AN EVALUATION OF MEDOVAHA SROTO MULA (CHARAKOKTA) W.S.R. TO ATIHRUSVA (SHORT OR DWARFISM): A REVIEW

Abstract

                                        In Ayurveda the concept of Sortras is like roots of the tree. The human body is a conglomeration of the Srotas as per our classics. “Srotas” can be described as channels or passages where nutrition flows, interact and transfers. One of them being “Medovaha Srotas” which stands for channels carrying the fat tissue in body starting from its formation to demise of its constituents. According to Charaka –the roots of Medovaha srotas are located in: Vrukka –Kidneys and Vapavahanam – Peritoneum or omentum (layers covering and protecting the abdominal organs). Sushruta has narrated “Katee”, and “Vrukkau” as the Mula or root of origin for “Medovaha Srotas” and the vitiation of Medovaha srotas will lead to the manifestation of 8 types of socially unfit body frames. and Atihrusva (short or dwarfism) is one of them.

                                                In modern science, Atihrusva can be correlated with short people or dwarfism. Dwarfism is short stature that results from a genetic or medical condition. Dwarfism is generally defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (147 cm) or less. The average adult height among people with dwarfism is 4 feet (122 cm).

Some people prefer the term "short stature" or "little people" rather than "dwarf" or "dwarfism." So, it's important to be sensitive to the preference of someone who has this disorder. Short stature disorders do not include familial short stature — short height that's considered a normal variation with normal bone development.

Keywords- Medovaha Srotas, Atihrusva, Dwarfism ,Vrukka, Vapavahanam.