PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF SROTAS AS PER AYURVEDA
Abstract
The living body is the result of the aggregation of numerous structures known as 'srotas.' The term 'srotamsi' refers to both individual cells, called 'anusrotas,' and different organ systems, known as 'sthula srotas,' as it signifies channels. Its etymology can be traced back to the Sanskrit root 'stru-strabane' dhatu, which carries various meanings, such as exudation, oozing, filtration, permeation, flowing, and movement. According to the Charaka Samhita, srotas is a structure responsible for the process of 'sravanam' or the flow of substances. Srotas plays a fundamental role in Ayurveda, influencing both health and disease. Recent developments in the field of medicine have highlighted its significance. Charaka Acharya emphasized the structural and functional integrity of this system in relation to physiological and pathological states. He noted that no structure in the body can grow or waste away independently of the srotas, which transport vital substances undergoing constant metabolic transformations. Srotas function as transporters of factors that either excite (prakopa) or alleviate (shamana) doshas.
Key-words - Ayurveda, Srotas, Sharir, Dosha, Dhatu, Srotodushti
References
Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita Volume I, Sharirsthana 1/16 (Charaka and Dridhabala with Chakrapani commentary and Vidyotini Hindi commentary) Chowkhamba Sanskrit Santhana, Varanasi Prakashan; Sixth Edition 2000 page 692.
Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita Sharir Sthana 1/19 (with Dalhana and Gayadas commentary) Chowkhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint; 5th Edition, 1992 page 343.
Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita Volume I, Sutra sthana 26/11 (Charaka and Dridhabala with Chakrapani commentary and Vidyotini Hindi commentary) Chowkhamba Sanskrit Santhana, Varanasi Prakashan; Sixth Edition 2000 page 335.
Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita Sharira Sthana 4/5 (with Dalhana and Gayadas commentary) Chowkhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint; 5th Edition, 1992 page 355.
Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita Volume I, Vimana sthana 5/25 (Charaka and Dridhabala with Chakrapanicommentary and Vidyotini Hindi commentary) Chowkhamba Sanskrit Santhana, Varanasi Prakashan; Sixth Edition 2000 page 596.
Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita Volume I, Vimana sthana 5/9 (Charaka and Dridhabala with Chakrapani commentary and Vidyotini Hindi commentary) Chowkhamba Sanskrit Santhana, Varanasi Prakashan; Sixth Edition 2000 page 594.
Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita Volume I, Vimana sthana 5/4 (Charaka and Dridhabala with Chakrapani commentary and Vidyotini Hindi commentary) Chowkhamba Sanskrit Santhana, Varanasi Prakashan; Sixth Edition 2000 page 591.
Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita Sharira Sthana 4/28 (with Dalhana and Gayadas commentary) Chowkhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint; 5th Edition, 1992 page 357.
Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita Volume I, Vimana sthana 5/6 (Charaka and Dridhabala with Chakrapani commentary and Vidyotini Hindi commentary) Chowkhamba Sanskrit Santhana, Varanasi Prakashan; Sixth Edition 2000 page 591.
Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita Volume I, Vimana sthana 5/3 (Charaka and Dridhabala with Chakrapani commentary and Vidyotini Hindi commentary) Chowkhamba Sanskrit Santhana, Varanasi Prakashan; Sixth Edition 2000 page 590.
Devi Chand. The Atharvaveda (Sanskrit text with English translation by Munshiram, Manohar Lal Publishers Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi, 1995.
Bhagwad Gita 5/13.
Apte VS. The Students Sanskrit English Dictionary, Nag Publishers, Jawahar Nagar, Delhi-7, India, 1993.
Agnivesa, Caraka Samhita, Nirantarpad Vyakhya Commentary by Jejjata, Motilal Banarasidas Publishers, Varanasi, 1940.
Gaur Damodar Sharma, Parishadhayam Shabdhartha Shariram Edited by Publisher Pt. Shri Vaidyanath, Ayurved Bhawan Ltd Nagpur Edition 2nd 1979.
Ambika Dutta Sastry, Susruta Samhita, Published by Chaukamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 1996.
Ambika Dutta Sastry, 9th Edition, Rasaratna Samuchaya, Published by Chaukamba Amara Bharathi Prakasan, Varanasi, 1995.
Dwarikanath C. Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda
Deva Raja Radha Kanta, Sabda Kalpadruma, Caukhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, 3rd edition, 1967.
Garnath Sen, Pratyaksha Shariram, Published by Charu Chand, edition 3rd.
Parishadhyam, Shabdarth Sariram. Ed. By Dr. Damodar Sharma Gaur, Shri Baidyanath Ayurveda Bhawan, Ltd., Nagpur, 2nd Ed, 1979.
M Monier, Williams A Sanskrit–English Dictionary, Motilal Banarasidas Publishers Pvt. Ltd., Delhi, 1999.
Gopalacharya D. MÁdhava Nid Ánam; Published by Prachi Publications, Hyderabad, 1995.
