A A M J Anveshana Ayurveda Medical Journal

A A M J Anveshana Ayurveda Medical Journal wwwaamjin ISSN: 2395-4159 Review Article Critical Review on the Concept of Harish Kumar 1 Prasad Prabhakharrao Pande 2 Pradnya Deshpande 3 Harpreet Kaur 4 A b s t r a c t The concepts of Ayurveda are like roots of the tree, one amongst them is The human body is a conglomeration of the as per our classics Body is composed of numerous which have significant role in the maintenance of the equilibrium of body elements They are responsible for the maintenance of health as well as diseased condition If considered physiologically, are the channels through which different elements undergo transformation, transmutation, circulation and transportation along with their Mūla have been described in Samhitas to know their physiology and pathology The normal functioning of depend on its Mūla Sthana plays an important role in understanding the concept of Sroto Vaiguṇya which is vital step in pathophysiology of disease There is need to study the fundamental and applied aspect of in order to understand the Ayurvedic physiology and disease process in depth Key words: Ayurveda,, channels, Srotovaiguṇya 1 PG Scholar, 2 Associate Professor, 3 Assistant Professor, Department of Rachana Sharira, Pravara Medical Trust s Ayurved College Shevgaon, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra-414502 4 PG Scholar, Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur-302002 CORRESPONDING AUTHOR Dr HARISH KUMAR PG Scholar Department of Rachana Sharira, Pravara Medical Trust s Ayurved College Shevgaon, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra -414502, (India) Email: drharishkumar65@gmailcom AAMJ / Vol 2 / Issue 6 / November December 2016

Harish etal, : Critical Review on the Concept of INTRODUCTION The concepts of Ayurveda are like roots of the tree, one amongst them is The human body is a conglomeration of the as per our classics [i] Body is composed of numerous which have significant role in the maintenance of the equilibrium of body elements They are responsible for the maintenance of health as well as diseased condition [ii] are derivatives or modification of the Pancha Mahābhūta especially Ākāśa Mahābhūta If considered physiologically, are the channels through which different elements undergo transformation, transmutation, circulation and transportation Apart from their normal physiological function they are responsible for the normalcy as well as vitiation of Doṣas Hence in view of Sharira Rachana, Sharira Kriya, Roga Nidana and Chikitsa a detailed & clear knowledge of become very much necessary as it is responsible for carrying and transformation of tissue elements there by maintaining the health Another concept of is it s microscopic description Their function include nourishment, circulation, excretion and reproduction Role of in the maintenance of health and also in bringing out a pathological condition [iii] Table no 1 Showing division of thirteen Sthūla Important most vital conductor of Dhātus of Malas Prāṇavaha Rasavaha Mūtravaha Sro- Udakavaha tas Annavaha Nirukti of Raktavaha Māmsavaha Medavaha Asthivaha Majjāvaha Śukravaha Purīṣavaha Swedavaha (Derivation of word ): 1 Sru Gatau Kśarane Dhātu proves the word, in which any liquid flows 2 Sravati Iti Srotah means where there is Sravaṇa or flow of Doṣa, Dhātu, Mala occurs, that is Gati word denotes three meanings, Gyana, Gamana, Prāpti In context of it means Prāpti or Gamana of Doṣa, Dhātu and Mala 3 In Ayurveda the main symptom is Sravanāt Srotāmsi Here Sravaṇa means Syandana because this meaning is more appropriate for medical science 4 The word is originated from the main Sanskrit root Sru Srawane meaning the structure to flow, Nisārana (to exudates), Pravāhana (to filter), Nirashchyva (to ooze), and Ativedhana (permeate) Synonyms of srotas: Synonyms of given by Acharya Charaka are (channels), Sirā (vein), (artery), Rasāyani (lymphatic channels), Rasavāhini (capillary), Nādi (duct), Pantha (passage), Mārga (track), Sharira Chhidra (spaces inside the body), Samvrtāsamvrata (open or blind passage), Sthāna (site, locus), Ashaya (container), Niketa (resorts) [iv] are also described as Nadinam, Vibaddha Sirā, Chhidram, Mārga, Khāni, Sirā, Rasāyani, Patha, Nādi, Randhra, and Mukha [v] DESCRIPTION OF SROTAS: Charaka Samhita: are Vritta (cylindrical), Sthūla (macroscopic), Aṇu (microscopic), Dīrgha (large) or Pratāna (Reticulated) in shape [vi] According to Acharya Charaka, is the structure through which Sravaṇa takes place Because of transudation they are called as [vii] The pure as well as waste products (of digestion and metabolism) enter into the various channels of circulation and circulate through them [viii] With above example in Charaka Samhita, are channels of circulation which carry the Dhātu (tissue elements or their constituents), undergoing transformation to their destination are pathway of Rasādi Dhātus To elaborate the concept, Charaka has used the term Pariṇāmamāpadyamānānām (meaning undergoing transformation), which is suggestive to the fact, that the channels carry such of the tissue elements as are undergoing transformation from their previous state, like Rasa to its subsequent state Rakta, Rakta to Māmsa and Māmsa to Meda etc Use of the term Ayanārthena Dhātu meaning to their destination (products), but only such of the moving Dhātus (products), as are destined to be transformed to another Dhātu situated elsewhere, are carried by them [ix] Chakrapanidatta: Chakrapanidatta in his commentary explain the Sravaṇa Karma It is that by which Pośaka Rasa is taken to the Pośya Dhātu [x] Sushruta Samhita: Acharya Sushruta has defined as the hollow channel except Sirā and which originating AAMJ / Vol 2 / Issue 6 / November December 2016 1093

Harish etal, : Critical Review on the Concept of from root space spreads in the body and circulate and exude of the specific entities The channels of circulation carry the Dhātu (tissue elements or their constituents undergoing transformation) to their destination Acharya Sushruta stated that and Sirā are quite different from because they are different in Lakśana (symptomatology), Mūlasanniyamāt (system of origin), Karma (function) and textually [xi] Ashtanga Sangraha and Ashtanga Hridaya: The form of these is like Visranala and minute apertures and they are highly extended in long length in which they transport the Dhātus [xii] The term refers, in particular to microscopic channels of transport, as seen from Charaka s observation that Malas (waste products) are removed from Dhātus (tissues) with appropriate nutrition to the extent as required Formation of and its Pānchabhautic Composition: Under the caption of function of Vāyu, Acharya Charaka has stated that Vāyu creates the gross and the subtle channels which dominated by Ākāśa Mahābhūta [xiii] Acharya Charaka also said about in Sharira Sthana; Vivikta (vacant space/pores), Vibhakta and Ākāśa Mahābhūta is main factor in creation of small and large Ākāśa Mahābhūta is main factor in creation of [xiv] According to Acharya Sushruta, Vāta along with sufficient Pitta acts in the Vidīrnata (tear) of [xv] SWARUPA (STRUCTURE) OF SROTAS: According to Acharya Charaka, have their color similar to that of the Dhātu transported through it may be cylindrical, Sthūla (macroscopic), Aṇu (microscopic or small), Dīrgha (large) and Pratāna (reticulated) in shape [xvi] Varṇa of : are very clear and transparent like glass so they called Svadhātu Samavarṇāni which carry blood they have Rakta Varṇa etc [xvii] Table no 2 Showing Varṇa of according to their constituents SrNo Constituents of Varṇa of 1 which carry blood Rakta Varṇa 2 which carry Dūśita blood Śyāva or Nīla Varṇa 3 carrying Rasa or Gaur Śukla Varṇa Lasīka 4 which store faeces 5 which store Nīla (Pakva) Pitta having colour same to them Nīla Varṇa IMPORTANCE AND FUNCTION OF SROTAS: All Bhāvas in Puruṣa never appear nor degenerate without because transfer the Dhātus from one place to another gives nutrition to all over body [xviii] If are in Prakritavastha (healthy) state then our body would also be healthy [xix] They do excrete Malas from body They do Vahana Karma (transfer) of Prāṇa, Vegas of Viṣaya (subject) and Vegas of Cheṣta (activities) in all over body Function of is Abhivahana means transport Rasa from one place to another place It is necessary for entry of one substance, shifting of that substance and exit of that substance in Abhivahana The process between entrances to exit is called Abhivahana It is a common symptom of each but they have different functions too maintain or nourish the structural entities of the body to prevent their destruction [xx] Any abnormality in Dhātus cause abnormality in other Dhātus and leading to a disease [xxi] The in abnormal state not only deteriorate the state of Dhātus but also cause abnormality in the functioning of nearby leading to many local disorders like Pratiśyāya effects nasal cavity and pharynx leading to Kāsa and vice versa [xxii] In overall, the function of the are as given below: 1 All the structural entities are originated from 2 As long as these channels of circulation () perform their normal functions the body remains free from disease 3 carry the elements (Dhātus or their constituents) undergoing transportation to their destination 4 maintain or nourish the structural entities of the body to prevent their destruction 5 They excrete the waste products (Mala) from the body 6 Carry the vital breath for good health 7 All the Doṣa, Dhātu, Mala, Updhātu, Manas, Prāṇa, Anna, Udaka, Malākhya and Prasādakhya Dhātus are transported in the body through 8 Any abnormality in Dhātus causes abnormality in other Dhātus and leading to a disease 9 Development and nourishment of different Bhāvas of the body is not possible without 10 The Vāta, Pitta and Kapha Doṣas are transported from the AAMJ / Vol 2 / Issue 6 / November December 2016 1094

Harish etal, : Critical Review on the Concept of 11 Mana is transported in Chetana Sharira by the According to modern view all functions of are held by different structures in body Thus the functions performed by the at different places in the body by various structures are - 1 Grahaṇa Karma (storage): It is the function of all sinuses and membranes of liver 2 Pāchana Karma (digestion): It is the function of mucous membrane of stomach 3 Poṣaṇa Karma (nutrition): It is the function of cell membrane of lymph and blood vessels 4 Nisaraṇa Karma (elimination): It is the function of membrane of eyes, nose and urinary tract 5 Sravaṇa Karma (secretion): It is the function of all membranes of the body 6 Śoṣaṇa Karma (absorption): Absorption of digested food is carried out by specially mucous membrane of small intestine and other structures also perform it like skin 7 Vahana Karma (carrying): It is the function of endothelial lining of vessels (arteries and veins) 8 Vivechana Karma (selectivity): It is the function of mucous membrane of duodenum and kidney All the above functions are intervening by the TYPES OF SROTAS: According to Acharya Charaka many types of are present in the body The meaning of Murtimān Bhāva is the matter or a substance which has definite shape or limits existed in the body [xxiii] We notice that number of as per Acharya Charaka are been considered as 13, [xxiv] but in the above Shloka he was very clear about the number of Further Sushruta also mentioned about the number of [xxv] Table no 3 Showing different as described by Acharaya Charaka and Sushruta Sr No by Acharaya Charaka by Acharaya Sushruta 1 Prāṇavaha Prāṇavaha 2 Udakavaha Udakavaha 3 Annavaha Annavaha 4 Rasavaha Rasavaha 5 Raktavaha Raktavaha 6 Māmsavaha Māmsavaha 7 Medovaha Medovaha 8 Asthivaha --- 9 Majjāvaha ---- 10 Śukravaha Śukravaha 11 Mūtravaha Mūtravaha 12 Purīṣavaha Purīṣavaha 13 Swedavaha ---- 14 ----- Aartavavaha Instead of these, Charaka described Aartavavaha in the context of Garbha Prakarana Sushruta has omitted the Asthi, Majja and Swedavaha in his counting MŪLA OF SROTAS: The Mūlasthana or the source is so considered that without which the origin, maintenance and destruction of the specific carrier of the body nutrient cannot be possible and the place which controls the entire functional dealings and processes of that specific carrier 26 These data lend support to the observation made by Punarvasu Atreya that no structure in the body can grow, develop, waste or atrophy, independent of Srotānsi that transports Dhātus which later on are constantly subjected to transformation The Srotānsi subserve the needs of transportation Table no 4 Showing Mūla Sthana as described by Acharaya Charaka and Sushruta SN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Name of Prāṇavaha Udakavaha Annavaha Rasavaha Raktavaha Māmsavaha Medavaha Asthivaha Majjāvaha Śukravaha Mūtravaha Purīṣavaha Swedavaha Ārtavavaha Acharaya Charaka Hridaya, Mahāsrotas Tālu, Kloma Āmāshaya, Vāmapārshva Hridaya, 10 Yakrita, Plīha Snāyu, Twaka Vrikka, Vapāvahana Meda, Jaghana Pradeśa Acharaya Sushruta Hridaya, Rasavāhini Tālu, Kloma Āmāshaya, Annavāhini Hridaya, Rasavāhini Yakrita, Plīha and Raktavāhini Snāyu, Twaka and Raktavāhini Kati, Vrikka ----- Asthi, Sandhi ----- Vriśana, Śepha Vasti, Vankśana Pakvāśaya, Sthūla Guda Meda, Loma Kūpa ---- Stana, Vriśana Vasti, Medhra Pakvāśaya, Guda Garbhāśaya, Ārtavavāhini AAMJ / Vol 2 / Issue 6 / November December 2016 1095

Harish etal, : Critical Review on the Concept of Determination of Mūlasthāna of : For the determination of the Mūlasthana of some points have been logically and categorically counted in the various classics such as A Utpatti Sthana (Mūlasthana related with origin point of view) B Sangraha Sthana (Mūlasthana related with storage) C Naidanika Dristikona (Mūlasthana related with diagnostic point of view) D Chikitsatmaka Dristikona (Mūlasthana related with clinical point of view) Among the above mentioned points some points are considered in combination in some texts and considered separately in some contexts to determine the source of Mūlasthana But the clinical standpoint has been considered in all the cases of determination of the Mūlasthana Hence justification of the consideration of Mūlasthana of respective in the preview of above points is the contextual need and subject matter Causes of Srotoduśti: It means that food and conducts which is similar to Gunas of Vātadi Doṣas and opposite to Gunas of Dhātu are causes of Srotoduśti Causes of Srotorodha are day sleep except in summer, taking cold water after process of Snehapana, Aṇuvasana, Vamana, Virechana, Niruha Vasti etc [xxvii] Types of Srotoduśti: Symptoms of Sroto Duśti are obstruction or excessive flowing of materials in, Granthi formation in Sirā and going to opposite direction of flowing material as Mala going to Mūtra Mārga [xxviii] Symptoms Of Srotoviddha: Symptoms of Srotoviddha are Moha, Kampana, Ādhmāna (flatulence), Chardi (vomiting), Jwara (fever), Pralāpa (delirium), Śūla (pain), obstruction of urine and stool and leading to death So in the case of Srotoviddha, Vaidhya should remove that particular Shalya and treat like acute wound [xxix] Pathogenesis of Diseases due to Srotoduśti: Doṣas get obstructed due to Sroto Vaiguṇya, then there disease originates Kha Vaiguṇyata means Sroto Vaigunta according to Dalhana Diseases which are originated due to Sroto Duśti are Klama, Jwara, Rājayakśma, Udara Roga, Āmvāta etc CONCLUSION represents the inner transport system of the body The term refers, in particular to microscopic channels of transport, exchange and excretion includes almost all range of structural and functional entities of the body along with their Mūla have been described in Samhitas to know their physiology and pathology plays an important role in understanding the concept of Srotovaiguṇya which is vital step in pathophysiology of disease which in turn helps the physician to take decisions precisely with respect to treatment and prognosis REFERENCES ΛΛΛΛ i Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana Sthana 5/4-5, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi ii Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana Sthana 5/4-5, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi iii Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana iv Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana Sthana 5/9, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi commentary v Astanga Samgraha of Srimad Vrddhavagbhata, Vol-I Sharira Sthana 6/21, Edited with Indu Hindi commentary by Dr Ravidutt Tripathi, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, Reprint edition 2006 vi Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana Sthana 5/25, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi vii Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Sutra Sthana 30/12, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi viii Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Sutra Sthana 28/5, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi AAMJ / Vol 2 / Issue 6 / November December 2016 1096

Harish etal, : Critical Review on the Concept of ix Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana x Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Sutra Sthana 30/12, Edited with Ayurvedadipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta and Vidotini Hindi commentary by Pandit Kashinatha Sastri and Dr Gangasahaya Pandey, 2012 xi Susruta Samhita of Maharasi Susruta, Vol-I Sharira Sthana 9/13, Edited with Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika Hindi commentary by Kaviraja Ambikadutta shastri, 2010 xii Astanga Hridayam of Srimad Vagbhata, Vol-I Sharira Sthana 3/46, Edited with Nirmala Hindi commentary by Dr Brahmanand Tripathi, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, Reprint edition 2014 xiii Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Sutra Sthana 12/7, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi xiv Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Sharira Sthana 7/16, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi xv Susruta Samhita of Maharasi Susruta, Vol-I Sharira Sthana 4/28, Edited with Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika Hindi commentary by Kaviraja Ambikadutta shastri, 2010 xvi Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana Sthana 5/25, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi xvii Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana Sthana 5/25, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi xviii Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana xix Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana Sthana 5/6, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi commentary xx Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-II Chikitsa Sthana 8/39, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi xxi Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana Sthana 5/9, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi commentary xxii Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Nidaana Sthana 8/19, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi xxiii Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana xxiv Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana Sthana 5/6, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi commentary xxv Susruta Samhita of Maharasi Susruta, Vol-I Sharira Sthana 9/12, Edited with Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika Hindi commentary by Kaviraja Ambikadutta shastri, 2010 xxvi Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana xxvii Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana Sthana 5/23, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi xxviii Acharya Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Vol-I Vimana Sthana 5/24, Edited with Charaka Chandrika Hindi xxix Astanga Hridayam of Srimad Vagbhata, Vol-I Sharira Sthana 3/47-48, Edited with Nirmala Hindi commentary by Dr Brahmanand Tripathi, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, Reprint edition 2014 Source of Support: Nil Conflict of Interest: None declared How to cite this article: Harish etal, : Critical Review on the Concept of AAMJ 2016; 6:1092 1097 ΛΛΛΛ AAMJ / Vol 2 / Issue 6 / November December 2016 1097