AYURVEDA THERAPY INSTITUTE

UDUPI, KARNATAKA, INDIA

AYURVEDA FOR POSITIVE HEALTH
An Online Study Program

PART II. LESSON 7


SROTAS : CHANNELS OF THE BODY

The word srotas is derived from sru gatau dhatu, which means
movement. It is the path which helps for transportation of
substances. Nutrient substances are supplied to cells and tissues
via the process of transudation through paths called srotases.
Channels carry the transformed dhatus to different destinations
through their mess of network to nourish the cells and tissues.
Srotasas are defined as empty spaces spread in the entire body,
which originates from root space except sira(veins) and
dhamani(arteries). Synonyms are sira, srotamsi, marga, kha,
dhamani. Srotasas are those in which manas, prana, anna, jala,
dosa, dhatu, upadhatu, dhatumala, mutra, purisa are circulating. It
is not possible to numerate all sortasas because these are
innumerable. Sira and dhamani are the modifications of srotas only.
Srotas, sira, dhamani resides closely and perform similar
functions.

STRUCTURE OF SROTAS

Orifices of the srotas are minute, spread long and far away
like lotus stalk. Through such channels rasa circulates and
nourishes cells and tissues.

COLOUR OF THE SROTAS

Srotasas attain the colour of the dhatu in which they
circulate. These are circular, big, small, long and resembles like
lines of a leaf.

IMPORTANCE OF SROTAS IN PATHOGENESIS

Improper foods, erratic behavior and such other things which
are not conducive to the body brings abnormality in srotas leading
to manifestation of disease. Adoptance of normal conducive foods
and action leads to happiness and sound health. Injury to the
srotas manifest incurable condition, thats why such information
should be given to the patient and to his attenders and then
proceed to the treatment to remove foreign body. Bodily humors,
vata, pitta and kapha moves inside the srotas to perform their
normal functions at different places. Similarly things which are
beyond perception of sensory organs like mind etc. move inside the
srotas and are located in sentinent portion of the body. Healthy
srotasas perform their normal functions as a result body is free
from diseases and unhealthy srotas become root cause for the
development of pathogenesis. Once the empty spaces (srotas) become
abnormal, it brings abnormality in normal dhatu by not transporting
to required destination, this is because of the abnormality in
srotas. Srotas vitiates other srotas, dhatus vitiates other dhatus,
for all these happenings disturbed dosas are responsible. Dosas get
aggravated by the disturbed function of agni. Thats why life span,
health, strength and nourishment etc. depend on agni. Due to their
pervasion in entire body, they become responsible for aggravation
as well as alleviation of dosas inside the body. Thats why some
Ayurveda authorities say that body is the conglomeration of srotas.


SROTOVEDHA LAKSHANA : CLINICAL FEATURES DUE TO INJURY OF SROTAS

Clinical features develop due to injury to srotas are
unconsciousness, tremors, distention of abdomen, vomiting, fever,
delirium, pain, obstruction for urine and stool, death. Thats why
considering these points practitioner should inform to the patient
attender about its poor prognosis and then plan the treatment by
removing the foreign body and manage the wounds as per wounds line
of treatment.


CLASSIFICATION OF SROTAS

Mainly srotas is classified into two kinds namely
bahya(external) and abhyantara(internal) srotas.

According to Susruta Bahya srotas or bahirmukha srotas in Male
are 09 in number and in female 12 in number.
According to Sarangadhara Bahya srotas or bahirmukha srotas in
Male are 10 in number and in female 13 in number.
According to Caraka Abhyantara srotas or antarmukhi srotas are 13
in number and 11 pairs according to Susruta. Susruta does not
include ashtivaha, majjavaha and svedavaha srotas.

BAHYA SROTAS OR BAHIRMUKHA SROTAS : EXTERNAL SROTAS

02 Nasal cavities
02 Ear cavities
02 Eye path
01 Genital path
01 Anal canal
01 Oral cavity

Total 9 channels are described as bahirmukha channels i.e.
channels having opening outside.

Sarangadhara included one more to above nine i.e. Brain canal.
In case of female 3 more srotas are included namely
02 Breast channels
01 Uterus path


ABHYANTARA SROTAS : INTERNAL SROTAS

13 varieties of srotas are depicted as abhyantara srotas
(inward opening channels).
1. Pranavaha srotas Channels carrying pranavayu
2. Udakavaha srotas Channels carrying Udaka (water)
3. Annavaha srotas Channels carrying anna (food)
4. Rasavaha srotas Channels carrying rasa (nutrient substances)
5. Raktavaha srotas Channels carrying rakta (blood)
6. Mamsavaha srotas Channels carrying mamsa (muscle)
7. Asthivaha srotas Channels carrying asthi(bone)
8. Majjavaha srotas Channels carrying majja (bone-marrow)
9. Sukravaha srotas Channels carrying sukra (reproductive tissue)
10. Mutravaha srotas Channels carrying mutra (urine)
11. Purisavaha srotas Channels carrying purisa (stool)
12. Svedavaha srotas Channels carrying sveda (sweat)


ETIOLOGICAL FACTORS FOR SROTODUSTI : PATHOLOGY OF SROTAS

Improper dietetics which aggravates dosas i.e., person who is
not following the rules and regulations of eight fold diet
principles. Erratic behavior or activities related to speech, body
and mind aggravates the dosas. Diet and activities which are
contrary to dhatus. For example day sleep and fatty food which
aggravates meda dhatu and brings vitiation in them inspite of
having identical properties.

CLASSIFICATION OF SROTODUSTI:

There are mainly four kinds of srotodusti explained.
1. Ati pravrtti Excessive actions
2. Sangha Complete or partial obstruction of srotas
3. Sira granthi nodules, tumours, new growths inside the srotas
4. Vimargagamana Leaving its own path and entering into other
path

Examples of each kind of srotodusti:
Atipravrtti 1. Excessive urination in diabetes
2. Excessive watery stools in diarrhea
3. Excessive mucous secretions in asthma

Sanga `1. Constipation
2. Dysuria
3. Fever


Siragranthi 1. Hemorrhoids
2. Ascitis
3. Keloids

Vimargagamana 1. Entrance of mala into mutra path
a. Fistula-in-ano
b. Jaundice
c. Bronchial Asthma
d. Inflammation
e. Injury


PRANAVAHA SROTAS

Channels carrying pranavayu is called pranavaha srotas.

Root- Heart and Gastro-intestinal tract. Pranavaha srotas are two
in number and they originate from heart and arteries carrying rasa.

Etiological factors Depletion of dhatus, suppression of natural
urges, intake of dry food and activities, heavy exercises during
hunger and other factors which bring vitiation in srotas.

Symptoms of vitiation in Pranavaha srotas:
Prolonged respiration
Obstructed respiration
Agitated respiration
Frequent respiration
Respiration associated with sound and pain

Injury to pranavaha srotas leads to groaning, bending down of the
body, illusion, tremors or ultimately death.

Diseases of Pranavaha Srotas:
Bronchitis
Asthma
Tuberculosis
Heart diseases
Hoarseness of voice
Coma
Nervous disorders



UDAKAVAHA SROTAS

Channels which carries udaka (water) is called udakavaha
srotas.

Root Udakavaha srotas have their origin in palate and pancreas.

Etiological factors Udakavaha srotas gets vitiated by exposure to
heat, indigestion, fear, excess intake of drinks, intake of dry
food and who is suffering from excessive thirst.

Symptoms of vitiation in Udakavaha srotas:
Dryness in tongue, palate, lips and pancreas along with
excessive severe thirst
Injury to udakavaha srotas develops thirst and patient dies
instantaneously within 7 days.

Disease of Udakavaha Srotas
Diabetes
Bronchial asthma
Thirst
Inflammation
Ascitis


ANNAVAHA SROTAS

Channels carrying anna (food) is called annavaha srotas.

Root Annavaha srotas have their origin in stomach and flanks.

Etiological factors Annavaha srotas gets vitiated by;
Excess intake of food
Eating during improper time
Consumption of unwholesome food
Due to impairment in agni
Injury

Symptoms of vitiation in Udakavaha srotas:
Lack of interest towards food
Anorexia
Indigestion
Vomiting

Disease of Udakavaha Srotas
Nausea
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Lack of appetite
Worm infestation
Acidity
Hemorrhoids
Colic pain
Ascitis


RASAVAHA SROTAS

Channels which carries rasa (nutrient substances) is called
rasavaha srotas.

Root Rasavaha srotas have their origin in heart and ten major
rasa carrying vessels.

Etiological factors Rasavaha srotas gets vitiated by;
Intake of heavy and cold substances
Excess intake of unctuous substances
Consumptions of excess food
Intake of wholesome and unwholesome food together
Excessive worry

Symptoms of vitiation in Rasavaha srotas:
Lack of interest towards food, anorexis, distaste in mouth
etc.Consumption, other symptoms similar to pranavaha srotas
and death.

Disease of Rasavaha Srotas
Heart diseases
Tuberculosis
Obesity
Fever
Diabetes
Unconsciousness and coma
Skin diseases
Malarial fever
Anemia
Impotency
Gout


RAKTAVAHA SROTAS

Channels which carried blood is called raktavaha srotas.

Root Raktavaha srotas have their origin in liver and spleen.

Etiological factors Raktavaha srotas gets vitiated by;
All pitta aggravating factors
Excess intake of liquid, unctuous, hot, heavy foods
Sleeping during day time.
Excessive exposure to sun and heat
Excessive anger, exertion, eating during indigestion, eating
antagonistic foods and taking food during digestion.
Injury

Symptoms of vitiation in Raktavaha srotas:
Bluish discoloration of body, fever, burning sensation,
paleness, hemorrhages, redness in eye.

Disease of Raktavaha Srotas
Gout
Skin diseases
Leucoderma
Hemorrhoids
Acne
Jaundice


MAMSAVAHA SROTAS

Channels which carries the substances to nourish mamsa (muscle
tissue) is called mamsavaha srotas.

Root Mamsavaha srotas have their origin in ligaments, skin and
rakta carrying arteries.

Etiological factors Mamsavaha srotas gets vitiated by;
Intake of food substances which induce moistureness in dosa,
dhatu, srotas
Heavy food
Bulk promoting foods
Intake of food followed by day sleep
Injury

Symptoms of vitiation in Mamsavaha srotas:
Granulomas, tonsillitis, inflammation of muscles, muscle
wasting, varicose veins and death.

Disease of Udakavaha Srotas
Diabetes
Tuberculosis
Skin diseases
Erysipelas
Hemorrhoids
Gout
Inflammation
Chickenpox


MEDOVAHA SROTAS

Channels which carries the substances which nourishes meda
(fat) is called medovaha srotas.

Root Medovaha srotas have their origin in Kidneys and Omentum

Etiological factors Medovaha srotas gets vitiated by;
Lack of physical exercises
Day sleep
Excess intake of fatty foods
Excess drinking of wine
Injury

Symptoms of vitiation in Medovaha srotas:
Undesired constitution, diabetes, excessive perspiration,
unctuousness or sliminess of body parts, dryness in palate,
marked swelling and severe thirst.

Disease of Medovaha Srotas
Diabetes
Obesity
Leucoderma
Fever
Malarial Fever
Skin diseases
Gout
Filariasis
Inflammation
Ascitis

ASTHIVAHA SROTAS

Channels which carries the substances which nourishes asthi
(bone) is called asthivaha srotas.

Root asthivaha srotas have their origin in meda (adipose tissue)
and buttocks.

Etiological factors Asthivaha srotas gets vitiated by;
Excessive physical exercises
Over strain to bones
Friction among bones in excess
Consumption of vata aggravating factors

Symptoms of vitiation in Asthivaha srotas:
Pain in bones and teeth, discoloration

Disease of Asthivaha Srotas
Arthritis
Osteo-arthritis
Skin diseases
Fever
Gout
Dental disorders
Malarial fever
Tuberculosis

MAJJAVAHA SROTAS

Channels which carries the substances which nourishes majja is
called majjavaha srotas.

Root Majjavaha srotas have their origin in bones and Joints.

Etiological factors Majjavaha srotas gets vitiated by;
Excessive crushing, increased moisture, compression of bone
and intake of incompatible dietetics.

Symptoms of vitiation in Majjavaha srotas:
Pain in joints
Giddiness

Disease of Majjavaha Srotas
Osteo-arthritis
Arthritis
Gout
Skin diseases
Tuberculosis
Diabetes
Malarial fevers
Hemiplegia

SUKRAVAHA SROTAS

Channels which carries the substances which nourishes sukra is
called sukravaha srotas.

Root Sukravaha srotas have their origin in testicles and penis in
Male and in breasts in female.

Etiological factors Sukravaha srotas gets vitiated by;
Sexual intercourse without proper sexual arousal or having
sexual intercourse with other animals like dog etc.
Suppression of sexual urge
Excess indulgence in sexual activities
Untimely sexual intercourse
Intake of food which are ununctous, bitter, astringent, salt,
sour and hot.
Indulging in sexual intercourse with women who is not
passionate
Old age, worry, grief and lack of confidence in partner
Fear, anger and application of black magic
Severe emaciation due to chronic diseases
Injury to dhatus
Injury by surgery, alkalies and cauterization

Symptoms of vitiation in Sukravaha srotas:
Impotency, delayed emission of sukra, sukra come out with
rakta along with difficulty

Disease of Sukravaha Srotas
Impotency
Skin Diseases
Fever
Tuberculosis
Sprue
Urinary calculi
Hemorrhoids
Consumption


MUTRAVAHA SROTAS

Channels which carries mutra (urine) is called mutravaha
srotas.

Root Mutravaha srotas have their origin in urinary bladder and
kidneys

Etiological factors Mutravaha srotas gets vitiated by;
Intake of drinks and foods during urge for maturation
Indulging in sex during the urge for micturation
Suppression of urge of urination
One who is emaciated and injured
Injury

Symptoms of vitiation in Mutravaha srotas:
Excessive urination, complete obstruction for urination, urine
comes out with difficulty, patient passes little quantity of
urine frequently, patient passes large quantity of urine
associated with pain.

Disease of Mutravaha Srotas
Diabetes
Obstruction of urine
Dysuria
Urinary calculi
Jaundice
Anemia
Fever


PURISAVAHA SROTAS

Channels which carries purisa(stool) is called purisavaha
srotas.

Root Purisavaha srotas have their origin in Large intestine and
rectum.

Etiological factors Purisavaha srotas gets vitiated by;
Suppression of urge for stools
Consumption of large quantity of food
Eating during indigestion
Eating food before the digestion of previous meal
Whose agni is weak
Who is emaciated
injury

Symptoms of vitiation in Purisavaha srotas:
Patient passes stool with difficulty, passes little quantity
of stool associated with pain and sound
Passing of excess watery stool or mucous with thread stool
Distension of abdomen
Foul smell stool

Disease of Purisavaha Srotas
Diarrhea
Sprue
Jaundice
Acidity
Arthritis
Hemorrhoids
Dysentery
Ascitis
Urinary calculi
Indigestion


SVEDAVAHA SROTAS

Channels which carries sveda (sweat) is called svedavaha
srotas.

Root Svedavaha srotas have their origin in meda(adipose tissue)
and hair follicles

Etiological factors Svedavaha srotas gets vitiated by;
Heavy exercises
Excessive exposure to sun and heat
Indulging or exposure to cold and heat simultaneously
Anger
Grief
Fear


Symptoms of vitiation in Svedavaha srotas:
Absence of perspiration
Excess perspiration
Excessive roughness
Excessive smoothness
Burning sensation all over the body
horripulation

Disease of Svedavaha Srotas
Skin diseases
Diabetes
Obesity
Fever
Ascitis
Urticaria



ARTAVAVAHA SROTAS

Channels which carries the artava(menstrual blood) is called
artavavaha srotas.

Root artavavaha srotas have their origin in uterus and artava
carrying vessels

Etiological factors Arthavavaha srotas gets vitiated by;
Excessive consumption of salt, sour, heavy, pungent, burning,
unctuous, meat of aquatic and marshy land animals
Excess intake of fatty, sweet preparations, curd and its
products, fermented wine etc.
Agitated vata etc dosas bring abnormality in uterus and
develops uterus related diseases.

Symptoms of vitiation in Arthavavaha srotas:
Colour of discharge becomes frothy, thin, ununctous, brownish
black or pink.

Disease of Medovaha Srotas
20 types of uterus disorders
Menorrhagia
Leucorrhea

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