Difference between revisions of "Strotas (स्रोतसम्)"

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== Structure of srotas| ''swaroop'' ==
 
== Structure of srotas| ''swaroop'' ==
 +
  
  
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== Classification| ''pravibhaga'' ==
 
== Classification| ''pravibhaga'' ==
Conceptually srotas are innumerable but according to their specific functions they are categorised, also for better understanding.
+
Conceptually srotas are innumerable but according to their specific functions they are categorized, also for better understanding.
 
 
Srotases are categorised by Acharya Vagbhata as,
 
 
 
(asht.hrud.shar.3.40-42)
 
 
 
1.    Bahirmukha srotas(srotas which has opening externally)
 
 
 
They are 9 in total,
 
 
 
2-nasika(nostrils)
 
 
 
2-karna(ear)
 
 
 
2-netra(eyes)
 
 
 
1-guda marga (anal orifice)
 
 
 
1-mukha (mouth opening)
 
 
 
1-Mutra marga (urethral opening)
 
 
 
Three women specific srotas, 2- stana(breast) and 1- raktapatha(vaginal opening)
 
 
 
 
 
2.    Antarmukha srotas (srotas which has opening internally)
 
 
 
They are 13 in number,
 
 
 
1-pranavaha srotas
 
 
 
7-rasadi dhatu srotas
 
 
 
1-mutravaha srotas
 
 
 
1-malavaha srotas
 
 
 
1-swedavaha srotas
 
 
 
1-jalavaha srotas
 
 
 
1-annavaha srotas
 
 
 
 
 
 According to Acharya Charaka, (char.vim.5.8-22)
 
 
 
1.    Pranavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin- hriday, mahasrotas
 
 
 
Dushti karana(causes of vitiation) – kshaya(emaciation), kshudhita(excessive hunger), darunata(roughness), suppression of urges.
 
 
 
 
 
2.    Udakavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin- Talu,kloma
 
 
 
Dushti karana(causes of vitiation)- they are affected due to ushnata(excess heat), ama, atisushka sevana(excess dry food intake), excess alcohol intake.
 
 
 
 
 
3.    Annavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin -amashaya, vamaparshva
 
 
 
Dushti karana (causes of vitiation)- Atimatra bhojan(excess intake of foof), akala bhojan(untimely eating), Ahita bhojan(intake of unwholesome food).
 
 
 
 
 
4.    Rasavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin - hriday, dasha dhamani
 
 
 
Dushti karana(causes of vitiation)- guru ahara(heavy meals), sheeta(cold), atisnigdha ahara(excess unctuous food), chinta(stress or worry).
 
 
 
 
 
5.    Raktavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin – yakrit, pleeha
 
 
 
Dushti karana(causes of vitiation)-  vidahi annapana(food and drink which cause burning sensation), excess exposure to sun and heat.
 
 
 
 
 
6.    Mamsavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin- snayu, tvak
 
 
 
Dushti karana(causes of vitiation)-abhishyandi bojan(heavy food), divaswapna(day sleep)
 
 
 
 
 
7.    Medavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin – vrikka, vapavahan
 
 
 
Dushti karana(causes of vitiation)- avyayam(no exercixe), divaswapna(day sleep), atibhakshana(excessive intake of food).
 
 
 
 
 
8.    Asthivaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin – medamoolam,jaghanam
 
 
 
Dushti karana(causes of vitiation)- ativyayama(excessive exercising), excess intake of vata aggravating food, atisankshobh(jerkful joint movements).
 
 
 
 
 
9.    Majjavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin – asthimoola, sandhi
 
 
 
Dushti karana(causes of vitiation)- utpeshad, abhighat(injury), viruddha anna sevan(intake of incompatible food).
 
 
 
 
 
10.Sukravaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin – vrushana, sheaf
 
 
 
Dushti karana(causes of vitiation)-akala maithuna(untimely sexual intercourse), faulty surgical procedures, exposure to kshar(alkali), agna karma(cautery).
 
 
 
 
 
11. Mutravaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin – basti, vankshan
 
 
 
Dushti karana(causes of vitiation)- drinking water, eating during urge of micturition, mutra nigrahat(supressing urge) especially on kshina and kshata(emaciated and in trauma).
 
 
 
 
 
12.Purishavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin – pakvashaya, sthoolaguda
 
 
 
Dushti karana(causes of vitiation)- excess eating during indigestion, sandharanat(supressing faecal urge) etc.
 
 
 
 
 
13.Swedavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin – romakupa
 
 
 
Dushti karana(causes of vitiation)-ativyayama(excessive exercise), atisantapa(excess heat exposure), escess krodha(anger), bhay(fear) etc.
 
 
 
 
 
According to Acharya sushruta
 
 
 
(sush.sha.9.12)
 
 
 
There is explanation of viddha lakshanas meaning the symptoms which arise when there is a certain abhighata or injury to the srotas.
 
 
 
1.    Pranavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin- Hridaya, rasavaha dhamani
 
 
 
Viddha lakshana – kroshana(wailing), vinaman(body bending), moha(stupor), brahma(giddiness), vepana(shiver).
 
 
 
 
 
2.    Annavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin- amashaya, annavahini
 
 
 
Viddha lakshana – adhmana, shoola(colic), annadvesha(loss of appetite), vaman(vomit), andhyam(blindness)
 
 
 
 
 
3.    Udakavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin – Talu, kloma
 
 
 
Viddha lakshana- pipasa(excessive thirst), sadhyamaranam(death).
 
 
 
 
 
4.    Rasavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin- hriday, rasavahini
 
 
 
Viddha lakshana – shosha(dryness).
 
 
 
 
 
5.    Raktavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin- yakrit, pleeha
 
 
 
Viddha lakshana- shyavangta (black discolouration of body), jvara(fever), daha(burning sensation) panduta(paleness),shonita agaman(haemorrhage), rakt netrata (redness of eyes).
 
 
 
 
 
6.    Mamsavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin- snayu, tvak, raktavaha dhamani
 
 
 
Viddha lakshana- shotha(swelling), mamsa shosha(muscle atrophy), sira granthi(varicosity)
 
 
 
 
 
7.    Medavaha srotas
 
 
 
Origin – kati, vrukka
 
 
 
Viddha lakshanas – swedagaman9excessive sweat), taalu shosha(dryness of palette), snidghangta (oiliness over body).
 
 
 
 
 
8.    Mutravaha srotas
 
  
Origin basti,sishnendriya
+
=== Strotasa classification as per Acharya Vagbhata ===
 +
Srotasas are categorised as per opening point of their channels by Acharya Vagbhata as,<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 40-42)</ref>
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|'''Bahirmukha Srotas (srotasas which has  opening externally)'''
 +
|'''Antarmukha (Srotasas which has opening  internally)'''
 +
|-
 +
|Nasika(nostrils)- 2
 +
|pranavaha srotas -1
 +
|-
 +
|Karna(ears) - 2
 +
|Rasadidhatu vaha srotas - 7
 +
|-
 +
|Netra(eyes) - 2
 +
|Mutravaha – 1
 +
|-
 +
|Guda marga (Anus) - 1
 +
|Swedavaha – 1
 +
|-
 +
|Mutra marga (Urinary orifice) - 1
 +
|Jalavaha – 1
 +
|-
 +
|Mukha (Oral cavity) - 1
 +
|Malavaha 1
 +
|-
 +
|Stana (Breasts) - 2 (Females specific)
 +
|Annavaha srotas – 1
 +
|-
 +
|Raktapatha/Yoni (Vegina)  -1 (Female specific)
 +
|
 +
|}
  
Viddha lakshanas – mutranirodha(urine retention) etc
+
=== Strotasa classification as per Acharya Charaka ===
 
+
According to Acharya Charaka the strotasas are of following types. The table also described the causative factors for vitiation of these strotasas which work as disease causing factors for multiple illnesses related to these channels. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthana Adhyaya 5 Sutra 8-22)</ref>
 
+
{| class="wikitable"
9.    Purishavaha srotas
+
|'''SROTAS'''
 
+
|'''ORIGIN'''
Origin -pakvashaya guda
+
|'''CAUSES OF VITIATION'''
 
+
|-
Viddha lakshanas – durgandhatata(foul smell), grathita antrata(matting of intestines)
+
|Pranavaha srotas
 
+
|Hriday, mahasrotas (Gastrointestinal system)
 
+
|Emaciation,  kshudhita (excessive hunger), darunata (roughness), suppression of urges
10. Sukravaha srotas
+
|-
 
+
|Udakavaha srotas
Origin – stana, vrushana
+
|Talu, kloma
 
+
|Excess  heat, ama (a toxic product formed due to imbalanced digestion and metabolims), excess dry food intake, excess alcohol intake.
Viddha lakshanas – kleebata(impotency), rakta shukrata(semen discharge with blood)
+
|-
 
+
|Annavaha srotas
 
+
|amashaya, vamaparshva
11.Artavavaha srotas
+
|Overeating/excess intake of  food, untimely/irregular eating, intake of unwholesome  food
 
+
|-
Origin – garbhayashaya, artava vaha dhamani
+
|Rasavaha srotas
 
+
|hriday, dasha dhamani
Viddha lakshanas – vandhyatva(infertility), maithuna asahishnuta(dyspareunia), artava naasha(absence of menstruation)
+
|Heavy to digest food, cold food/drinks,  excessively unctuous/fat rich food, persistent stress or worry
 
+
|-
(Moolasthana or origin of the srotas is stated above where in there is mention of talu, kloma, amashaya etc these are organs mentioned in Ayurveda anatomy which cannot be explained with reference to modern science organs, thus must be considered as isolated concepts)
+
|Raktavaha srotas
 
+
|Yakrit,pleeha
 
+
|vidahi annapana food and drink which cause burning sensation), excess  exposure to sun and heat.
There also is mention of manovaha srotas differently while explaining the concept of psychological diseases, dreams et. (char.indr 5.41)
+
|-
 +
|Mamsavaha srotas
 +
|Snayu, tvak
 +
|abhishyandi bojan(heavy food),  divaswapna(day sleep)
 +
|-
 +
|Medovaha srotas
 +
|Vrikka, vapavahan
 +
|avyayam(no exercixe), divaswapna(day  sleep), atibhakshana(excessive intake of food).
 +
|-
 +
|Asthivaha srotas
 +
|Medamoolam, jaghanam
 +
|ativyayama(excessive exercising),  excess intake of vata aggravating food, atisankshobh(jerkful joint  movements).
 +
|-
 +
|Majjavaha srotas
 +
|Asthimoola, sandhi
 +
|utpeshad, abhighat(injury), viruddha  anna sevan(intake of incompatible food).
 +
|-
 +
|Sukravaha srotas
 +
|Vrushana, shefa
 +
|akala maithuna (untimely sexual  intercourse), faulty surgical procedures, exposure to kshar(alkali), agna  karma(cautery).
 +
|-
 +
|Mutravaha srotas
 +
|Basti, vankshana
 +
|drinking water, eating during urge of  micturition, mutra nigrahat(supressing urge) especially on kshina and  kshata(emaciated and in trauma).
 +
|-
 +
|Purishavaha srotas
 +
|Pakvashaya, sthoolaguda
 +
|excess eating during indigestion, sandharanat(supressing faecal urge) etc.
 +
|-
 +
|Swedavaha srotas
 +
|Romakupa
 +
|ativyayama(excessive exercise), atisantapa(excess heat exposure), excess krodha(anger), bhay(fear) etc.
 +
|}
 +
<nowiki>#</nowiki>(Moolasthana or origin of the srotas is stated above where in there is mention of body parts like talu, kloma, amashaya etc. These are organs mentioned in Ayurveda anatomy which cannot be explained with reference to modern science organs, thus must be considered as isolated concepts. These can be considered to be roughly equivalent to some organs we know as per modern medicine e.g. yakrit↔Liver, Talu↔palate, Amashaya↔stomach etc.)
  
 
== Abnormalities of srotas | ''Srotovaigunya'' ==
 
== Abnormalities of srotas | ''Srotovaigunya'' ==
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== General morbidity in srotas| ''srotodushti'' ==
 
== General morbidity in srotas| ''srotodushti'' ==
Srotovaigunyata and srotodushti even though are two different concepts, the existence of sroto vaigunya is mandatory for sroto dushti to occur.
+
Strotodushti refers to the derrangenement of the functions being performed by that strotas due to some causative factor. It leads to impairment of function of not only that strotas but also the [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatu]], [[Upadhatus (उपधातवः)|upadhatu]], [[Doshas (दोषाः)|dosha]] and/or [[Malas (मलाः)|mala]] related to that strotas. When rasavaha strotas is dushta i.e. deranged it will lead to disequilibrium of [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|rasa dhatu]], kapha [[Doshas (दोषाः)|dosha]] and [[Upadhatus (उपधातवः)|upadhatus]] like raja, stanya etc.  Therefore understanding of strotodushti is highly essential for any [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|vaidya]] to establish diagnosis and plan treatment. Srotovaigunyata and srotodushti even though are two different concepts, the existence of sroto vaigunya is mandatory for sroto dushti to occur.
  
 
Srotodushti manifests in four ways, (cha.vi.5.24)
 
Srotodushti manifests in four ways, (cha.vi.5.24)
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=== Reason for manifestation of sroto dushti ===
 
=== Reason for manifestation of sroto dushti ===
when the properties of Ahara(food) and vihara(lifestyle) which are vata dosha aggravating (mentioned in cha.sut.10.6-7). And the properties of ahara(food) vihara(lifestyle) which are opposite to the guna or properties of rasa, rakta etc dhatu are the factors which causes sroto dushti.  (Asht.hrud.sha.3.44)
+
When the properties of [[Ahara (आहारः)|Ahara]] (food) and vihara (lifestyle) which are [[Doshas (दोषाः)|dosha]] aggravating; and the properties of ahara(food) vihara(lifestyle) which are opposite to the guna or properties of rasa, rakta etc [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatu]] then it can cause vitiation of channels known as sroto dushti.<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 44)</ref>  Acharya Charka has clearly described the signs and symptoms that arise when a particular strotas is affected. These are known as Strotodushti lakshanas. Acharyas Sushruta has put forward the list of signs and symptoms which manifest when a particular strotas is injusred by even some external injury and these are known as Viddha lakshanas or injury signs.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirsthana Adhyaya 9 Sutra 12)</ref> Clubbed together these signs represent the clinical manifestations of vitiation of a particular strotas and these are collectively put in table given below.  
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|'''SROTAS'''
 +
|'''VIDDHA LAKSHANA (Acc to Acharya  Sushruta)'''
 +
|'''DUSHTI LAKSHANA (According to Acharya Charaka)'''
 +
|-
 +
|Pranavaha
 +
|wailing, body bending, stupor,  giddiness, shiver.
 +
|Painful shallow breath with sound.
 +
|-
 +
|Annavaha
 +
|Colic pain, loss of appetite, vomiting
 +
|Indigestion, loss of appetite,
 +
|-
 +
|Udakavaha
 +
|Excessive thirst
 +
|Excessive thirst, dryness of mouth
 +
|-
 +
|Rasavaha
 +
|Dryness in general
 +
|Heaviness of body, aversion to food, premature  ageing, tiredness etc
 +
|-
 +
|Raktavaha
 +
|Black discolouration of body,  paleness, burning sensation, haemorrhage
 +
|Various skin disorders
 +
|-
 +
|Mamsavaha
 +
|Swelling, muscle atrophy, varicosity
 +
|Tonsilitis, certain tumours, piles etc
 +
|-
 +
|Medavaha
 +
|Excessive sweating, dryness of mouth,  oiliness of body
 +
|Diabetes, excess fat gain etc
 +
|-
 +
|Purishavaha
 +
|Foul smell, matting of intestines
 +
|Loose motion, irregular bowel  movements, painful movements
 +
|-
 +
|Artavavaha
 +
|Infertility, absence of menstruation,  dyspareunia
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|Sukravaha
 +
|Impotency, blood discharge with semen
 +
|Impotency, congenital abnormalities  etc
 +
|-
 +
|Mutravaha
 +
|Retention of urine
 +
|Pain while urinating, increased  frequency and density.
 +
|-
 +
|Asthivaha
 +
|
 +
|Teeth and bone pain, nail and body  hair abnormality etc
 +
|-
 +
|Majjavaha
 +
|
 +
|Joint pain, giddiness, certain abscess  etc
 +
|-
 +
|Swedavaha
 +
|
 +
|Excess perspiration or no perspiration  at all, burning sensation
 +
|}
 +
There also is mention of manovaha srotas (The system for transport of mind and emotions) differently while explaining the concept of psychological diseases, dreams et. (char.indr 5.41)
  
 
== General Management principles of Sroto dushti | ''srotodushti samanya chikitsa'' ==
 
== General Management principles of Sroto dushti | ''srotodushti samanya chikitsa'' ==

Latest revision as of 12:29, 9 June 2022

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Introduction

Srotas or srotosharera is a significant and distinct topic in Ayurveda anatomy which in literal means a pathway or channel or a bodily transport system. They carry dhatus and are completely different structures from arteries, veins, lymphatics etc. Each srotas has its own moolasthana or seat or origin, which mostly is organ specific. Srotas are innumerable but most important functional aspects appear in 13 internal srotas mentioned by Acharyas. Even though srotas in literal definition mean channels, but their purpose is far more than just being a transport system. They secrete or ooze as well and have the properties of the dhatu they carry.

When srotas are in healthy state then the formation of dhatu (vital body tissue), mala (excretory product) etc occur physiologically, but when there is dushti or morbidity, these dhatu, mala etc become vitiated and there is disease manifestation. These core concepts play a vital role in ayurvedic diagnosis of any disease which further leads to appropriate treatment.

Etymology|Nirukti

Srotas word is derived from, “स्रु गतौ “dhatu

Meaning – to secrete, permeate.

The structures or pathways through which materials are secreted and transported are called srotas.

(SKD – 5/467)

https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE

Definition | paribhasha

खानि स्रोतांसि| (sush.sha.9.10, dalhan teeka)

Hollow pathways or those which have cavity or “kha” are called as srotas.


मूलात् खादन्तरं देहे प्रसृतं त्वभिवाहि यत् |

स्त्रोतस्तदिति विज्ञेयं सिराधमनिवर्जितम् ||१३| (sush.sha.9.13)

Srotas are those pathways in human body which are distinct from dhamani and sira (which precisely means arteries and veins). Srotas origins from “kha” meaning a hollow cavity and further they branch out in the whole body.


खलु परिणाममापद्यमानानां धातूनामभिवाहीनि भवन्त्ययनार्थेन|| (char.vim.5.3)

Srotases are the internal body transport system which carry dhatu (vital body tissue).

Structure of srotas| swaroop

स्वधातुसमवर्णानि वृत्तस्थूलान्यणूनि च|

स्रोतांसि दीर्घाण्याकृत्या प्रतानसदृशानि च||२५|| (cha.vi.5.25)

The colour of srotas is that of the dhatu which it carries. They are tube like structure, long tendril or stem like in shape.


The srotases which carry rasa dhatu in the body has openings like that of small pores present over lotus stem, meaning they are very sukshma(tiny) and they spread across the srotas. (Asht.hrud.shar.3.46)

Classification| pravibhaga

Conceptually srotas are innumerable but according to their specific functions they are categorized, also for better understanding.

Strotasa classification as per Acharya Vagbhata

Srotasas are categorised as per opening point of their channels by Acharya Vagbhata as,[1]

Bahirmukha Srotas (srotasas which has opening externally) Antarmukha (Srotasas which has opening internally)
Nasika(nostrils)- 2 pranavaha srotas -1
Karna(ears) - 2 Rasadidhatu vaha srotas - 7
Netra(eyes) - 2 Mutravaha – 1
Guda marga (Anus) - 1 Swedavaha – 1
Mutra marga (Urinary orifice) - 1 Jalavaha – 1
Mukha (Oral cavity) - 1 Malavaha – 1
Stana (Breasts) - 2 (Females specific) Annavaha srotas – 1
Raktapatha/Yoni (Vegina) -1 (Female specific)

Strotasa classification as per Acharya Charaka

According to Acharya Charaka the strotasas are of following types. The table also described the causative factors for vitiation of these strotasas which work as disease causing factors for multiple illnesses related to these channels. [2]

SROTAS ORIGIN CAUSES OF VITIATION
Pranavaha srotas Hriday, mahasrotas (Gastrointestinal system) Emaciation, kshudhita (excessive hunger), darunata (roughness), suppression of urges
Udakavaha srotas Talu, kloma Excess heat, ama (a toxic product formed due to imbalanced digestion and metabolims), excess dry food intake, excess alcohol intake.
Annavaha srotas amashaya, vamaparshva Overeating/excess intake of food, untimely/irregular eating, intake of unwholesome food
Rasavaha srotas hriday, dasha dhamani Heavy to digest food, cold food/drinks, excessively unctuous/fat rich food, persistent stress or worry
Raktavaha srotas Yakrit,pleeha vidahi annapana food and drink which cause burning sensation), excess exposure to sun and heat.
Mamsavaha srotas Snayu, tvak abhishyandi bojan(heavy food), divaswapna(day sleep)
Medovaha srotas Vrikka, vapavahan avyayam(no exercixe), divaswapna(day sleep), atibhakshana(excessive intake of food).
Asthivaha srotas Medamoolam, jaghanam ativyayama(excessive exercising), excess intake of vata aggravating food, atisankshobh(jerkful joint movements).
Majjavaha srotas Asthimoola, sandhi utpeshad, abhighat(injury), viruddha anna sevan(intake of incompatible food).
Sukravaha srotas Vrushana, shefa akala maithuna (untimely sexual intercourse), faulty surgical procedures, exposure to kshar(alkali), agna karma(cautery).
Mutravaha srotas Basti, vankshana drinking water, eating during urge of micturition, mutra nigrahat(supressing urge) especially on kshina and kshata(emaciated and in trauma).
Purishavaha srotas Pakvashaya, sthoolaguda excess eating during indigestion, sandharanat(supressing faecal urge) etc.
Swedavaha srotas Romakupa ativyayama(excessive exercise), atisantapa(excess heat exposure), excess krodha(anger), bhay(fear) etc.

#(Moolasthana or origin of the srotas is stated above where in there is mention of body parts like talu, kloma, amashaya etc. These are organs mentioned in Ayurveda anatomy which cannot be explained with reference to modern science organs, thus must be considered as isolated concepts. These can be considered to be roughly equivalent to some organs we know as per modern medicine e.g. yakrit↔Liver, Talu↔palate, Amashaya↔stomach etc.)

Abnormalities of srotas | Srotovaigunya

The condition of srotas which is vulnerable for pathological changes or diseases is termed as srotovaigunya.

The agravated dosha in the body halt at an area where there is srotovaigunya and produce various diseases. (sush. Sutr .24.10)

This srotovaigunya or kha- vaigunya is significant in understanding Ayurvedic pathology. Rasa dhatu which moves all over the body gets obstructed where there is srotovaigunya or abnormality in srotas which in turn leads to disease manifestation. This is explained by a metaphor of rain and clouds, where there is obstruction in clouds there occurs rainfall. (char.chi.15.37)

Thus, srotovaigunya plays a major role in disease manifestation.

General morbidity in srotas| srotodushti

Strotodushti refers to the derrangenement of the functions being performed by that strotas due to some causative factor. It leads to impairment of function of not only that strotas but also the dhatu, upadhatu, dosha and/or mala related to that strotas. When rasavaha strotas is dushta i.e. deranged it will lead to disequilibrium of rasa dhatu, kapha dosha and upadhatus like raja, stanya etc. Therefore understanding of strotodushti is highly essential for any vaidya to establish diagnosis and plan treatment. Srotovaigunyata and srotodushti even though are two different concepts, the existence of sroto vaigunya is mandatory for sroto dushti to occur.

Srotodushti manifests in four ways, (cha.vi.5.24)

1.    Atipravrutti (increased activity)- There is increased activity in one or more dhatus or mala etc.

2.    Sanga (obstruction) – An obstruction or blockage in any of the srtotas is sanga.

3.    Siragranthi (nodule) – new growth or enlargement or thickening in srotas is termed as siragranthi.

4.    Vimarga gamana (opposite flow) – leaving its own physiological pathway and flow is known as vimarga gamana.

Reason for manifestation of sroto dushti

When the properties of Ahara (food) and vihara (lifestyle) which are dosha aggravating; and the properties of ahara(food) vihara(lifestyle) which are opposite to the guna or properties of rasa, rakta etc dhatu then it can cause vitiation of channels known as sroto dushti.[3]  Acharya Charka has clearly described the signs and symptoms that arise when a particular strotas is affected. These are known as Strotodushti lakshanas. Acharyas Sushruta has put forward the list of signs and symptoms which manifest when a particular strotas is injusred by even some external injury and these are known as Viddha lakshanas or injury signs.[4] Clubbed together these signs represent the clinical manifestations of vitiation of a particular strotas and these are collectively put in table given below.

SROTAS VIDDHA LAKSHANA (Acc to Acharya Sushruta) DUSHTI LAKSHANA (According to Acharya Charaka)
Pranavaha wailing, body bending, stupor, giddiness, shiver. Painful shallow breath with sound.
Annavaha Colic pain, loss of appetite, vomiting Indigestion, loss of appetite,
Udakavaha Excessive thirst Excessive thirst, dryness of mouth
Rasavaha Dryness in general Heaviness of body, aversion to food, premature ageing, tiredness etc
Raktavaha Black discolouration of body, paleness, burning sensation, haemorrhage Various skin disorders
Mamsavaha Swelling, muscle atrophy, varicosity Tonsilitis, certain tumours, piles etc
Medavaha Excessive sweating, dryness of mouth, oiliness of body Diabetes, excess fat gain etc
Purishavaha Foul smell, matting of intestines Loose motion, irregular bowel movements, painful movements
Artavavaha Infertility, absence of menstruation, dyspareunia
Sukravaha Impotency, blood discharge with semen Impotency, congenital abnormalities etc
Mutravaha Retention of urine Pain while urinating, increased frequency and density.
Asthivaha Teeth and bone pain, nail and body hair abnormality etc
Majjavaha Joint pain, giddiness, certain abscess etc
Swedavaha Excess perspiration or no perspiration at all, burning sensation

There also is mention of manovaha srotas (The system for transport of mind and emotions) differently while explaining the concept of psychological diseases, dreams et. (char.indr 5.41)

General Management principles of Sroto dushti | srotodushti samanya chikitsa

(Char.vim.5.26-28)

The treatment of pranavaha, udakavaha, annavaha srotodushti should be done based on treatment principles of shwasa, trushna, amadosha. (char.chik.17)(char.chik.22)

Rasavaha srotodushti should be treated based on treatment principles mentioned in vividha sheetapitiya adhyaya. (char.sutr.28)

In mutravaha, Purishavaha and swedavaha srotodushti, treatment should be done based on treatment principles described in jwara(fever), atisaara (diarrhoea), mutrakrichra(dysuria) chikitsa adhyaya. (char.chik.3) (char.chik.19) (char.chik. 26)

Application of Srotas shareera

Srotas play a prime role in disease manifestation and understanding accurate Ayurvedic pathology along with other core concepts like dosha, dushya etc. Thus, the fundamental concepts of nidan(diagnosis) and chikitsa(treatment) are based of tridosha, dhatu, srotas etc.

There is often a term used in common language while describing treatment aspects of Ayurveda like “cleansing of channels” or “removing disease from it root”. These terms precisely co relate with subjected srotas and treatment of Sroto dushti.

Concept of srotas do not much have a preventive aspect, but a proper flow of dhatus and appropriate excretion of mala from the body does in a certain way is an indication of fitness.

References

  1. Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 40-42)
  2. Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthana Adhyaya 5 Sutra 8-22)
  3. Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 44)
  4. Sushruta Samhita (Sharirsthana Adhyaya 9 Sutra 12)