Srotas

Srotas have been defined by

Charaka as, Sravanat Srotamsi. It
means the channels, pores or
systems (Sravanam), through which
the doshas and tissues(dhatus) are
circulated all over the body.

There are two types of Srotamsis in

the human body. They can be either
Sthula (gross) or Sukshma (subtle).
The network can be big or small,
perceptible or imperceptible.

Charaka's description of Srotas is

surprisingly similar in nature to that
of modern science. In fact not only
Srotas, Charaka also wrote about
Arteries as Dhamani. He pointed out
5,000 years ago that, Dhamanis
were the transportation network of
the body. Due to them Dhamant or
pulsation take place.

There is mention of Siras in Charaka

Sutra. They were named so, due to
their slow movement or Sarana.

According to the principles of

Ayurveda, Srotas are found in veins
(sira), arteries (rasayani), capillaries
(rasavahini), ducts (nadi), passages
(pantha), tracts (marga), spaces
inside the body (sharirachidra), open
and closed ducts (samvritasamvrita),
residence (sthana), containers
(ashaya) and abodes (niketa).

Srotas can be further classified into

13 distinct varieties. Out of those, 7
are of Dhatus. The others are 'Anna
Vaha', 'Prana Vaha', 'Udaka
Vaha','Mutra Vaha','Sweda Vaha'and
'Purisha Vaha'.

The body is diseased, only when

proper functioning of the Srotas is
hampered. Therefore their role is
very critical importance.