Abstract

Abstract

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian practice of holistic medical care. The body contains numerous channels through which the dhatus, doshas and malas circulate, known as strotas. According Ayurvedic classic ‘Srotamayam hi shariram’ means living body is channel or comprised of channels or system. Srotas are so called because they have ‘sravana’ (oozing) – allow materials to pass through them very slowly. Srotas, in broad term refers to the channels of circulation present in the human body. Anatomically and physiologically, channels of circulation have great importance. Acharya  Sushruta says that, the channels of circulation are present in intra-cellular, inter-cellular and extra-cellular spaces of the human body. Raktavahastrotas originate from the Yakrita (liver) and Pliha (spleen). The chief function of Raktavahastrotas is transportation of Rakta (blood) to the Rakta dhatu. Anatomically, the channels of circulation are distinct from blood vessels including arteries, veins and capillaries and are omnipresent in the human body. From physiological point of view, channels of circulation are primarily responsible for the circulation of three biological humors, tissues and waste-products to organs and organelles. Blood channels originate in the liver and spleen and transport blood to the Rakta dhatu (all over the body). This group of channels is often referred to as the circulatory system.