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==([[Vimana Sthana]] Chapter 5, Chapter on the Systemic Inner Transport System within the Human Body)==

==[[Vimana Sthana]] Chapter 5, Sroto Vimana (Chapter on the Systemic inner Transport System within the Human Body)==

=== Abstract ===

=== Abstract ===

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[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda] describes a systemic inner transport system comprising of gross and minute as well as very subtle channels transporting not only biological fluids, nutrients and waste products but also energies and impulses in different biological settings. These are generically called ''srotamsi'' or channels. The ''srotamsi'' are innumerable but 13 gross channels are clinically approachable and are affected in different disease states with specific manifestations. These 13 gross channels comprise of three channels which transfer life-support substances from outside to inside the body and are called ''pranavaha, udakavaha'' and ''annavaha srotas''. Another three  channels perform gross excretory functions and remove feces, urine and sweat and are called ''purishavaha, mutravaha'' and ''swedavaha srotas'' respectively. The remaining seven channels are for sustenance of the seven primordial tissues or ''dhatus'' and are collectively called ''saptadhatus''.

Ayurveda describes a systemic inner transport system comprising of gross and minute as well as very subtle channels transporting not only biological fluids, nutrients and waste products but also energies and impulses in different biological settings. These are generically called ''srotamsi'' or channels. The ''srotamsi'' are innumerable but 13 gross channels are clinically approachable and are affected in different disease states with specific manifestations. These 13 gross channels comprise of three channels which transfer life-support substances from outside to inside the body and are called ''pranavaha, udakavaha'' and ''annavaha srotas''. Another three  channels perform gross excretory functions and remove feces, urine and sweat and are called ''purishavaha, mutravaha'' and ''swedavaha srotas'' respectively. The remaining seven channels are for sustenance of the seven primordial tissues or ''dhatus'' and are collectively called ''saptadhatus''.

   

   

Besides these gross channels, the living body has innumerable micro-channels responsible for secretion, synthesis and microcirculation of different life substances. According to Charaka, there are as many ''srotamsi'' as there are life-factors operating in the body.

Besides these gross channels, the living body has innumerable micro-channels responsible for secretion, synthesis and microcirculation of different life substances. According to Charaka, there are as many ''srotamsi'' as there are life-factors operating in the body.

=== Introduction ===

=== Introduction ===

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Ayurvedic texts, except the Sushruta Samhita, do not deliberate much on gross anatomy. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda] seems to be largely physiology-oriented bioscience where the central consideration is the physiological micro-structure. The knowledge of the understanding of gross anatomy of the body is inferred from the set of functions observed in the living body in different settings. The Ayurvedic biology bases its understanding of the function and functional anatomy of the living body on its quantized functions. According to the theory of ''srotovijnana'', the living body is a huge unified micro-macro channel system – ''Srotomayam hi shariram''. The channel potential is the basic nature of the body-mind system which is intimately connected on one side to the external world and with each molecule of the inner world on the other side. This science of dynamic interconnectedness is the unique feature of Ayurvedic biology. The concepts of ''tanmatra, panchamahabhuta, tridosha, saptadhatu, ojas, agni, ama'' and ''srotas'' together project a new holistic biology with quantum logic which is distinctly different from the materialistic reductionist biology based on Newtonian physics that is crudely organ-structure dominant, overemphasizing the narrow cause-effect relationship. In contrast, Ayurvedic biology adopts broad-based inclusive cause-effect phenomenon where cause and effect are a continuum and have no separate identity. This age-old idea conforms to the recent developments in modern physics pioneered by Albert Einstein.

Ayurvedic texts, except the Sushruta Samhita, do not deliberate much on gross anatomy. Ayurveda seems to be largely physiology-oriented bioscience where the central consideration is the physiological micro-structure. The knowledge of the understanding of gross anatomy of the body is inferred from the set of functions observed in the living body in different settings. The Ayurvedic biology bases its understanding of the function and functional anatomy of the living body on its quantized functions. According to the theory of ''srotovijnana'', the living body is a huge unified micro-macro channel system – ''Srotomayam hi shariram''. The channel potential is the basic nature of the body-mind system which is intimately connected on one side to the external world and with each molecule of the inner world on the other side. This science of dynamic interconnectedness is the unique feature of Ayurvedic biology. The concepts of ''tanmatra, panchamahabhuta, tridosha, saptadhatu, ojas, agni, ama'' and ''srotas'' together project a new holistic biology with quantum logic which is distinctly different from the materialistic reductionist biology based on Newtonian physics that is crudely organ-structure dominant, overemphasizing the narrow cause-effect relationship. In contrast, Ayurvedic biology adopts broad-based inclusive cause-effect phenomenon where cause and effect are a continuum and have no separate identity. This age-old idea conforms to the recent developments in modern physics pioneered by Albert Einstein.

Thus it is obvious that Ayurvedic biology is in line with quantum physics, in contrast with conventional biology which still follows the matter-dominant classical Newtonian physics. This chapter deals with the concept of ''srotas'' in brief but, in a very lucid manner, suggests that the living human body is a quantized microchannel system which constitutes the basic matrix of the entire life process. The whole body is a consolidated sroto-biome composed of a wide range of gross and subtle micro channels which are innumerable, culminating in 13 gross channels which are clinically identifiable inlets, outlets and inner sustaining portals. In this consideration, every cell of the living body is a single molecular channel while the 13 physiological systems and the whole body are the gross channels i.e. the gross channel assemblies all functioning in the united field of the biosphere. The other major classic text of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda] (Sushruta Samhita) also presents a similar view point although it presents different versions of gross physiological systems describing 11 pairs of ''Srotamsi''.

Thus it is obvious that Ayurvedic biology is in line with quantum physics, in contrast with conventional biology which still follows the matter-dominant classical Newtonian physics. This chapter deals with the concept of ''srotas'' in brief but, in a very lucid manner, suggests that the living human body is a quantized microchannel system which constitutes the basic matrix of the entire life process. The whole body is a consolidated sroto-biome composed of a wide range of gross and subtle micro channels which are innumerable, culminating in 13 gross channels which are clinically identifiable inlets, outlets and inner sustaining portals. In this consideration, every cell of the living body is a single molecular channel while the 13 physiological systems and the whole body are the gross channels i.e. the gross channel assemblies all functioning in the united field of the biosphere. The other major classic text of Ayurveda (Sushruta Samhita) also presents a similar view point although it presents different versions of gross physiological systems describing 11 pairs of ''Srotamsi''.

Thus, the ''srotas'' biology, and concepts such as ''agni'' and ''saptadhatu'' in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda] biology are distinctly different from conventional biology. The so described Ayurvedic biology conveniently extends to physiology on one hand and to pathophysiology and pharmacology on the other.

Thus, the ''srotas'' biology, and concepts such as ''agni'' and ''saptadhatu'' in Ayurveda biology are distinctly different from conventional biology. The so described Ayurvedic biology conveniently extends to physiology on one hand and to pathophysiology and pharmacology on the other.

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=== ''Vidhi Vimarsha'' ===

=== ''Vidhi Vimarsha'' ===

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The chapter on [[Sroto Vimana]] deals with the subject of inner transport systems of the living body in a unique, holistic style and presenting almost a new way of understanding human biology. The living human body is comprised of innumerable micro and macro channels with specific functions. The tangible and intangible components of this ''srota'' system are responsible for transport and circulation of all kinds of biological fluids, energies and impulses. Charaka’s statement that our body is equipped with as many micro-channels as is the number of life events is an interesting way of looking at the circulatory system within the body. The subtle dimension of ''srotovijnana'' of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda] seems to encompass all the minute structural and non-structural pathways and receptors which allow complex body functions. While deliberating on the micro-structural dimensions of ''srotovijnana'',[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda] does not forget to reflect that it is an applied bioscience that needs to be practiced by clinicians who may need to clinically examine the roots of these channels at a gross level. Hence, after initial reflection on the quantized microstructures, Charaka presents a very practical scheme of 13 gross channels or physiological systems for routine pathological considerations and for clinical examinations in a patient. Following two aspects need to be kept in mind to understand the Ayurvedic concept of ''srotvijana'':  

The chapter on [[Sroto Vimana]] deals with the subject of inner transport systems of the living body in a unique, holistic style and presenting almost a new way of understanding human biology. The living human body is comprised of innumerable micro and macro channels with specific functions. The tangible and intangible components of this ''srota'' system are responsible for transport and circulation of all kinds of biological fluids, energies and impulses. Charaka’s statement that our body is equipped with as many micro-channels as is the number of life events is an interesting way of looking at the circulatory system within the body. The subtle dimension of ''srotovijnana'' of Ayurveda seems to encompass all the minute structural and non-structural pathways and receptors which allow complex body functions. While deliberating on the micro-structural dimensions of ''srotovijnana'',Ayurveda does not forget to reflect that it is an applied bioscience that needs to be practiced by clinicians who may need to clinically examine the roots of these channels at a gross level. Hence, after initial reflection on the quantized microstructures, Charaka presents a very practical scheme of 13 gross channels or physiological systems for routine pathological considerations and for clinical examinations in a patient. Following two aspects need to be kept in mind to understand the Ayurvedic concept of ''srotvijana'':  

*The concept of cellular and molecular ''srotamsi'' is aptly reflected in the following verse:

*The concept of cellular and molecular ''srotamsi'' is aptly reflected in the following verse:

(The body is a network of ''srotasa''. There are as many types of ''srotas'' as there are corporeal entities.)

(The body is a network of ''srotasa''. There are as many types of ''srotas'' as there are corporeal entities.)

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda] in general and the [[Charaka Samhita]] in particular presents its unique approach to the molecular physiology of the living body encompassing the entire range of micro transport tissues or channels, with the help of microstructure and nonstructural physiological mechanisms describing the same under [[Sroto Vimana]]. The bio receptors, the micro transport accelerator mechanisms and all kinds of designed micro barriers such as blood brain barrier etc. fall in the realm of micro ''srotas''. This could be easily compared with the contemporary information prevalent today in molecular biology.

Ayurveda in general and the [[Charaka Samhita]] in particular presents its unique approach to the molecular physiology of the living body encompassing the entire range of micro transport tissues or channels, with the help of microstructure and nonstructural physiological mechanisms describing the same under [[Sroto Vimana]]. The bio receptors, the micro transport accelerator mechanisms and all kinds of designed micro barriers such as blood brain barrier etc. fall in the realm of micro ''srotas''. This could be easily compared with the contemporary information prevalent today in molecular biology.

*On the other hand, Charaka describes 13 gross channels from the applied point of view of pathology, clinical medicine and diagnostics which is routinely used in examination of a patient in clinical settings. It seems Charaka considers physiology as subtle and pathology as gross. As also mentioned in the introduction of this chapter, the described set of 13 channels are designed for following physio-pathological attributes, namely, three channels for intake of biologically needed material from outside such as air, water, food through three channels called ''pranavaha, udakavaha,'' and ''annavaha''. Besides, there are three other gross excretory functions associated with evacuation of bowels, urine and sweat through the three respective channels/systems called ''purishavaha, mutravaha,'' and ''swedavaha.''

*On the other hand, Charaka describes 13 gross channels from the applied point of view of pathology, clinical medicine and diagnostics which is routinely used in examination of a patient in clinical settings. It seems Charaka considers physiology as subtle and pathology as gross. As also mentioned in the introduction of this chapter, the described set of 13 channels are designed for following physio-pathological attributes, namely, three channels for intake of biologically needed material from outside such as air, water, food through three channels called ''pranavaha, udakavaha,'' and ''annavaha''. Besides, there are three other gross excretory functions associated with evacuation of bowels, urine and sweat through the three respective channels/systems called ''purishavaha, mutravaha,'' and ''swedavaha.''

Finally, there are the seven sustaining channels, one each for the seven ''dhatus'' or primordial tissues of the body namely ''rasavaha'', ''raktavaha, mamsavaha, medovaha, asthivaha, majjavaha'' and ''shukravaha'' for perfusion of the ''dhatus'' viz. ''rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja'', and ''shukra'' respectively. Each of these channels has been described to possess a pair of base organs called ''mula'' which forms the origin of the respective ''srotas''.

Finally, there are the seven sustaining channels, one each for the seven ''dhatus'' or primordial tissues of the body namely ''rasavaha'', ''raktavaha, mamsavaha, medovaha, asthivaha, majjavaha'' and ''shukravaha'' for perfusion of the ''dhatus'' viz. ''rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja'', and ''shukra'' respectively. Each of these channels has been described to possess a pair of base organs called ''mula'' which forms the origin of the respective ''srotas''.

These channels, both minute and gross, are vulnerable to afflictions from a set of ''srotas'' disorders viz. ''atipravritti'' or hyperactivity, ''sanga'' or hypoactivity, ''siragranthi'' or obstructive swelling, and ''vimarga gamana'' or diversion of function. Such ''srota dushti'' or vitiation are caused by a range of factors including ''ama'', unhealthy particles ingested and inhaled from the atmosphere, and wear and tear in body due to routine physiology and stress. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda] advocates protecting the channels from being blocked or vitiated by means of leading a healthy life style, eating healthy food as well as by practicing periodical ''samshodhana karma''.

These channels, both minute and gross, are vulnerable to afflictions from a set of ''srotas'' disorders viz. ''atipravritti'' or hyperactivity, ''sanga'' or hypoactivity, ''siragranthi'' or obstructive swelling, and ''vimarga gamana'' or diversion of function. Such ''srota dushti'' or vitiation are caused by a range of factors including ''ama'', unhealthy particles ingested and inhaled from the atmosphere, and wear and tear in body due to routine physiology and stress. Ayurveda advocates protecting the channels from being blocked or vitiated by means of leading a healthy life style, eating healthy food as well as by practicing periodical ''samshodhana karma''.

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=== Future Scope for Research ===

=== Future Scope for Research ===

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#This chapter deals with the micro and macro inner transport system of the living body. Considering the high priority given to ''srotas'' system in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda] it appears necessary to scientifically probe into this important traditional concept. It may be useful to undertake comparative studies with the contemporary knowledge about the membrane biology and systemic endothelial system. ''Srotovijnana'' of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda] is a rich area of molecular biology research.

#This chapter deals with the micro and macro inner transport system of the living body. Considering the high priority given to ''srotas'' system in Ayurveda it appears necessary to scientifically probe into this important traditional concept. It may be useful to undertake comparative studies with the contemporary knowledge about the membrane biology and systemic endothelial system. ''Srotovijnana'' of Ayurveda is a rich area of molecular biology research.

#''Srotavarodha'' (obstruction of channels) is the basic cause of pathology in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda]. There is a need of clinical and molecular study of the nature of ''srotavarodha'' occurring in different clinical situations with a view to develop preventive and therapeutic modalities on the lines of ''samshodhana chikitsa'' of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda]beyond traditional [[Panchakarma]] therapy.

#''Srotavarodha'' (obstruction of channels) is the basic cause of pathology in Ayurveda. There is a need of clinical and molecular study of the nature of ''srotavarodha'' occurring in different clinical situations with a view to develop preventive and therapeutic modalities on the lines of ''samshodhana chikitsa'' of Ayurveda beyond traditional [[Panchakarma]] therapy.

#''Srotas''- wise classification of different diseases with a view to develop systemic medicine in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Ayurveda] which may facilitate the application of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

#''Srotas''- wise classification of different diseases with a view to develop systemic medicine in Ayurveda which may facilitate the application of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

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