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|keywords=Srotasa, transportation of nutrients, body systems, channels of circulation, body tissues

|keywords=Srotasa, transportation of nutrients, body systems, channels of circulation, body tissues

|description=Vimana Sthana Chapter 5. Systemic biological transport in Human Body

|description=Vimana Sthana Chapter 5. Specific features of channels of transport and transformation

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<big>'''Vimana Sthana Chapter 5. Systemic biological transport in Human Body '''</big>

<big>'''Vimana Sthana Chapter 5. Specific features of channels of transport and transformation '''</big>

<big>'''Abstract'''</big>

<big>'''Abstract'''</big>

<div style="text-align:justify;">[[Ayurveda]] describes a systemic biological transport system comprising of gross and minute as well as very subtle channels transporting not only fluids, nutrients and waste products but also energies and impulses in different biological settings. These channels are called as srotas. The srotas  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 (carrying vital energy), udakavaha (carrying body water) and annavaha srotas (carrying food nutrients). Another three channels perform gross excretory functions and remove faeces, 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. There are as many srotamsi as there are life-factors operating in the body. These channels are prone to getting vitiated and obstructed, a fundamental reason for all pathologies in the body-mind system. Ama, the byproduct of diminished agni, is the most common cause of srotodushti (vitiation of transport system). There are four broad categories of srotas morbidity viz. hyperactivity, hypoactivity, distortions and swellings, and diversions of pathway. It is imperative to conserve the integrity of the srotamsi for good health. Ayurvedic srotovijnana is a unique approach to the understanding of macro, micro and molecular dimensions of the inner transport system of the living body. </div>

<div style="text-align:justify;">[[Ayurveda]] describes a systemic biological transport system comprising of gross and minute as well as very subtle channels transporting not only fluids, nutrients and waste products but also energies and impulses in different biological settings. These channels are called as srotas. The srotas  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 (carrying vital energy), udakavaha (carrying body water) and annavaha srotas (carrying food nutrients). Another three channels perform gross excretory functions and remove faeces, 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. There are as many srotamsi as there are life-factors operating in the body. These channels are prone to getting vitiated and obstructed, a fundamental reason for all pathologies in the body-mind system. Ama, the byproduct of diminished agni, is the most common cause of srotodushti (vitiation of transport system). There are four broad categories of srotas morbidity viz. hyperactivity, hypoactivity, distortions and swellings, and diversions of pathway. It is imperative to conserve the integrity of the srotamsi for good health. Ayurvedic srotovijnana is a unique approach to the understanding of macro, micro and molecular dimensions of the inner transport system of the living body. </div>

'''Keywords''': ''Srotasa'', transportation of nutrients, body systems, channels of circulation, body tissues.

'''Keywords''': srotasa, transportation of nutrients, body systems, channels of circulation, body tissues.

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=== Introduction ===

== Introduction ==

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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.

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.

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=== Sanskrit Text, Transliteration and English Translation ===

== Sanskrit Text, Transliteration and English Translation ==

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Now we shall expound the chapter on specific features of ''srotas'' i.e. channels. Thus said Lord Atreya.[1-2]

Now we shall expound the chapter "Sroto Vimana" (Specific features of channels of transport and transformation). Thus said Lord Atreya.[1-2]

==== ''Srotas'' (transport systems) ====

=== Srotas (channels of transport and transformation) ===

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==== Roots of transportation channels and signs of their vitiation ====

=== Roots of transportation channels and signs of their vitiation ===

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==== Synonyms of ''srotasa'' ====

=== Synonyms of srotasa ===

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==== Causes of vitiation of ''srotasa'' ====

=== Causes of vitiation of srotasa ===

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==== General etiology of vitiation ====

=== General etiology of vitiation ===

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Diet and lifestyle that are suitable to ''doshas'' (similar in properties of ''dosha'') and unsuitable to ''dhatus'' (dis-similar in properties of ''dhatu'')in their properties cause morbidity in ''srotamsi''. [23]

Diet and lifestyle that are suitable to ''doshas'' (similar in properties of ''dosha'') and unsuitable to ''dhatus'' (dis-similar in properties of ''dhatu'')in their properties cause morbidity in ''srotamsi''. [23]

==== Four features of ''srotas'' morbidity ====

=== Four features of ''srotas'' morbidity ===

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Increased flow or obstruction or formation of nodules and flow of bodily fluids or contents in the wrong or opposite direction are the features of morbidity of ''srotas''. [24]

Increased flow or obstruction or formation of nodules and flow of bodily fluids or contents in the wrong or opposite direction are the features of morbidity of ''srotas''. [24]

==== Characteristics of ''srotas'' ====

=== Characteristics of ''srotas'' ===

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''Srotamsi'' have color similar to those of the ''dhatus'' they carry and are tubular, large or small, long and tendril-like in shape. [25]

''Srotamsi'' have color similar to those of the ''dhatus'' they carry and are tubular, large or small, long and tendril-like in shape. [25]

==== General principles of management ====

=== General principles of management ===

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==== Summary ====

=== Summary ===

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Thus ends the fifth chapter  - on the specific features of the ''srotas''  - of the [[Vimana Sthana]] in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charak. [5]

Thus ends the fifth chapter  - on the specific features of the ''srotas''  - of the [[Vimana Sthana]] in the treatise composed by Agnivesha and redacted by Charak. [5]

=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' / Fundamental Principles===

== Tattva Vimarsha (Fundamental Principles) ==

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*''Srotasa'' are the basic biological transport and transformation systems in the body.  

*srotasa are the basic biological transport and transformation systems in the body.  

*''Doshas'' can pervade in these biological systems and also affect them due to their own causes.  

*''Doshas'' can pervade in these biological systems and also affect them due to their own causes.  

*The roots of ''srotasa'' shall be considered while treating a disorder pertaining to specific ''srotasa''.  

*The roots of srotasa shall be considered while treating a disorder pertaining to specific srotasa.  

*Diet and lifestyle that are similar in properties of ''dosha'' and dissimilar in properties of ''dhatu'' cause morbidity in ''srotas''.  

*Diet and lifestyle that are similar in properties of ''dosha'' and dissimilar in properties of ''dhatu'' cause morbidity in ''srotas''.  

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=== ''Vidhi Vimarsha'' / Applied Inferences===

== Vidhi Vimarsha (Applied Inferences) ==

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====Meaning of srotas and vimana====

===Meaning of srotas and vimana===

'''''Srotas'':''' The word ''srotas'' means a channel or a pathway with functions like secreting, oozing, leaking, and circulating. It refers to the macro and micro inner transport system of the body and pathways concerned with the function of accepting, rejecting as well as carrying the vital external supports for life from outside viz. ''prana'' (air), ''anna'' (food) and ''udak'' (water) which are essential to sustain life besides ejecting the excreta viz. ''mala'' (feces), ''mutra'' (urine) and ''sweda'' (sweat) in order to keep the internal environment clean. There are special systemic ''srotamsi'' for carrying/circulating the nutrients and bio-factors through each of the seven ''dhatus''. Besides these gross channels there are innumerable micro channels, pathways and receptors specific for transmission and transportation of different bio-factors/bio-events, tangible or intangible in the body. The ''srotas'' system forms the basic matrix of all physiological, pathological as well as the pharmacological functions of the living body.

'''Srotas:''' The word ''srotas'' means a channel or a pathway with functions like secreting, oozing, leaking, and circulating. It refers to the macro and micro inner transport system of the body and pathways concerned with the function of accepting, rejecting as well as carrying the vital external supports for life from outside viz. ''prana'' (air), ''anna'' (food) and ''udak'' (water) which are essential to sustain life besides ejecting the excreta viz. ''mala'' (feces), ''mutra'' (urine) and ''sweda'' (sweat) in order to keep the internal environment clean. There are special systemic ''srotamsi'' for carrying/circulating the nutrients and bio-factors through each of the seven ''dhatus''. Besides these gross channels there are innumerable micro channels, pathways and receptors specific for transmission and transportation of different bio-factors/bio-events, tangible or intangible in the body. The ''srotas'' system forms the basic matrix of all physiological, pathological as well as the pharmacological functions of the living body.

'''''Vimana'':''' Methodology of assessment/measurement/identification of biological/clinical events of the living body.

'''Vimana:''' Methodology of assessment/measurement/identification of biological/clinical events of the living body.

====Importance of chapter====

===Importance of chapter===

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. Charak’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, Charak 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. Charak’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, Charak 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'':  

Bhawavisheshah tawant ewasmin Srotasam prakara visheshah.''  

Bhawavisheshah tawant ewasmin Srotasam prakara visheshah.''  

(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.)

[[Ayurveda]] in general and the [[Charak 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 [[Charak 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.

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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 [[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.

#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.

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===Related chapter===

==Related chapter==

[[Vividhashitapitiya Adhyaya]]

[[Vividhashitapitiya Adhyaya]]