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Srotasa (view source)

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The word ‘srotasa’ means a secretory channel for transportation and transformation of [[Sharira|body]] constituents. Every [[Sharira|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 [[Sharira|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 [[Sharira|body]]. Major srotasa in the [[Sharira|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]<ref name="ref1">Dhargalkar Nandini Dilip. Sarira-Kriya-Vidnana.2nd ed.Delhi,Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisathan ;2018,pg. 332. </ref> Srotasa are the inner circulatory pathways of the [[Sharira|body]] which provides area for physiological function of general entities of the [[Sharira|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 [[Sharira|body]]-mind-soul.<ref name="ref2">Verma, Vandana & Gehlot, Sangeeta. (2014). Review on concept of srotas. International journal of research in ayurveda & pharmacy. 5. 232-234. 10.7897/2277-4343.05246.</ref> This chapter describes srotasa, its physiological and pathological aspects with importance in healthcare.

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The word ‘srotasa’ means a secretory channel for transportation and transformation of [[Sharira|body]] constituents. Every [[Sharira|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 [[Sharira|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 [[Sharira|body]]. Major srotasa in the [[Sharira|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]<ref name="ref1">Dhargalkar Nandini Dilip. Sarira-Kriya-Vidnana.2nd ed.Delhi,Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisathan ;2018,pg. 332. </ref> Srotasa are the inner circulatory pathways of the [[Sharira|body]] which provides area for physiological function of general entities of the [[Sharira|body]] like [[Dosha|dosha]], [[Dhatu|tissue (dhatu)]], waste material ([[Mala|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 [[Sharira|body]]-[[Manas|mind]]-[[Atma|soul]].<ref name="ref2">Verma, Vandana & Gehlot, Sangeeta. (2014). Review on concept of srotas. International journal of research in ayurveda & pharmacy. 5. 232-234. 10.7897/2277-4343.05246.</ref> This chapter describes srotasa, its physiological and pathological aspects with importance in healthcare.

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== Etymology ==

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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 Sthana]] 5/9].

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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 Sthana]] 5/9].

== Definition ==

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The human [[Sharira|body]] is majorly made up of innumerable channels that are responsible for the transportation of various materials in the [[Sharira|body]]. At the same time nourishing seven dhatus. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/3].

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The human [[Sharira|body]] is majorly made up of innumerable channels that are responsible for the transportation of various materials in the [[Sharira|body]]. At the same time nourishing seven [[Dhatu|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 [[Sharira|body]].

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* “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 [[Sharira|body]].

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* “Sravanat rasadi srava pathatvaat srotansi” [Gangadhara commentary on [[Charak Samhita New Edition|Charak Samhita]]]: After the digestion of food, it is converted into [[Sara|essence (sara)]] & waste material (kitta part). The srotasa are pathways through which essence ([[Sara|sara]] bhaga) is transported in the [[Sharira|body]].

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* The channels which carry the poshaka dhatu (the nourishing part of the dhatus) are called ‘srotasa’. [Chakrapani commentary on Charaka Samhita]

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* The channels which carry the poshaka [[Dhatu|dhatu]] (the nourishing part of the [[Dhatu|dhatus]]) are called ‘srotasa’. [Chakrapani commentary on [[Charak Samhita New Edition|Charaka Samhita]]]

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* 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 [[Sharira Sthana]] 9/13]

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* The pathways which carry or transport all the significant materials like [[Ayu|life]] elements ([[Prana|prana]] or [[Rakta dhatu|rakta dhatu]]), four types of food, and all the [[Dhatu|dhatus]] are called ‘srotasa’. [Su. Sa [[Sharira 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.<ref name="ref2" />

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== Formation ==

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Formation of srotasa starts in the uterine life, vayu mahabhuta along with equilibrium state of agni mahabhuta demarcates the channels (srotasa). [Su. Sa [[Sharira Sthana]] 4/28] Similarly, when ovum is fertilized by sperm, genesis of zygote takes place. Further zygote divides into multiple cells in a process known as ‘cleavage’, triggering the beginning of embryonic diffraction. Later formation of different channels of the foetus takes place.

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Formation of srotasa starts in the uterine [[Ayu|life]], [[Vayu mahabhuta|vayu mahabhuta]] along with equilibrium state of [[Agni mahabhuta|agni mahabhuta]] demarcates the channels (srotasa). [Su. Sa [[Sharira Sthana]] 4/28] Similarly, when ovum is fertilized by sperm, genesis of zygote takes place. Further zygote divides into multiple cells in a process known as ‘cleavage’, triggering the beginning of embryonic diffraction. Later formation of different channels of the foetus takes place.

== Classification ==

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! style="width: 50%"| Female (12)

|-

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| 2 nostrils (nasa), external ear openings (karna), orbital opeings (akshi), mouth (mukh), external genitalia, anal orifice (guda)

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| 2 nostrils (nasa), external ear openings (karna), orbital opeings (akshi), mouth (mukh), external genitalia, anal orifice ([[Guda|guda]])

| 9+ breast (stana), cervix or opeing of birth canal (yoni)

|}

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| Pranavaha srotasa (respiratory channels and vitality system )

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| Heart (hridaya), gastroinstestinal tract (mahasrotasa)

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| [[Hridaya|Heart (hridaya)]], gastroinstestinal tract (mahasrotasa)

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| Heart (hridaya), branches of aorta rasavahini dhamani

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| [[Hridaya|Heart (hridaya)]], branches of aorta rasavahini dhamani

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| Ambuvaha srotasa (water and fluid system)

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| Annavaha srotasa (digestive system)

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| Stomach (amashaya), left lateral region of the abdomen (vamaparshva)

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| [[Amashaya|Stomach (amashaya)]], left lateral region of the abdomen (vamaparshva)

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| Stomach (amashaya), esophagus (annavahini dhamani)

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| [[Amashaya|Stomach (amashaya)]], esophagus (annavahini dhamani)

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| Rasavaha srotasa (plasma and lymphatic system)

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| Heart (hridaya), branches of aorta (10 dhamani)

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| [[Hridaya|Heart (hridaya)]], branches of aorta (10 dhamani)

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| Heart (hridaya), the vessels or channel or terminal branches of the aorta that transport nutrition to various parts of the [[Sharira|body]] (rasvahini dhamani)

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| [[Hridaya|Heart (hridaya)]], the vessels or channel or terminal branches of the aorta that transport nutrition to various parts of the [[Sharira|body]] (rasvahini dhamani)

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| Raktavaha srotasa (blood and vascular system)

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| Purishavaha srotasa (defecatory channels)

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| Parts of the large intestine like cecum, rectum, sigmoid colon (pakvashaya), and anal canal (sthula guda)

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| Parts of the large intestine like cecum, rectum, sigmoid colon (pakvashaya), and anal canal (sthula [[Guda|guda]])

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| Parts of large intestine (pakvashaya), anal canal (guda)

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| Parts of large intestine (pakvashaya), anal canal ([[Guda|guda]])

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| Swedavaha srotasa (perspiratory channels)

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These srotasa can be further divided into three subgroups for ease of understanding:

<ol type="a"><li>Three intake channels or channels leading to the interior: Annavaha, pranavaha & udakavaha srotasa. These act as channels for the ingestion and transportation of solids (food), liquid & gases on a broader account. Hence, these will be considered as digestive, respiratory and electrolyte balancing systems. These channels form the main links of the [[Sharira|body's]] internal environment with the external environment. Further, these channels are more prone to disorders, as they serve as the first defence to the external foreign matter entering the [[Sharira|body]]. These are the first sites of ama production.</li>

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<li>Seven processor channels or channels of maintenance: These are dhatuvaha srotasa. These act as the processors of the [[Sharira|body]] and maintain the equilibrium in their physiological states. In Ayurveda, dhatu is the [[Sharira|body's]] structural unit that sustain [[Sharira|sharira (body)]] and are responsible for its strength and immunity. These dhatuvaha channels provide the necessary nutrition for proper growth and development of the seven dhatus and the space for their transportation, digestion, and metabolism.These are the channels where ama is dislodged. </li>

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<li>Seven processor channels or channels of maintenance: These are dhatuvaha srotasa. These act as the processors of the [[Sharira|body]] and maintain the equilibrium in their physiological states. In Ayurveda, dhatu is the [[Sharira|body's]] structural unit that sustain [[Sharira|sharira (body)]] and are responsible for its strength and immunity. These dhatuvaha channels provide the necessary nutrition for proper growth and development of the seven [[Dhatu|dhatus]] and the space for their transportation, digestion, and metabolism.These are the channels where ama is dislodged. </li>

<li>Three output channels or channels leading to the expulsion of metabolic wastes. These include purishavaha, mutravaha, and swedavaha srotasa (malavaha srotasa). These will act as channels for removing waste products and toxic substances. The metabolites formed during metabolism in dhatuvaha srotasa and three input channels are further transported to malavaha srotasa, according to ease of removal through different sites of elimination through the [[Sharira|body]], after being processed again for easy and smooth expulsion by natural orifices. </li></ol>

<li style="font-weight: bold;">Sukshma (Micro channels): The small orifices or microscopic pores of the [[Sharira|body]] are known as sukshma srotasa. The navel (nabhi) and tiny channels or orifice of the skin are understood as sukshma srotasa. </li></ol>

== Morphological characters ==

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<ul style='text-align:justify;'><li style="font-weight: bold;">Colour: Colour of srotasa is similar to the respective tissue (dhatu) they carry. </li>

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<ul style='text-align:justify;'><li style="font-weight: bold;">Colour: Colour of srotasa is similar to the respective [[Dhatu|tissue (dhatu)]] they carry. </li>

<li style="font-weight: bold;">Size: Minute (anu) in size or can be visible under the microscope, (sthula) macro in size (we can see direct by the naked eye). </li>

<li style="font-weight: bold;">Shape: Round (vritta) in shape, (dirgha) long, (pratana) tendril like [Ch. Sa [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/25].</li></ul>

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== Significance of srotasa ==

<ul style='text-align:justify;'><li>The structural and functional unit of the [[Sharira|body]] that transports essential components throughout the whole [[Sharira|body]]. </li>

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<li>Synthesis of tissue (dhatu) in the [[Sharira|body]]. </li>

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<li>Synthesis of [[Dhatu|tissue (dhatu)]] in the [[Sharira|body]]. </li>

<li>Eliminating waste products from the [[Sharira|body]] through urine, feces, sweat etc. </li>

<li>Responsible for nutrition, protection, and equilibrium of the structural entities in the [[Sharira|body]]. </li>

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<li>As per ancient science, srotasa are the supreme factor responsible for health and disease throughout life. </li>

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<li>As per ancient science, srotasa are the supreme factor responsible for health and disease throughout [[Ayu|life]]. </li>

<li>Nadi is also one of the synonyms of srotasa, which signifies its function of control and transportation of sensory and motor reflexes in the whole [[Sharira|body]]. </li>

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<li>Maintains homeostasis in various systems of the [[Sharira|body]]. All the dosha, dhatu, and mala rely on srotasa for their development, conveyance, and expulsion. </li></ul>

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<li>Maintains homeostasis in various systems of the [[Sharira|body]]. All the [[Dosha|dosha]], [[Dhatu|dhatu]], and [[Mala|mala]] rely on srotasa for their development, conveyance, and expulsion. </li></ul>

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== Relation of srotasa with [[Sharira|body]] tissue (dhatu) ==

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== Relation of srotasa with [[Sharira|body]] tissue [[Dhatu|(dhatu)]] ==

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The diet and regimen in the context of daily and seasonal routines which possess quality similar to dhatu are beneficial for respective dhatus and suitable for the srotasa. [Cha. Sa [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/23]

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The diet and regimen in the context of daily and seasonal routines which possess quality similar to [[Dhatu|dhatu]] are beneficial for respective [[Dhatu|dhatus]] and suitable for the srotasa. [Cha. Sa [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/23]

== Causes of vitiation of srotasa ==

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The food & lifestyle which have a quality similar to the doshas at the same time opposite to the qualities of dhatus are the prime factors for vitiation of srotasa. [Cha. Sa [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/23]

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The food & lifestyle which have a quality similar to the [[Dosha|doshas]] at the same time opposite to the qualities of [[Dhatu|dhatus]] are the prime factors for vitiation of srotasa. [Cha. Sa [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/23]

== Characteristics of vitiation of srotasa ==

Vitiation of srotasa are classified into four categories as stated below: [Cha. Sa [[Vimana Sthana]] 5/24]

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<ol style='text-align:justify;'><li style="font-weight: bold;">Excessive flow (atipravatti): Excessive formation or elimination of dosha, dhatu, mala e.g., excess urination (bahumutra) in prameha, diarrhea (atisara), hemorrhage, etc.</li>

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<ol style='text-align:justify;'><li style="font-weight: bold;">Excessive flow (atipravatti): Excessive formation or elimination of [[Dosha|dosha]], [[Dhatu|dhatu]], [[Mala|mala]] e.g., excess urination (bahumutra) in prameha, diarrhea (atisara), hemorrhage, etc.</li>

<li style="font-weight: bold;">Accumulation or obstruction (sanga): Sanga means block in the passages, e.g., obstruction of sweda (sweating) in fever, obstruction of vata dosha in gulma disease, obstruction of piita dosha due to kapha in jaundice (shakhashrita kamala), delayed digestion (alasaka), digestive disorders (grahani), cold, constipation, etc. </li>

<li style="font-weight: bold;">Siragranthi: It denotes thickening or abnormal growth in the natural orifice of the [[Sharira|body]] e.g., granthi, aneurysm in the artery, splenomegaly, varicose vein, tumors, etc. </li>

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| style="text-align:center;" | '''7'''

| '''Medavaha'''

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| Decreased life span (ayushohrasa), retarded movements/impaired [[Sharira|body]] movements (Javoparodha), difficulty in sexual act (kricchra vyavayata), general debility (daurbalya), Bad odour of the [[Sharira|body]] (daurgandhya) , excess sweating (swedabadha), excessive hunger (kshudhatimatra ), increased thirst, dryness (pipasatiyoga)

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| Decreased [[Ayu|life]] span (ayushohrasa), retarded movements/impaired [[Sharira|body]] movements (Javoparodha), difficulty in sexual act (kricchra vyavayata), general debility (daurbalya), Bad odour of the [[Sharira|body]] (daurgandhya) , excess sweating (swedabadha), excessive hunger (kshudhatimatra ), increased thirst, dryness (pipasatiyoga)

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| style="text-align:center;" | '''8'''

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| style="text-align:center;" | '''10'''

| '''Shukravaha'''

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| Loss of libido (Klaibya), lack of erection (aharshanama), no progeny (Na cha jayte garbha), progeny will be deformed & a short life span (alpaaayuvirupama), abortion (garbhapata), miscarriage (garbhashrava)

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| Loss of libido (Klaibya), lack of erection (aharshanama), no progeny (Na cha jayte garbha), progeny will be deformed & a short [[Ayu|life]] span (alpaaayuvirupama), abortion (garbhapata), miscarriage (garbhashrava)

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| style="text-align:center;" | '''11'''

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| Annavaha srotasa

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| Treatment of ama dosha: deepana, pachana, massage (abhaynga), asthapana basti, anuvasana basti, snehapana [Ch. Sa [[Vimana Sthana]] 15/95,98]

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| Treatment of ama [[Dosha|dosha]]: deepana, pachana, massage (abhaynga), asthapana basti, anuvasana basti, snehapana [Ch. Sa [[Vimana Sthana]] 15/95,98]

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| Udakavaha srotasa

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| Rasadi dhatuvaha srotasa

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| Treatment of dhatu pradoshaja vikara

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| Treatment of [[Dhatu|dhatu]] pradoshaja vikara

# Rasavaha srotasa : langhana

# Raktavaha srotasa: virechana, upavasa and bloodletting, light diet.

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Clinical assessment of srotasa is done from the root level (mulasthana). It means the origin of strotasa is assessed through its functions. Therefore, vitiation of srotasa can be easily identified in various disorders related to the srotasa. Elaborated understanding of srotasa is necessary, because srotasa are the factors involved in the genesis of the entire [[Sharira|body]].

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Pathogenesis or vitiation in the transport system leads to stagnation of unwanted things, depletion of essential nutrients, eredication of the [[Sharira|body]] tissue and cells, and imbalance in the [[Sharira|body]], mind, and health. This leads to multiple diseases related to different channels of the [[Sharira|body]].<ref name="ref3">https://www.easyayurveda.com/2016/06/02/srotas-body-channels-and-duct.. </ref>

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Pathogenesis or vitiation in the transport system leads to stagnation of unwanted things, depletion of essential nutrients, eredication of the [[Sharira|body]] tissue and cells, and imbalance in the [[Sharira|body]], [[Manas|mind]], and health. This leads to multiple diseases related to different channels of the [[Sharira|body]].<ref name="ref3">https://www.easyayurveda.com/2016/06/02/srotas-body-channels-and-duct.. </ref>

Srotasa is the inner transport or circulatory system of the [[Sharira|body]]. These can be depicted on macroscopic (sthula) as well as microscopic (sukshama) level for the descriptions pertaining to the exchange of gases, transportation of various nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract to multiple parts of the [[Sharira|body]] and elimination of waste products (kitta bhaga) like urine & feces, from the [[Sharira|body]]. They are mainly structural and functional [[Sharira|body]] units and carry essential nutrients, transmitting sensory and motor reflexes throughout the [[Sharira|body]]. Sthula srotasa, along with their roots are emphasized for pathology & treatment. Srotasa play a prime role in understanding physiology, pathology, clinical medicine, etc.

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== Differences in fundamental concepts of ayurveda and conventional medicine ==

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Conventional medicine progresses from first observing and understanding the structure of the cell, organs, tissues, system etc, and then projecting this understanding to explain how they might function in the entire [[Sharira|body]]. In comparison, ayurveda progresses from observing the functioning of the [[Sharira|body]] structures at first to building a conceptual understanding of how their network might be in the [[Sharira|body]]. Ayurveda focuses on how functional understanding can help to know the structure in a better way. This is why some parts of [[Sharira|body]] are named according to their function e.g. hridaya suggests functions of mind, anatomical heart, cardiac region, and head.

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Conventional medicine progresses from first observing and understanding the structure of the cell, organs, tissues, system etc, and then projecting this understanding to explain how they might function in the entire [[Sharira|body]]. In comparison, ayurveda progresses from observing the functioning of the [[Sharira|body]] structures at first to building a conceptual understanding of how their network might be in the [[Sharira|body]]. Ayurveda focuses on how functional understanding can help to know the structure in a better way. This is why some parts of [[Sharira|body]] are named according to their function e.g. [[Hridaya|hridaya]] suggests functions of [[Manas|mind]], anatomical heart, cardiac region, and head.

== Physiological functions and medical approach to each one srotasa<ref name="ref2" /> ==

<ul style="text-align:justify;"><li>Annavaha srotasa is responsible for the nutritional supply since it covers esophagus & gastrointestinal tract. </li>

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<li>Pranavaha srotasa carries out the function of transportation of vayu since it moves through the heart & respiratory tract. </li>

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<li>Pranavaha srotasa carries out the function of transportation of [[Vayu mahabhuta|vayu]] since it moves through the heart & respiratory tract. </li>

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<li>Rasavaha & raktavaha srotasa transport rasa & rakta through heart, venous, arteriole circulatory system & other vessels. </li>

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<li>Rasavaha & raktavaha srotasa transport rasa & [[Rakta dhatu|rakta]] through heart, venous, arteriole circulatory system & other vessels. </li>

<li>Swedavaha & medavaha srotasa performs detoxification since it covers subcutaneous fat tissue & sweat glands along with micropores of the skin. </li>

<li>Manovaha & majjavaha srotasa are the causative factors for neuronal and sensory transportation.</li>

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