhatu plays a vital role in providing good strength, immunity and stamina, its imbalance might be crucial to bring back to normalcy. Pravara Samhanana (compactness) is marked by well bounded muscles which is one of the assessment parameter to check proper health of a person.

Muscle tone

Muscle tone, or tonus, refers to the continuous and passive partial contraction of muscles, even when the body is at rest. It plays a crucial role in maintaining posture, supporting joints, and ensuring readiness for voluntary movements. In a healthy person, normal muscle tone is essential for physical stability, efficient movement, and overall body coordination.

The nervous system, particularly the spinal cord and brainstem, continuously regulates muscle tone through feedback mechanisms involving muscle spindles and motor neurons. This subtle level of contraction helps muscles respond quickly to external stimuli, thus preventing injury and maintaining balance.[14] In everyday life, muscle tone supports posture during sitting, standing, and even during sleep. It ensures that the body does not collapse under its own weight and that limbs can respond rapidly and smoothly to commands. Adequate tone also aids in circulation by helping venous return during muscle contraction.[15]

Abnormalities in tone - either hypotonia (low tone) or hypertonia (high tone) - can impair function, mobility, and quality of life by producing.[16]

Hence, maintaining optimal muscle tone through proper nutrition, exercise, and neurological health is vital for physical wellbeing and performance.

Discussion

In Ayurveda, Mamsa Saara Purusha refers to an individual with the excellence of the Mamsa Dhatu (muscle tissue). The quality of Mamsa Dhatu directly influences the strength, stability, and tone of muscles. Muscle tone, defined as the continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscles, is a vital indicator of neuromuscular health and readiness of the muscle to respond to stimuli. A Mamsa Saara Purusha exhibits well-developed, firm, and symmetrical muscles, reflecting the superior quality of muscle tissue. These individuals typically possess strong muscle tone due to the abundance and proper nourishment of Mamsa Dhatu.

Their physical endurance, stamina, and resistance to fatigue are significantly higher than individuals with less Mamsa Saara. The compactness and resilience of their muscles contribute to sustained posture and bodily functions. Qualitatively, the Mamsa Dhatu in Mamsa Saara Purusha is described as Sthira (stable), Dridha (firm), and Snigdha (unctuous), ensuring optimal muscular performance. This stability translates physiologically into a balanced muscle tone, preventing conditions such as flaccidity or spasticity. Mamsa Saara individuals also display enhanced healing and recovery potential due to the robustness of their muscular system.

Furthermore, classical Ayurvedic texts describe Mamsa Saara Purusha as having rounded cheeks, well-developed limbs, and strength, which are all reflections of healthy muscle tone. Their mental characteristics, such as courage and tolerance, parallel their physical firmness, signifying the interconnectedness of body and mind. Mamsa Saara Purusha is ideal for muscular health, with optimal muscle tone being both a reflection and outcome of quality Mamsa Dhatu. The maintenance of this tone ensures better functionality, physical aesthetics, and resilience, making Mamsa Saara an essential concept in understanding neuromuscular wellness through an Ayurvedic lens.


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Conclusion

Mamsa Saara Purusha represents the epitome of muscular excellence in Ayurvedic science, characterized by firm, well-nourished muscles and a robust physical constitution. The features of Mamsa Saara - compact musculature, strong posture, and balanced temperament - not only reflect optimal Mamsa Dhatu quality but also correspond to the modern concept of healthy muscle tone. Muscle tone, essential for posture, stability, and movement coordination, is a direct outcome of the strength and nourishment provided by Mamsa Dhatu. The continuous, passive contraction seen in muscle tone ensures the body’s readiness for physical action and resilience against fatigue and injury. Thus, individuals with Mamsa Saara enjoy superior physical and mental health, longevity, and disease resistance. However, neglecting proper diet, lifestyle, and exercise can lead to imbalances, even in such individuals. Therefore, the integration of Ayurvedic understanding with physiological principles offers a holistic framework for assessing and maintaining muscular health through the lens of Mamsa Saara Purusha. Sara Pariksha, especially the assessment of Mamsa Sara, provides a reliable insight into the muscular strength and tone of an individual. The findings from modern physiological testing affirm the Ayurvedic descriptions of Mamsa Sara Purusha. Integration of Ayurvedic diagnostics with modern tools enhances the understanding and applicability of both systems for personalized health assessment.

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