Srotas

Srotas definition is given by Sushruta first of all. According to Sushruta- “The channels, which are widely spread in all the spaces (Intra, Inter and Extra- cellular spaces) of the body, where circulation (Transportation) of the fluid occurs irresistibly and continuously are known as Srotas. These are different from the arteries and veins.”  From this definition it is clear that Srotas are different from veins and arteries and are widely spread all over the body

Srotas are the systems that carry or circulate the Doshas and tissues (Dhatu) or their elements to the various organs. During this process of circulation the Dhatu are transformed from the first to the last tissue layer (rasa through Shukra). Each Dhatu has two aspects: nutrition for its own tissue layer, and sustenance for the next developing Dhatu. Srotas micro channels are not only responsible for the dispensing of the food to different tissues and cellular systems of the body but also involved in removal of the waste products.

 To understand the concept of Srotas the best example is our house. There are generally (always) two types of ducts in a well planned house- one system is responsible for the carrying of fresh water inside the house and second is to remove the waste products- supply and sanitation system. Think, if any of these systems will occlude to some reasons what will happen. It will only cause DIS-EASE! The same is the concept of Srotas in Ayurveda. As Ayurveda is an applied science so this system’s proper working indicates towards ease, towards health and when this transport system of the body is not working properly it shows dis-ease or disease!

All the synonyms above are indicating towards transport system of the body. But the transport system, we are considering is very subtle in nature basically. This system is responsible for the nutritional exchange and transportation and is deeply associated with the tissues.

Number of the ducts and transport system cannot be counted because this is incalculable.

Srotas	Root of the Srotas
Prana Vaha	Hrudya (Heart) and Maha Srotas (Digestive system)
Udaka Vaha	Talu (Palate) and Kloma (throat)
Anna Vaha	Aamashaya (Stomach) and Vama Parshva (Left lateral region of abdomen)
Rasa Vaha	Hrudya (Heart) and Dasha Dhamanies (Ten Greater blood vessels of heart)
Rakta Vaha	Yakruta (Liver) and Pleeha (Spleen)
Mamsa Vaha	Snayu (Ligaments) and Twak (Skin)
Medo Vaha	Vrukka (Kidneys or Suprarenal Glands) and Vapavahan (Apron like fatty layer covering all the organs of abdomen)
Asthi Vaha	Meda and Thigh Region
Majja Vaha	Joints and Bony Cavities
Shukra Vaha	Vrushana (Testis) and Shefa (Penis)
Sweda Vaha	Meda and hair follicles
Mutra Vaha	Basti (Urinary Bladder) and Vankshana (Groin region)
Purisha Vaha	Pakwashaya (Large intestine) and Sthoola Guda (Upper part of anus)

Roots of the Srotas: 

Srotas	Root of the Srotas
Prana Vaha	Rasa Vahini Dhamanies (Arteries carrying Rasa)
Udaka Vaha	Talu (Palate) and Kloma (throat)
Anna Vaha	Aamashaya (Stomach) and Annavahini Dhamanies (Blood vessels carrying the resultant of digestion of food – the nutritive sap)
Rasa Vaha	Hrudya (Heart) and Rasa vahini Dhamanies (Arteries carrying Rasa)
Rakta Vaha	Yakruta (Liver), Pleeha (Spleen) and Raktavahini Dhamanies (Greater Arteries of body)
Mamsa Vaha	Snayu (Ligaments), Twak (Skin) and Raktavahini Dhamanies (Arteries carrying blood to deeper levels of muscles)
Medo Vaha	Kati (Lumbar region/Low Back/) and Vrukka (Kidneys and Supra renal glands)
Shukra Vaha	Stana (Mammary Glands/Breast) and Vrushana (Testis)
Mutra Vaha	Basti (Urinary Bladder) and Medhra (Penis)
Purisha Vaha	Pakwashaya (Large Intestine) and Guda (Anus)
Aartava Vaha	Garbhashaya (Uterus) and Aartava vahi Dhamanies (Fallopian tubes )