Abstract

CONCEPT OF STROTAS – THE DUCT SYSTEM OF OUR BODY

Dr. Afsana Shaikh*, Dr. Shilpa Ingle, Dr. S. S. Sant, Dr. Kishor Ugale and Dr. Ramesh Bansode

Abstract

The principle entities ‘dosha-dhatu-mala’ form the base of physiological and pathological thinking in Ayurveda. To maintain continuity in life cycle, these bodily elements have to be continuously regenerated, nourished and replenished. The nutrients materials are supplied to the tissues through the process of transudation and at this level they are known as ‘strotas’. The internal transport system of the body is represented by strotas and has been given a place of fundamental importance in Ayurveda. Strotas are defined as hollow channels except sira and dhamani which spreads in the body and carries specific entities. Thus strotas are the channels of the body through which the materials needed for tissue building, nutrition and other nutrient flow from one corner of the body to the other i.e. the materials are transported through the channels from the place of production to the place of need. Proper functioning of these ‘strotas’ is necessary to maintain the health and well-being of an individual. Any obstruction in these body channels causes several diseases in the body. Hence, to understand the disease process and develop a cure for the same, there is a need to study the fundamental concept of strotas.

Keywords: Dosha, dhatu, mala, strotas.