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Introduction

Ayurveda described theory of Panchbhoutikatva of each matter in universe comprising of human body also, which is made up of three bioenergy’s i.e. Dosha, Dhatu and Mala.  Sarata  is described by Chakrapani as Vishuddatara Dhatu (highest level of tissue excellence).1 Dhatus have same set of functions in every individual but quality and richness of these functions may vary from person to person, which decide by the finest, purest and excellent state of these Dhatus which is nothing but the ‘Dhatu Sarata’ that means Vishudhatar avashtha, Utkarshavastha, Uttamavastha because equilibrium of these Dhatu is Arogya(health).2  It is the only clinical method of investigation by which state of Dhatu and functioning capacity of Dhatu can be understood. Acharya Charaka had advocated about eight types of sara pariksha specially meant for ‘Balaman Dhyanarth of Dhatu’. Every individual is examined by various means as per classical text of Ayurveda as like’ Dashvidh Pariksha’ which include Sarata Parikshan. Sara Pariksha primarily determines the strength of a person. The features of Raktasarata includes Tamra Snigdha Varna Karna, Akshi, Mukh, Jivha, Nasa, Osta ,Panital, Padtal , Nakh, Lalat and Mehan. Along with above all organs possesses peculiar lustfulness and dazzling appearance ie. Shrimadabhrajishnu.3

Objective:

1. To critical review of Sarata with reference to  Raktasarata.

Methodology:

Literatures review done from classical textbook of Ayurveda as well as including original articles and paper published in national and international journals. Conceptual review done from Various Ayurvedic treatises and other classical Ayurveda books.

Discussion

Dashavidha Pariksha of Aatura in which Sarata Parikshan is included. This is done to assess vishudhhatar dhatu. Sara examination indicates Bala of an individual. One cannot function and can’t resist without ‘Bala’. It is quite difficult practically to assess each and every quality of Dhatusarata mentioned in Charak Samhita for, e.g. Sukha(health), Aishwarya(wealth) , Upabhaog, Bala etc., Among these, Sukha quality is quoted in Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda and Shukra Sara. Strength of Dhatu depends in the body  on Ahara-Vihara and Agni of the person. For a healthy person, equilibrium of Dosha, Dhatu and Mala is essential as in the body.8 As per Acharya  Vaghbhat,  tvacha and rakta upto satva sara are eight types of sara. From these sarata one can get the knowledge of pramana of bala of a person. For both aims of Ayurved science, namely, maintain of heath and if diseased, to cure the disease and come back to homeostatic condition, one needs to know his Bala. Thus, one should examine the individual with reference to the excellence of his Dhatus i.e. Sara.9

In a study  it was observed that  there is association of blood indices and Dhatusarata. Raktasarata showed positive and significant correlation with MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration),  MCH (Mean corpuscular volume) and MCV (mean corpuscular volume). MCHC showed positive correlation with highest correlation value.10

 Sara examination is needed whenever one wanted to adopt career in a particular essential for selection of particular occupation. Each occupation must need well qualified persons with physical and psychological health. E.g. Rasa and Rakta Sara individuals are having beautiful look, and intolerance for heat and physical strain so that, they will best for modelling. Asthi and Mansa Sara individuals are suitable for the army and the police department, because of their strong and firm body, capacity to face difficulty and enthusiastic, active nature. Majja Sara individuals can perform administrative job very well, because of their intelligence, melodious; resonant voice and brotherhood nature.

Conclusion

Persons having excellent quality of Rakta Dhatu in predominance are called as Rakta Sara Purusha. Sara could be  one of the parameters for the assessment of strength of an individual. Even  Raktasarata can be correlated with blood indices Hemoglobin, leucocytes count and other parameters like MCHC, MCV etc. Further  advanced research in this domain can be conducted to make its standard assessment.