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{{CiteButton}}{{#seo:

{{CiteButton}}{{#seo:

|title= Manovaha [[srotas]]

|title= Manovaha srotas

(Channels of transport and transformation of mind and mental factors)

(Channels of transport and transformation of mind and mental factors)

|titlemode=append

|titlemode=append

|image_alt=carak samhita

|image_alt=carak samhita

|type=article

|type=article

}}<p style="text-align:justify;">[[Mana]] means [[mind]], or psyche. [[Srotas]] means channels of transport and transformation. The description and understanding of channels for activities of [[mind]] (manovaha srotas) is scattered in [[ayurveda]] classics and has not been completely elucidated. Manovaha [[srotas]] are considered as channels through which [[mind]] and [[body]] interact with each other. These channels pervade throughout the body. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. [[Indriya Sthana]] 5/41-42] They are responsible for flow of thoughts, em<ref name=":0"> Kumar B.M.N.(2017). Review on Concept of Hrudya in Ayurveda w.s.r. to modern perspective; World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research; vol 6, issue 16.</ref>otions, and other psychological functions. This article deals with various aspects of manovaha [[srotas]]a i.e. the channels of activities of mind and its development.</p>

}}<p style="text-align:justify;">[[Mana]] means [[mind]], or psyche. [[Srotas]] means channels of transport and transformation. The description and understanding of channels for activities of [[mind]] (manovaha srotas) is scattered in [[ayurveda]] classics and has not been completely elucidated. Manovaha [[srotas]] are considered as channels through which [[mind]] and [[body]] interact with each other. These channels pervade throughout the body. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. [[Indriya Sthana]] 5/41-42] They are responsible for flow of thoughts, emotions, and other psychological functions. This article deals with various aspects of manovaha [[srotas]]a i.e. the channels of activities of mind and its development.</p>

{{Infobox

{{Infobox

|title =  Contributors

|title =  Contributors

|data1 = Concepts/[[Srotas]]/[[Manovaha Srotas]]   

|data1 = Concepts/[[Srotas]]/[[Manovaha Srotas]]   

|label2 = Authors

|label2 = Authors

|data2 = Bhojani M. K.¹ Varma Swati ¹ Deole Y.S.²

|data2 = Bhojani M. K.¹ Varma Swati ¹ [[Yogesh Deole|Deole Y.S.]]²

|label3 = Reviewer & Editor

|label3 = Reviewer & Editor

|data3 = Basisht G.³,  

|data3 = [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]³,  

|label4 = Affiliations

|label4 = Affiliations

|data4 = ¹ Department of Sharir Kriya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India

|data4 = ¹ Department of Sharir Kriya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India

==Decoding hridaya (heart)==

==Decoding hridaya (heart)==

<p style="text-align:justify;">The interpretation of the term ‘hridaya’ has been of confusion among scholars since decades. The first interpretation of the term given by texts of Shatpada Brahmana which highlighted functional aspect of hridaya. The word being composed of three letters viz ‘hri’ (hra harane)- to acquire; ‘Da’ (da dane) – to give; ‘Ya’ (Ya gatau)- which transports. The hridaya thus displays three phases of cardiac cycle i.e., receives, gives, and transports body constituents through it. <ref name=":0" /> </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Hridaya is the site of [[rasa dhatu]] (plasma), [[sattva]] (psychic factor/[[mind]]), [[buddhi]] (intellect) and [[atma]] ([[soul]]) in conjugation with all sensory organs (jnanendriya).[Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 24/35]  Sadhaka [[pitta]] situated in heart (hridaya) regulates proper functioning of [[intellect]] ([[buddhi]]) and ego ([[ahamkara]]). Hridaya is located in between breasts (stanayormadhya) of thoracic region. [A. H. Sutra Sthana 12/13-14] [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/25]   

<p style="text-align:justify;">The interpretation of the term ‘hridaya’ has been of confusion among scholars since decades. The first interpretation of the term given by texts of Shatpada Brahmana which highlighted functional aspect of hridaya. The word being composed of three letters viz ‘hri’ (hra harane)- to acquire; ‘Da’ (da dane) – to give; ‘Ya’ (Ya gatau)- which transports. The hridaya thus displays three phases of cardiac cycle i.e., receives, gives, and transports body constituents through it. <ref name=":0">Kumar B.M.N.(2017). Review on Concept of Hrudya in Ayurveda w.s.r. to modern perspective; World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research; vol 6, issue 16.</ref> </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Hridaya is the site of [[rasa dhatu]] (plasma), [[sattva]] (psychic factor/[[mind]]), [[buddhi]] (intellect) and [[atma]] ([[soul]]) in conjugation with all sensory organs (jnanendriya).[Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 24/35]  Sadhaka [[pitta]] situated in heart (hridaya) regulates proper functioning of [[intellect]] ([[buddhi]]) and ego ([[ahamkara]]). Hridaya is located in between breasts (stanayormadhya) of thoracic region. [A. H. Sutra Sthana 12/13-14] [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/25]   

</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Vedic era was well versed with heart (hridaya) and brain (mastishka) being two distinct entities, with interdependent functional relationship. [Atharvaveda Book X. Hymn 2.26] Kashyap Samhita quotes that all sense and motor organs ([[indriya]]) together with [[mind]] ([[manas]]) emerge from heart (hridaya). [Ka.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 8/6] Primary site of action of [[mind]] ([[manas]]) is brain (shira).<ref>Jain et al., Concept Of Post-Stroke Depression In Ayurveda: A Scientific Review; World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research;2017:6(14)</ref> It can be concluded that [[mind]] ([[manas]]) being seated in heart (hridaya) connects to brain (shiras) through manovaha [[srotas]] and controls all senses ([[indriya]]). Also, any damage pertaining to [[marma]] (vital points) of shiras (head) causes loss of consciousness (cheshtanasha). [Cha.Sa. [[Sidhhi Sthana]] 9/6] Hence, heart (hridaya) and brain (shiras or mastishka) are sites of manovaha [[srotas]].  

</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Vedic era was well versed with heart (hridaya) and brain (mastishka) being two distinct entities, with interdependent functional relationship. [Atharvaveda Book X. Hymn 2.26] Kashyap Samhita quotes that all sense and motor organs ([[indriya]]) together with [[mind]] ([[manas]]) emerge from heart (hridaya). [Ka.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 8/6] Primary site of action of [[mind]] ([[manas]]) is brain (shira).<ref>Jain et al., Concept Of Post-Stroke Depression In Ayurveda: A Scientific Review; World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research;2017:6(14)</ref> It can be concluded that [[mind]] ([[manas]]) being seated in heart (hridaya) connects to brain (shiras) through manovaha [[srotas]] and controls all senses ([[indriya]]). Also, any damage pertaining to [[marma]] (vital points) of shiras (head) causes loss of consciousness (cheshtanasha). [Cha.Sa. [[Sidhhi Sthana]] 9/6] Hence, heart (hridaya) and brain (shiras or mastishka) are sites of manovaha [[srotas]].  

</p><p style="text-align:justify;">This approach of understanding hridaya goes well along with the contemporary view of understanding the triguna based psycho-functional principles of [[ayurveda]] within the neural framework. Various research has been conducted which demonstrate that heart continuously sends nervous signals to brain to coordinate higher centres responsible for cognition and emotions. <ref>Murthy A.R.V., The Mind in Ayurveda and other Indian Traditions; Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2013.</ref> The neuro- psychological as well as circulatory functions of hridaya mentioned in the classics can thus be explained.</p>

</p><p style="text-align:justify;">This approach of understanding hridaya goes well along with the contemporary view of understanding the triguna based psycho-functional principles of [[ayurveda]] within the neural framework. Various research has been conducted which demonstrate that heart continuously sends nervous signals to brain to coordinate higher centres responsible for cognition and emotions. <ref>Murthy A.R.V., The Mind in Ayurveda and other Indian Traditions; Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2013.</ref> The neuro- psychological as well as circulatory functions of hridaya mentioned in the classics can thus be explained.</p>

===Relation between [[rasavaha]] and manovaha [[srotas]]===

===Relation between [[Index.php?title=Rasa dhatu|rasavaha]] and manovaha [[srotas]]===

<p style="text-align:justify;">Heart is the abode of [[mind]] ([[manas]]) and [[consciousness]] (chetana) or soul ([[atma]]). [Cha. Sa. [[Sidhhi Sthana]] 9/4] It is a site for physical, psychological, and spiritual components. Heart is origin for channels of transportation and transformation of [[rasa dhatu]], too. Both heart and brain are considered under the umbrella term hridaya in terms of anatomical structure and higher-centre functions respectively.  

<p style="text-align:justify;">Heart is the abode of [[mind]] ([[manas]]) and [[consciousness]] (chetana) or soul ([[atma]]). [Cha. Sa. [[Siddhi Sthana|Siddhi Sthana]] 9/4] It is a site for physical, psychological, and spiritual components. Heart is origin for channels of transportation and transformation of [[rasa dhatu]], too. Both heart and brain are considered under the umbrella term hridaya in terms of anatomical structure and higher-centre functions respectively.  

</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Heart (residence of manas) and brain (workplace of manas) are functionally co-dependent upon each other. [[Manas]] regulates the cognitive and conative functions of brain in conjunction with soul ([[atma]]) under the influence of [[vata dosha]]. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/22-23]. Brain is a structural entity needing continuous supply of nourishment and oxygen. This is feasible by heart through circulation ([[rasa]]-[[rakta]] samvahana kriya) via the ten major vessels (rasavahi dhamani). [A. H. Sharira Sthana 3/18] Heart is a highly vascular organ being surrounded by ten major dhamani (blood vessels) like spokes of a wheel which are known as ‘rasavaha strotomula’ (site of origin of channels of nutrition). These channels are comparable to manovaha [[srotas]]. [Chakrapani on Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 9/4] Manas thus acts like a medium between heart and brain wherein brain is responsible for all sensory and motor functions while heart has been assigned emotional aspect of psyche ([[manas]]).  

</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Heart (residence of manas) and brain (workplace of manas) are functionally co-dependent upon each other. [[Manas]] regulates the cognitive and conative functions of brain in conjunction with soul ([[atma]]) under the influence of [[vata dosha]]. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/22-23]. Brain is a structural entity needing continuous supply of nourishment and oxygen. This is feasible by heart through circulation ([[rasa]]-[[rakta]] samvahana kriya) via the ten major vessels (rasavahi dhamani). [A. H. Sharira Sthana 3/18] Heart is a highly vascular organ being surrounded by ten major dhamani (blood vessels) like spokes of a wheel which are known as ‘rasavaha strotomula’ (site of origin of channels of nutrition). These channels are comparable to manovaha [[srotas]]. [Chakrapani on Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 9/4] Manas thus acts like a medium between heart and brain wherein brain is responsible for all sensory and motor functions while heart has been assigned emotional aspect of psyche ([[manas]]).  

</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The contemporary physiological aspects of [[mind]], [[senses]], brain, nervous system and consciousness can be considered for assessment of manovaha [[srotas]]. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">A thorough neurological examination by means of interrogation (prashna pariksha), inspection (darshana pariksha) and assessment of mental strength ([[sattva]] [[bala]] pariksha) [Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/119] can be used for assessment and diagnosis of disorders of manovaha [[srotas]].

</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The contemporary physiological aspects of [[mind]], [[senses]], brain, nervous system and consciousness can be considered for assessment of manovaha [[srotas]]. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">A thorough neurological examination by means of interrogation (prashna pariksha), inspection (darshana pariksha) and assessment of mental strength ([[sattva]] [[bala]] pariksha) [Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/119] can be used for assessment and diagnosis of disorders of manovaha [[srotas]].

</p>=== a. Interrogation (prashna pariksha)===  

===a. Interrogation (prashna pariksha)===  

A formal interview of the patient can be conducted for overall and precise diagnosis. The questions related to chief complaints with duration, chronological development, nurturing of patient, family history, addiction, hobbies, interests, daily routine, major life events, achievements, mental traumas, emotional quotient and intellectual quotient is recorded from the patient. If the patient is not in state of giving correct answers, then the relatives or attendants who know patients history are interviewed.

A formal interview of the patient can be conducted for overall and precise diagnosis. The questions related to chief complaints with duration, chronological development, nurturing of patient, family history, addiction, hobbies, interests, daily routine, major life events, achievements, mental traumas, emotional quotient and intellectual quotient is recorded from the patient. If the patient is not in state of giving correct answers, then the relatives or attendants who know patients history are interviewed.