Hour 21 Ayurveda

Srotas (Channels Of Circulation)

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  • The term srotas is derived from the root “Sru,” it means “because of flow” or “due to flowing.”
  • Srotas are “those which allow flow” or “The pathways that facilitate the flow of substances.”
  • Srotas refers to channels or pathways within the body that are involved in the uniterrupted transportation of tissues which are in the process of transforming or converting themselves  These channels allow the flow of nutrients, energy, and waste products.
  • Each Srotas serves a unique role in maintaining the body’s balance, or doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
  • The concept of Srotas is central to understanding how the body functions holistically. Any disturbance in these channels can lead to imbalance and disease. Thus, maintaining the health of the Srotas is key to overall well-being.
Structure of Srotas
  • Srotas are located within the spaces of the body.
  • They spread all through the body and carry essential materials.
  • They are totally different structures from Sir(veins, lymphatics, etc.) and Dhamani (arteries, nerves)
  • The srotas has the color of the dhatu (tissue) it carries.
  • They are of different shapes and sizes i.e. round, thick, large, small, microscopic elongated, and form networks and branches.
  • Therefore based on such explanations, each and every cell can be related to srotas since the transport mechanism occurs within the cell and between the cells.
  • The number of srotas is directly proportional to the number of solid substances that are present in the body.
Types of Srotas:

Srotas are broadly classified into two groups:

  1. Bahirmukha Srotas (external openings or apertures) and
  2. Antarmukha Srotas (internal channels)
Bahirmukha Srotas :
  • Those that have their openings on the exterior of the body are called bahirmukha srotas. They are large openings.
  • They are 10 in number- 2 nostrils, 2 (auditory opening)ears, 2 eyes (orbital opening), 1 oral cavity, 1 anal orifice, 1 urinary opening, and 1 located in the center of the head.
  • For females, there are 3 more external openings which include the 2 mammary glands (breasts) and 1 cervical opening (birth canal).
  • Antarmukha Srotas :
  • Antarmukha srotas are those channels that are present inside the body and also have openings within the body.
  • They are also called Yogavahi srotas as they take up the size, shape, and color of the tissue that they are transporting.
  • They are 14 in number as per Acharya Charaka and 11 in number as per Acharya Sushrutha.
S.NOCHARAKAS.NOSUSHRUTHA
1Pranavaha srotas1Pranavaha srotas
2Annavaha srotas2Annavaha srotas
3Udakavaha srotas3Udakavaha srotas
4Rasavaha srotas4Rasavaha srotas
5Raktavaha srotas5Raktavaha srotas
6Mamsavaha srotas6Mamsavaha srotas
7Medovaha srotas7Medovaha srotas
8Asthivaha srotas   –
9Majjavaha  srotas   –
10Shukravaha srotas8Shukravaha srotas
11Mutravaha  srotas9Mutravaha  srotas
12Pureeshavaha srotas10Pureeshavaha srotas
13Swedavaha srotas   –
14Manovaha srotas11Artavavaha srotas

Importance of srotasNourishment and Detoxification: Srotas transport nutrients to tissues and help eliminate waste. Healthy Srotas ensure proper digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. Disease Prevention: When the Srotas is

  • Nourishment and Detoxification: Srotas transport nutrients to tissues and help eliminate waste. Healthy Srotas ensure proper digestion, metabolism, and detoxification.
  • Disease Prevention: When Srotas is blocked or impaired, it leads to Srotodushti (channel dysfunction), which is the root cause of many diseases. Balanced Srotas help maintain doshic harmony.
  • Mind-Body Connection: Srotas also carry Prana (life energy) and mental energy, connecting physical and emotional health. Healthy Srotas promote mental clarity, emotional stability, and a strong immune system.
  • Circulation and Immunity: They circulate blood, oxygen, and nutrient plasma, ensuring tissue nourishment and a strong defense against illness by supporting the flow of Ojas (immunity).
  • Reproductive Health: Srotas related to reproductive tissues (Shukravaha Srotas) are crucial for fertility, vitality, and hormonal balance.
  1. Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory Channels):
    • Function: Carries Prana (life force or oxygen) throughout the body.
    • Root: Hridaya (heart) and Mahasrotas (stomach).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Inhaling polluted air, smoking, or environmental toxins.
      • Excessive mental stress or overexertion.
      • Improper breathing techniques.
      • Weak digestion leads to the formation of Ama (toxins).
      • Vitiation of Vata and Kapha doshas.
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Breathing difficulties, asthma, and weakness.
  2. Annavaha Srotas (Digestive Channels):
    • Function: Carries food (Anna) and nourishes the body.
    • Root: Amashaya (stomach) and Vamapatha (esophagus).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Overeating or eating unhealthy/junk food.
      • Irregular eating habits or overeating at night.
      • Eating foods that are heavy, greasy, or difficult to digest.
      • Suppression of natural urges, such as hunger and thirst.
      • Weak Agni (digestive fire).
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Indigestion, nausea, and lack of appetite.
  3. Udakavaha Srotas (Water Channels):
    • Function: Carries water and maintains hydration.
    • Root: Talu (palate) and Kloma (pancreas or trachea).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Excessive dehydration or overconsumption of water.
      • High intake of salty, dry, or spicy foods.
      • Excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea.
      • Vitiation of Kapha and Pitta doshas.
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Dehydration, excessive thirst, and dry skin.
  4. Rasavaha Srotas (Nutrient Plasma Channels):
    • Function: Carries Rasa (plasma) to nourish the tissues.
    • Root: Hridaya (heart) and Rasavahi Dhamani (blood vessels).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Poor nutrition or malnutrition.
      • Irregular meal patterns or unbalanced diet.
      • Overuse of cold, processed, or incompatible foods.
      • Emotional stress or excessive mental work.
      • Impairment of Kapha and Pitta doshas.
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Anemia, fatigue, and poor circulation.
  5. Raktavaha Srotas (Blood Channels):
    • Function: Carries Rakta (blood) to supply oxygen and nutrients.
    • Root: Yakrit (liver) and Pleeha (spleen).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Consumption of excessively spicy, oily, or fried foods.
      • Excessive exposure to heat or sunlight.
      • Stress or emotional trauma.
      • Lack of proper detoxification.
      • Vitiation of Pitta dosha.
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Skin disorders, bleeding disorders, and anemia.
  6. Mamsavaha Srotas (Muscle Tissue Channels):
    • Function: Carries Mamsa Dhatu (muscle tissue) for growth and strength.
    • Root: Snayu (ligaments) and Tvak (skin).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Lack of physical activity or excessive physical exertion.
      • Poor diet lacking in protein or muscle-building nutrients.
      • Overconsumption of Kapha-aggravating foods (dairy, sweets).
      • Vitiation of Kapha and Vata doshas.
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Weak muscles, muscle atrophy, and overgrowths like tumors.
  7. Medovaha Srotas (Fat Tissue Channels):
    • Function: Carries Meda Dhatu (fat tissue) to maintain body fat and energy.
    • Root: Vapavahan (kidneys) and Kati (pelvic region).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Lack of physical activity or excessive physical exertion.
      • Poor diet lacking in protein or muscle-building nutrients.
      • Overconsumption of Kapha-aggravating foods (dairy, sweets).
      • Vitiation of Kapha and Vata doshas.
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Obesity, excessive weight loss, and lethargy.
  8. Asthivaha Srotas (Bone Tissue Channels):
    • Function: Carries Asthi Dhatu (bone tissue) for skeletal structure.
    • Root: Meda Dhatu (fat tissue) and Jaghan (pelvis).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Calcium and mineral deficiencies.
      • Poor nutrition or excessive intake of acidic foods.
      • Vata imbalance due to aging, cold exposure, or dryness.
      • Excessive physical strain on bones.
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Bone weakness, joint pain, and osteoporosis.
  9. Majjavaha Srotas (Bone Marrow and Nerve Channels):
    • Function: Carries Majja Dhatu (bone marrow and nerve tissue) for nervous and bone marrow functions.
    • Root: Asthi Dhatu (bones) and Sandhi (joints).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Poor nutrition and lack of fatty acids in the diet.
      • Excessive stress, anxiety, or overworking the brain.
      • Vata dosha imbalance, leading to neurological issues.
      • Prolonged use of stimulants or narcotics.
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Neurological disorders, confusion, and tremors.
  10. Shukravaha Srotas (Reproductive Channels):
    • Function: Carries Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue) for procreation and vitality.
    • Root: Vrishana (testicles) and Shepha (penis), or Garbhashaya (uterus) and Artava (menstrual fluid).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Excessive sexual activity or celibacy.
      • Mental stress or emotional trauma.
      • Poor diet lacking in nourishment for reproductive health.
      • Hormonal imbalances due to improper lifestyle.
      • Vitiation of Vata and Pitta doshas.
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Infertility, sexual dysfunction, and menstrual disorders.
  11. Mutravaha Srotas (Urinary Channels):
    • Function: Carries urine (Mutra) to eliminate waste.
    • Root: Basti (bladder) and Vankshana (ureter).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Dehydration or excessive fluid intake.
      • Suppression of the urge to urinate.
      • Consumption of diuretic substances (alcohol, caffeine).
      • Vitiation of Pitta and Vata doshas.
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Urinary retention, incontinence, and burning urination.
  12. Purishavaha Srotas (Fecal Channels):
    • Function: Carries feces (Purisha) for elimination.
    • Root: Pakvashaya (large intestine) and Guda (anus).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Poor diet high in processed, heavy, or junk food.
      • Suppressing natural urges for bowel movement.
      • Dehydration or lack of fiber.
      • Vitiation of Vata and Kapha doshas.
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
  13. Swedavaha Srotas (Sweat Channels):
    • Function: Carries sweat (Sweda) to regulate temperature and remove waste.
    • Root: Meda Dhatu (fat tissue) and Romakupa (skin pores).
    • Causes of Imbalance:
      • Excessive heat exposure, spicy foods, or high Pitta.
      • Lack of exercise leads to improper sweating.
      • Dehydration or improper skin hygiene.
      • Vitiation of Pitta dosha.
    • Symptoms of Disturbance: Excessive sweating or lack of sweating, skin issues.
Manovaha Srotas (Channels that carry mental thoughts & emotions):
  • They are the channels responsible for carrying Manas (mind or mental energy).
  • These Srotas connect the mind with the rest of the body, reflecting the deep relationship between physical health and mental well-being.
  • The site for Manovaha srotas is Hrudaya (heart) and Dasha dhamani (10 major vessels)
Functions of Manovaha Srotas:
  1. Mental Activity: These channels support thought processes, cognition, memory, and emotional responses.
  2. Mind-Body Connection: They regulate how the mind interacts with the senses and the body, influencing emotional and physical health.
  3. Sensory Perception: Manovaha Srotas help in processing sensory inputs from sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
  4. Causes of Imbalance (Srotodushti) in Manovaha Srotas:
Causes of Imbalance (Srotodushti) in Manovaha Srotas:
  1. Stress, Anxiety, and Overwork: Excessive mental strain leads to disturbances.
  2. Suppressed Emotions: Repressed feelings can block the mental channels.
  3. Improper Diet and Lifestyle: Poor nutrition, irregular sleep, and lack of mental relaxation impair these channels.
  4. Vata Imbalance: High Vata, which governs movement and mental activity, can aggravate Manovaha Srotas.
Disorders of Manovaha Srotas:
  • Anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
  • Brain fog, lack of concentration, or memory issues.
  • Emotional instability or excessive stress.
Management :
  • Dietary modifications: Eating Sattvic (pure, calming) foods helps maintain mental clarity.
  • Meditation and Pranayama: Calms the mind and balances Prana (life energy).
  • Stress Management: Regular rest, mindful activities, and emotional expression promote healthy mental flow.
Artavavaha Srotas (Channels of Menstrual blood & reproductive fluids and hormones)
  • Artavavaha Srotas are the channels responsible for carrying Artava, which refers to menstrual fluid (ovum and related substances).
  • These channels play a crucial role in female reproductive health and overall well-being.
  • Their roots are located in uterus (Garbhashaya) and Artavavaha dhamani (fallopian tubes, arteries that supply the uterus, cervix and vagina).
Functions of Artavavaha Srotas:
  1. Menstrual Cycle Regulation: These channels are essential for the regular flow of menstrual blood, supporting the menstrual cycle.
  2. Reproductive Health: They facilitate the transportation of nutrients and hormones necessary for ovulation, menstruation, and fertility.
  3. Connection to Ojas: Healthy Artavavaha Srotas contribute to the formation of Ojas (vital energy), which is vital for overall health and vitality.
Causes of Imbalance:
  1. Hormonal Imbalance: Disruptions in hormonal levels, such as estrogen and progesterone, can lead to irregularities.
  2. Stress and Anxiety: Mental and emotional stress can affect the regularity and flow of menstruation.
  3. Improper Diet: Poor nutrition, particularly a diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, can affect reproductive health.
  4. Physical Exhaustion: Overexertion or lack of adequate rest can disrupt the natural flow of Artava.
Disorders of Artavavaha Srotas:
  • Irregular menstrual cycles or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) or painful periods (dysmenorrhea).
  • Infertility or difficulty in conception.
Summarization
  • Srotas are the channels that are responsible for the transport of vital substances, nutrients, and waste within the body.
  • There are 15 primary srotas, each playing a crucial role in maintaining health by ensuring proper circulation, digestion, and detoxification at both physical and mental levels.
  • The importance of srotas lies in their ability to maintain the body’s equilibrium and support overall vitality.
  • Healthy srotas ensure that nutrients reach every tissue, waste is efficiently eliminated, and the body’s energies flow freely.
  • Imbalances or blockages in these channels can lead to diseases, so keeping srotas healthy through a balanced diet, lifestyle, and stress management is essential for overall well-being.