ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE July-Aug 2016
Concept of Artavavaha Srotas
Shraddha Singh, Shivaji Pawar1, Preeti Sahu2
Post Graduate Scholar, 1Associate Professor, 2Professor & Head, P.G. Dept. of Samhita Siddhant, Shubhdeep
Ayurved Medical College & Hospital, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.
ABSTRACT
In Ayurveda, the concept of Srotas has been propagated very specifically. They are integral part of the
body. Body is composed of numerous Srotas which have a significant role in maintenance of
equilibrium of body elements. They are responsible for maintenance of health as well as disease
condition. Srotas is a channel through which different elements undergo transformation, circulation
and transportation. Pathological changes occurs in the body due to Srotodushti, Srotosanga etc.
Key words: Srotas, Mulasthana, Dustilakshana, Artavavaha Srotas.
INTRODUCTION physiological and functional activities of the body and
human life cannot be exists without Srotas. A health
The word Srotas is derived from Sanskrit root- consist of equilibrium stage of Srotas,[3] any imbalance
“Srugatau (Sru + Tansi = Srotas)”, which means causes disease, so for the proper development of
moving, filtering, flowing, secreting and leaking. human body a proper functioning of Srotas is must.
Sravanat Srotanshi[1] means the “structure through The orifices of the Srotas are very small, wide, long
which Sravanam (flow) occurs”. As per Chakrapani, and far, like those in the lotus stalk; through
Sravanat means Sravarnam of Rasadi Poshya Dhatu. them, Rasa 'nourishes' the body. The colour and form
Srotas are the channel of circulation which carries the of the Srotas would be similar to the Dhatu they
Dhatus undergoing transformation to their transport; they may be cylindrical,
destination.[2] According to Sushrut and Vagbhat, either Sthula (gross, macroscopic) or Anu (atomic or
Srotas are the fine pores or fine passage (like passages microscopic), Dirgha (long) or Prathana
or pores present in the lotus stem) through which (reticulated).[4]
Rasadi Poshya Dhatu circulate all over in the body to
provide nutrition. Human body is made up of There are 2 types of Srotas.
numerous Srotas which are responsible to carry out Bahirmukha Srotas
Address for correspondence: They open outside the body and these are 9 in male
Dr. Shraddha Singh
and 5 are in female and they are used to administer
Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Samhita Siddhant,
Shubhdeep Ayurved Medical College & Hospital,Indore, Madhya medicines and to excrete.
Pradesh, India.
E-mail: pushp30@[Link] In Male: 2 Nasika, 2 Netra, 2 Karna, 1 Mukha, 1 Payu
and 1 Mehan.
Submission Date : 24/07/2016 Accepted Date: 22/08/2016
Access this article online In Female: 2 Nasika, 2 Netra, 2 Karna, 1 Mukha, 1
Payu , 1 Yoni and 2 Sthana.
Website: [Link]
Antarmukha Srotas
They open and close internally. Charaka explained 13
DOI: 10.21760/jaims.v1i2.3670
Abhyantar Srotas and these are Pranavaha,
Udakavaha, Annavaha, Rasavaha, Raktavaha,
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Shraddha Singh et. al. Concept of Artavavaha Srotas
ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE July-Aug 2016
Mansvaha, Medovaha, Asthivaha, Majjavaha,
Anna Aamashaya (Stomach) and Vama
Shukravaha, Purishvaha, Mutravaha and Swedavaha.
Vaha Parshva (Left lateral region of abdomen)
Sushruta described 11 Abhyantar Srotas and each one
is in pair so that total 22 in numbers. Sushrut had not Rasa Vaha Hrudaya (Heart) and Dasha Dhamanies
described Asthivaha, Majjavaha and Swedavaha (Ten Greater blood vessels of heart)
which was described by Charaka. Sushrut described 1
additional Artavavaha Srotas. Rakta Yakrut (Liver) and Pleeha (Spleen)
Mulasthana of Srotas Vaha
Every Srotas has two Mulasthana – Main organ of it. Mamsa Snayu (Ligaments) and Twak (Skin)
Each Srotas has two main organs that are important Vaha
to the Srotas. Mulasthana is very important because
if it has a defect in it, the Srotas will be defective. The Medo Vrukka (Kidneys or suprarenal glands)
function of the Mulasthana is to produce the element Vaha and Vapavahan (Apron like fatty layer
that flows through the Srotas, carry it and excrete it. covering all the organs of abdomen)
If the Srotas is Dushta does not mean the Mulasthana
will be affected, but if Mulasthana is defective, it will Asthi Meda and Jaghan (thigh) Region
definitely mess up the Srotas, which can then cause Vaha
disease.
Majja Asthi and Sandhi (Joints and bony
Determination of Mulasthana Vaha cavities)
For the determination of Mulasthana of Srotas, some
points have been considered in various classics such Shukra Vrushana (testis) and Shefa (penis)
as; Vaha
1. Utpatti Sthana (Mulasthana related with origin Sweda Meda and Lomakoopa (hair follicles)
point of view) Vaha
2. Sangraha Sthana (Mulasthana related with
storage) Mutra Basti (Urinary Bladder) and Vankshana
Vaha (Groin region)
3. Vahan Sthana (Mulasthana related with
conduction)
Purisha Pakwashaya (Large intestine) and
4. Naidanik Dristikon (Mulasthana related with Vaha Sthoola Guda (Upper part of anus)
diagnostic point of view)
5. Chikitsatmak Dristikon (Mulasthana related with Table 2: Showing Mulasthana according to Acharya
clinical point of view) Sushruta [7]
Table 1: Showing Mulasthana according to Acharya Srotas Mulasthana
Charaka[6]
Prana Rasa Vahini Dhamanies (Arteries carrying
Srotas Mulasthana Vaha Rasa)
Prana Hrudaya (Heart) and Maha Srotas Udaka Talu (Palate) and Kloma (throat)
Vaha (Digestive system) Vaha
Udaka Talu (Palate) and Kloma (throat) Anna Aamashaya (Stomach) and Annavahini
Vaha Dhamanies (Blood vessels carrying the
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Shraddha Singh et. al. Concept of Artavavaha Srotas
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Vaha resultant of digestion of food – the Vimargagaman – It means the entry in to the wrong
nutritive sap) passage or encroachment. ex – Vamana (vomiting).
Shrotodushti Lakshana of Artavavaha Srotas
Rasa Vaha Hrudya (Heart) and Rasa Vahini
Dhamanies (Arteries carrying Rasa) Atipravitti - through the Artavavaha Srotas results in
a larger volume or longer duration of menstrual flow.
Rakta Yakruta (Liver), Pleeha (Spleen) and This is called hyper menorrhea and menorrhagia.
Vaha Raktavahini Dhamanies (Greater Arteries Sangha - through the Artavavaha Srotas results in a
of body) low volume or scanty menses. This is caused by the
dryness created by Vata vitiation.
Mamsa Snayu (Ligaments), Twak (Skin) and
Vaha Raktavahini Dhamanies (Arteries Siragranthi - through artavavaha Srotas results in
carrying blood to deeper levels of amenorrhea. This may occur due to either vata or
muscles) kapha vitiation.
Vimargagaman - out of Artavavaha Srotas is
Medo Kati (Lumbar region/Low Back/) and characterised by the menstrual blood entering the
Vaha Vrukka (Kidneys and Supra renal glands) stools via a vaginal-rectal fistula, or the urinary system
via a fistula connecting the uterus or vagina with the
Shukra Stana (Mammary Glands/Breast) and bladder.
Vaha Vrushana (Testis)
With a Vata vitiation in the Artavavaha Srotas there is
Mutra Basti (Urinary Bladder) and Medhra scanty menses with either the volume or duration
Vaha (Penis) being lessened. In addition amenorrhea may occur.
If Pitta becomes vitiated in Artavavaha Srotas then
Purisha Pakwashaya (Large Intestine) and Guda the tissue of the Srotas becomes overheated,
Vaha (Anus) resulting in inflammation and infection. Vaginitis,
endometritis (inflammation and or infection of the
Aartava Garbhashaya (Uterus) and Aartava Vahi
uterus) and oophoritis (infection and inflammation of
Vaha Dhamanies (Fallopian tubes )
the ovaries) are just some of the conditions that may
occur. Menstrual bleeding may also be more intense
Lakshanas of Srotas Dushti
than usual.
Atipravitti – (overformation/overflowing) –If
With Kapha entering the Artavavaha Srotas the tissue
formation is effective then the element that flows
becomes overly moist and mucous forms thus menses
through the Srotas will be too liquid so it will flow too
becomes heavy and may be mixed with a fairly large
fast in the body. According to Charaka Atipravitti is a
amount of mucous.
prime factor of Asigdara.
Artavavaha Srotas
Sanga – Dhatu which forms the Srotas lining, if it is
According to Acharya Sushruta, they are two in
defective then it will causes inner lining to become
number, their roots in Garbhashaya and Artavavahi
thick resulting decreasing the lumen size which will
Dhamanis injury to these produces infertility,
reduce the flow of elements . ex- Dhamanikathinya.
dyspareunia and amenorrhoea.[8] As the word Artava
Siragranthi – It denotes the obstruction of Srotas by has got two meanings viz. the Artava Shonita
all other factor around the Srotas. It blocks the (menstrual blood) and the Stri Beeja (ovum), the
passage but not internal passage of Srotas. It indicates Artavavaha Srotas can be meant for the blood vessels
the growth, excessive expansion or enlargement and capillaries of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
(tumour or cancer).
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Shraddha Singh et. al. Concept of Artavavaha Srotas
ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE July-Aug 2016
Garbhashaya Vol. 1, 4th ed. Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan,
Varanasi, 1977:694
The word Garbhashaya is composed of two words i.e.
Garbha and Ashaya. The word Ashaya means the 3. Agnivesha, Charaka. Charaka samhita with Charak
place to rest thus the Garbhashaya is a place where Chandrika commentary by [Link] tripathi,
the Garbha lies or develops. Purusha Shareera is Vol. 1, 4th ed. Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan,
Varanasi, 1977:696
comprised of Sapta Ashaya, where stri possess
Garbhashaya as one extra Ashaya.[9] Acharya Sushruta 4. Agnivesha, Charaka. Charaka samhita with Charak
has mentioned the shape of Garbhashaya resemble Chandrika commentary by [Link] tripathi,
mouth of rohit fish.[10] Garbhashaya is situated in third Vol. 1, 4th ed. Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan,
Varanasi, 1977:700
Avarta of Yoni /behind the Basti, in between
Pittashaya and Pakvashaya.[11] 5. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita with Sushruta Vimarshini
commentary by [Link] Sharma, 1st ed. Vol. 2,
Artavavaha Dhamani
Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, Varanasi, 2001:71.
There are Adhogamini Dhamanis, 2 Dhamanis meant
6. Agnivesha, Charaka. Charaka samhita with Charak
for the formation (Pradurbhava) and 2 Dhamanis
Chandrika commentary by [Link] tripathi,
meant for excretion (Visarga) for Artava.[12]
Vol. 1, 4th ed. Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan,
CONCLUSION Varanasi, 1977:696
Srotas are the channels different from the Sira and 7. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita with Sushruta Vimarshini
Dhamani, which carries nutrients to the body organs commentary by [Link] Sharma, 1st ed. Vol. 2,
Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, Varanasi, 2001:122.
and widely spreads all over the body. It also carries
waste material for the removal from the body, 8. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita with Sushruta Vimarshini
without Srotas existence of life can not be possible. commentary by [Link] Sharma, 1st ed. Vol. 2,
Every Srotas have 2 Mualsthana and function of these Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, Varanasi, 2001:122.
Mulasthana is to produce the elements which flow 9. Vruddha Jeevaka, Kashyapa Samhita revised by Vatsya
through the Srotas. If Mulasthana is defective, the edited by prof.(Ku.)[Link], reprint ed. Chaukhamba
Srotas will be defective, but if Srotas is defective does Vishwabharti Prakashan, Varanasi, 2002:543
not mean that Mulasthana will also be defective. 10. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita with Sushruta Vimarshini
Garbhashaya and Artavavahi Dhamani are the commentary by [Link] Sharma, 1st ed. Vol. 2,
Mulasthana of the Artavavaha Srotas. Grabhashaya is Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, Varanasi, 2001:83.
mainly responsible for the production of the Artava, 11. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita with Sushruta Vimarshini
so it can be consider as the Mulasthana of origin point commentary by [Link] Sharma, 1st ed. Vol. 2,
of view. Artavavahi Dhamani conduct Artava towards Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, Varanasi, 2001:273.
uterus during menstrual phase, so in this regard
12. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita with Sushruta Vimarshini
Artavavahi Dhamani is justified as a Mulasthana as commentary by [Link] Sharma, 1st ed. Vol. 2,
conduction point of view. Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, Varanasi, 2001:122.
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Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None
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