The word ‘srotasa’ means a secretory channel for transportation and transformation of body constituents. Every body part has its own requirements for growth and nourishment. They are exposed to various environments. This need for various environments emphasizes on creating separate space for the development of different organs in the body. Fulfillment of basic needs as food and excretion is done simultaneously while performing the duties as a system by establishing a network between different organs. Different types of srotasa are described for major systems of the body. Major srotasa in the body are classified into eleven pairs by Sushrut [Su. Sa Sharira Sthana 9/12] and thirteen gross channels by Charak. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/6,7][1] Srotasa are the inner circulatory pathways of the body which provides area for physiological function of general entities of the body like dosha, tissue (dhatu), waste material (mala). It helps in transformation and circulation of essential nutrients that support the functional entities. The word ‘srotasa’ is understood as the active inner transport system of body-mind-soul.[2] This chapter describes srotasa, its physiological and pathological aspects with importance in healthcare.
| Section/Chapter/topic | Concepts/Srotasa |
|---|---|
| Authors |
Bhojani M. K. 1, Kabadwal Dipti1 Saini Deepika 1 |
| Reviewer | Basisht G.2, |
| Editor | Deole Y.S.3 |
| Affiliations |
1 Department of Sharir Kriya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India 2 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. 3 Department of Kayachikitsa, G. J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India |
| Correspondence emails |
meera.samhita@aiia.gov.in, carakasamhita@gmail.com |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India |
| Date of publication: | April 07, 2023 |
| DOI | 10.47468/CSNE.2023.e01.s09.136 |
Etymology
The word srotasa is derived from the root (moola) “sravana” meaning to exude, to ooze, to flow of nourishing materials [ Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/12]. Literal meaning of srotas is “kha” or empty space, mainly they are considered as tracts, pathways, passages, artery, vein, nerve etc. [ Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana5/9].
Definition
The human body is majorly made up of innumerable channels that are responsible for the transportation of various materials in the body. At the same time nourishing seven dhatus. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/3].
- “Sravanata srotansi” [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana ]30/12]: The pathways that are helpful in the flow of nutritious substances in the body.
- “Sravanat rasadi srava pathatvaat srotansi” [Gangadhara commentary on Charak Samhita]: After the digestion of food, it is converted into essence (sara) & waste material (kitta part). The srotasa are pathways through which essence (sara bhaga) is transported in the body.
- The channels which carry the poshaka dhatu (the nourishing part of the dhatus) are called ‘srotasa’. [Chakrapani commentary on Charaka Samhita]
- The pathways which carry or transport all the significant materials like life elements (prana or rakta dhatu), four types of food, and all the dhatus are called ‘srotasa’. [Su. Sa Sharir Sthana 9/13]]
- “Srotamayama hi sharirama” all the living being are comprised of various macro and micro channels.
- Generally, the word srotasa is understood as macro and micro channels steering in the living being.[2]