Abstract

CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF ARTAVAVAHA SROTAS

Dr. T. Nandita* and Dr. Krishnamurthy

Abstract

According to Ayurvedic Samhitas, Srotas is a structural and functional unit of the body. Srotas are the hollow spaces or channels which are responsible for any movement or transformation. There are many types of Srotas mention by Acharyas. Acharya Charaka explains Srotas as a medicinal aspect and Acharya Sushruta explains Srotas according to surgical aspect. According to Ayurveda, health of a female starts in the fetal stage itself which describes the measures to yield a good female child. The distinctive anatomical & physiological features of women in each age group were well studied by the ancient sages of Ayurveda. Just as the river is cleansed by its flow the women are purified by the menstrual flow. The regimens to be followed during menstrual and post-menstrual periods well advocated in Ayurveda.[1] 20 Yonivyapad are described, which are explained in the classics and all the Yoni Roga are the disease of anatomical components of Artavavaha Srotas (Reproductive system). Srotas (body channels) is considered as an important entity of the body and is responsible for the vahana (transferring) of dosha, dhatu etc. Among the types of Srotas, artavavaha srotas is given prime importance which is present only in females. The root of artavavaha srotas is considered as garbhashaya (uterus) and artavavahi dhamani. Injury to artavavaha srotas leads to infertility, dyspareunia, and amenorrhea. As per context Artava can be considered as ovum and menstrual bleeding i.e. Beejarupi artava and drustaratva respectively. The Beejarupi artava released from ovary reaches the garbhashaya and unites with shukra (sperm) to form garbha (fetus). Artava which is accumulated in a month is drawn towards the vaginal orifice by vata through the dhamanis and this is called drustartava. Considering two dimensions of the word artava (beejarupi, drustartava) and garbha formation, mula of artavavaha srotas is mentioned as garbhashaya & artavavahi dhamani. Similarly, Srotomula of each and every Srotas should be analysed along with its Mula and there is a need of further study in the field of Srotas and Srotomula.[2]

Keywords: Srotas, Artava, Garbhashaya.