AYURVEDIC SROTAS: TYPES, DISEASES & CLASSICAL MANAGEMENT – A DETAILED REVIEW

AYURVEDIC SROTAS: TYPES, DISEASES & CLASSICAL MANAGEMENT – A DETAILED REVIEW

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ABSTRACT

Srotas (macro–micro channels of transport) represent one of the most fundamental concepts of Ayurvedic physiology and pathology. They regulate the flow of nutrients, waste products, energy, and information throughout the body. Disturbance in any Srotas leads to Srotodushti—structural or functional impairment—manifesting as disease. This article presents an in-depth explanation of all Srotas as described by Charaka and Suśruta, detailing their types, mūla (origin), functions, causes of vitiation, clinical features, and classical Ayurvedic management.

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1. INTRODUCTION

The Ayurvedic concept of Srotas is comparable to:

• Anatomical pathways

• Physiological channels

• Biochemical transport systems

• Cellular and intercellular networks

Charaka describes 13 pairs of Srotas, Suśruta expands them to 11 pairs with added detail. Their structural integrity ensures health, while dysfunction leads to Vyādhi (disease).

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2. TYPES OF SROTAS (ACCORDING TO CLASSICAL TEXTS)

Caraka Saṃhitā – 13 Pairs

1. Prāṇavaha Srotas

2. Annavaha Srotas

3. Udakavaha Srotas

4. Rasavaha Srotas

5. Raktavaha Srotas

6. Māṃsavaha Srotas

7. Medaḥvaha Srotas

8. Asthivaha Srotas

9. Majjāvaha Srotas

10. Śukravaha Srotas

11. Mutravaha Srotas

12. Purīṣavaha Srotas

13. Svedavaha Srotas

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3. SROTAS: DESCRIPTION, DISEASE & MANAGEMENT

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3.1 PRĀṆAVAHA SROTAS

Mūla: Hṛdaya & Mahāsrotas (Charaka)

Functions

• Respiration

• Oxygenation

• Vital energy circulation

Causes of vitiation

• Smoke inhalation

• Dust, pollutants

• Overexertion

• Suppression of natural urges

Diseases

• Śvāsa (Asthma)

• Kāsa (Cough)

• Hṛdroga

• Vāta-Kapha–obstructive disorders (similar to COPD)

Management (Classical)

• Vamana (Kapha-dominant conditions)

• Virechana for Pitta-involvement

• Vāsā, Kantakārī, Pippalī, Talisādi churna

• Dashamoola kvath

• Snehana + Swedana before Panchakarma

• Nasya: Anu Taila

• Agastya Haritaki Rasayana

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3.2 ANNAVAHA SROTAS

Mūla: Amāśaya, Annavahini Dhamani

Diseases

• Ajeerna

• Grahaṇi

• Peptic disorders

• Indigestion-related disorders

Management

• Deepana & Pachana – Trikatu, Chitraka, Jeeraka

• Takra (Buttermilk) for Grahaṇi

• Hingvastaka churna

• Virechana for chronic Grahaṇi

• Bilwadi churna

• Laghupanchamula decoction

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3.3 UDAKAVAHA SROTAS

Mūla: Talu & Kloma

Diseases

• Excessive thirst (Polydipsia)

• Oedema

• Dehydration disorders

Management

• Panchamruta, Draksha, Yashtimadhu for dehydration

• Virechana if Pitta aggravated

• Basti for Vata-type dehydration

• Water-regulating herbs: Shatavari, Sariva

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3.4 RASAVAHA SROTAS

Mūla: Hṛdaya & Dhamanis

Diseases

• Anorexia

• Anaemia’s early stage

• Chronic fatigue

• Malnutrition

Management

• Laghusootashekhara ras, Chyavanaprasha

• Rasayana therapy – Guduchi, Amalaki

• Diet rich in easily digestible foods

• Snehapana for Rasa enhancement

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3.5 RAKTAVAHA SROTAS

Mūla: Yakrit & Pleeha

Diseases

• Raktapitta

• Skin diseases

• Bleeding disorders

• Liver-spleen diseases

Management

• Raktamokshana (Leech therapy, Siravyadha)

• Triphala, Manjistha, Sariva, Neem

• Patolakaturohinyadi kwath

• Punarnava for liver-spleen disorders

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3.6 MĀṂSAVAHA SROTAS

Mūla: Snāyu & Raktavahini Dhamani

Diseases

• Cysts

• Myopathies

• Abscess (Vidradhi)

• Muscular dystrophy (Ayurvedic correlation)

Management

• Guggulu formulations – Yogaraja guggulu

• Mamsa Rasayana: Ashwagandha, Bala, Shatavari

• Abhyanga with Bala-Ashwagandha taila

• Niruha Basti for Vata disorders

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3.7 MEDOVAHASROTAS

Mūla: Kati, Vrikka, Vapavahana

Diseases

• Obesity

• Lipid disorders

• Diabetes

• Hormonal disorders

Management

• Lekhana therapy: Triphala, Guggulu, Musta, Trikatu

• Udwartana (Powder massage)

• Takra Basti

• Medohara decoctions

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3.8 ASTHIVĀHA SROTAS

Mūla: Vrukka & Asthi

Diseases

• Osteoporosis

• Dental problems

• Bone pains

• Degenerative disorders

Management

• Laksha, Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis)

• Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Bala

• Ksheera-based preparations

• Asthi-poshaka Rasayana

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3.9 MAJJĀVAHA SROTAS

Mūla: Asthi & Majja dhara kala

Diseases

• Neurological disorders

• Depression

• Bone marrow disorders

• Degenerative neuronal diseases

Management

• Maha Bala Taila, Ksheerabala Taila

• Nasya with Medhya dravyas

• Ghee-based preparations – Brahmi ghrita

• Basti therapy essential

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3.10 ŚUKRAVĀHA SROTAS

Mūla: Vrishana & Shepha

Diseases

• Infertility

• Erectile dysfunction

• Oligospermia

Management

• Vrishya therapy – Shukra vardhaka dravyas

• Ashwagandha, Kapikacchu, Shatavari

• Vrishya ghrita, Phala ghrita

• Virechana if Pitta-induced infertility

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3.11 MUTRAVĀHA SROTAS

Mūla: Basti & Medhra

Diseases

• UTI

• Dysuria

• Urinary retention

• Prostate disorders

Management

• Gokshuradi Guggulu

• Punarnavadi kwath

• Varunadi kwath

• Basti therapy in chronic retention

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3.12 PURĪṢAVĀHA SROTAS

Mūla: Pakvāśaya & Guda

Diseases

• Constipation

• IBS

• Piles

• Fistula

Management

• Triphala

• Eranda Taila

• Mridu Virechana

• Kshara karma for hemorrhoids

• Basti for Vata-related constipation

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3.13 SVEDAVĀHA SROTAS

Mūla: Meda & Romakupa

Diseases

• Anhidrosis

• Excessive sweating

• Skin disorders

Management

• Raktashodhana & Svedana

• Triphala, Neem, Sariva

• Udwartana

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4. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF SROTODUSHTI MANAGEMENT

1. Remove the cause (Nidāna Parivarjana)

2. Digest the āma (Deepana–Pachana)

3. Doṣa balancing

4. Śodhana (Detoxification)

   • Vamana for Kapha

   • Virechana for Pitta

   • Basti for Vata

5. Rasayana therapy

6. Diet + Lifestyle correction

7. Yoga & Pranayama

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5. CONCLUSION

Srotas theory forms the backbone of Ayurvedic physiology, pathology, and therapeutics. Understanding Srotas enables the physician to assess disease at its earliest stage, plan accurate treatments, and prevent complications. Classical Ayurvedic management—including Deepana-Pachana, Panchakarma, Rasayana, and Pathya-ahara—restores Srotas integrity and ensures long-term health.