E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Khavaigunya

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 6 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Understanding Srotas in Ayurveda: A scientific evaluation of Khavaigunya

Pramar T1*, Sharma AK2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.6.39

1* Twinkal Pramar, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Kriya Sharira, Madan Mohan Malviya Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

2 Ashok Kumar Sharma, HOD, Department of Kriya Sharira, Madan Mohan Malviya Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Purpose: Ayurveda integrates various fundamental concepts, with Srotas playing a crucial role in comprehending the Purush Sharir (human body). Srotas is defined as the macro and micro-channels active within a living being, it provides insights into anatomy and physiology in Ayurvedic literature. This study aims to evaluate the various types of Khavaigunya (pathological conditions) in Srotas using a scientific approach, enhancing the understanding of Ayurvedic concepts within modern healthcare frameworks.

Methods: A systematic review of traditional Ayurvedic texts and contemporary research on Srotas was conducted. The study categorizes Khavaigunya into four manifestations: Atipravriti (excess flow), Sanga (obstruction), Siragranthi (nodular formation), and Vimarg-gaman (misdirection of flow). Each category is analyzed for its pathophysiological implications and relevance to modern medicine.

Results: The evaluation reveals that Srotas function as an inner transport system, facilitating interactions among vital bio-factors such as Tridosha, Sapta Dhatu, Oja, and Agni. Disease manifestation due to aetio-pathological factors lead to vitiation of Dosha and Dushya, culminating in Khavaigunya. Understanding these disruptions enables healthcare professionals to assess organic or pathological damage to Srotas.

Conclusion: The integration of Srotas within Ayurvedic practice provides valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of various health conditions. A scientific approach to understanding Khavaigunya enhances the ability of healthcare professionals to formulate effective treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes in Ayurvedic medicine.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Srotas, Khavaigunya, Atipravriti, Sanga, Siragranthi, Vimarg-gaman

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Twinkal Pramar, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Kriya Sharira, Madan Mohan Malviya Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Email: 		Pramar T, Sharma AK, Understanding Srotas in Ayurveda: A scientific evaluation of Khavaigunya. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(6):292-297.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4279/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-05-12 2025-05-24 2025-06-04 2025-06-14 2025-06-24
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None Nil Not required 11.65

© 2025 by Pramar T, Sharma AK and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionAim and ObjectivesMaterials and MethodsLiterary ReviewDiscussionConclusionReferences
Twinkal P et al. Understanding Srotas in Ayurveda

Introduction

Ayurveda, a time-honored system of medicine, offers profound insights into human health through its intricate concepts and holistic approach. Among these, the notion of Srotas stands out as a pivotal element in understanding the human body. Srotas, encompassing both macro and micro-channels, serve as essential pathways that facilitate the transport of vital substances, enabling the complex interplay of physiological processes fundamental to maintaining health and wellness.

In traditional Ayurvedic literature, Srotas is not merely an anatomical concept; it embodies the interconnectedness of various bodily functions, reflecting the dynamic nature of life. The functionality of Srotas is integral to the proper operation of key Ayurvedic principles, including the Tridosha (the three vital energies), Sapta Dhatus (tissues), Oja (vital energy), and Agni (digestive fire).

Disruptions within these channels can lead to pathological conditions known as Khavaigunya. By categorizing Khavaigunya into four primary manifestations - Atipravriti (excess flow), Sanga (obstruction), Siragranthi (nodular formations), and Vimarg-gaman[1] (misdirection of flow) - we will analyze the pathophysiological implications and relevance of each category in contemporary medical practice.

Aim and Objectives

Aim

To assess the Ayurvedic concept of Srotas and its association with Khavaigunya using a scientific approach, enhancing understanding of these concepts within contemporary healthcare frameworks.

Objectives

1. To identify and describe the four types of Khavaigunya - Atipravriti, Sanga, Siragranthi, and Vimarg-Gaman caused by disturbances in Srotas.

2. To evaluate the implications of Srotas-related pathology on overall health and well-being.

3. To establish a framework for assessing the organic or pathological damage to Srotas to inform effective treatment plans in Ayurvedic practice.

Materials and Methods

A systemic review of classical Ayurvedic texts alongside modern medical literature was conducted to define Srotas and their physiological significance. Identify and describe the four types of Khavaigunya based on aetiology and clinical presentation. A comprehensive framework for assessing damage to Srotas was developed, integrating insights from both Ayurvedic and contemporary diagnostic practices.

Literary Review

There are three words in Ayurveda which are with interwoven meaning and functions useful for the common purpose of circulation ‘Dhamani, Sira and Srotas’. Leaving theory behind, let us see the exact meaning and practical use of these words.

1. Dhamani (Artery) - “Dhmanad Dhamanyah”[2] that which beats (pulses).
2. Sira (Vein) - “Saranat Sirah”[3] that which moves.
3. Srotas (Capillary) - “Sravanat Srotamsi”[4] that which secrets.

Dhamanis and Siras are for macro-circulation of blood and Srotas is meant for micro-circulation, sometimes even to transport bigger substances for the purpose of nutrition and survival of the organism. Without Srotas, there is no nutrition, growth and metabolism, i.e., establishment of health. When Srotas is damaged (got Dushti) there is manifestation of disease i.e., establishment of disease. Hence study of Srotas is essential and parameter in understanding the disease.

In general usage, the term of Srotas represents all channels - big and small, perceptible and imperceptible - that comprise the internal transport system of the body.

“No structure in the body can grow and develop or waste and atrophy independent of Srotamsi that transport Dhatus”.[5]

Vata, Pitta and Shlesma are stated to move in the entire body through different kinds of Srotamsi.[6] When Srotas got effected dosas also gets vitiation thereby disease. Finally, Srotas is a transport system which receives all exogenous substances into the body, transform into endogenous to yield energy and nutrition,


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and takes out the bye-products (Malas - excretable) of that process. With this meaning Srotas can be classified into two;

1. Sthula Srotas
2. Sukshma Srotas

Sthula Srotas again divided into two varieties;

1. Bahirmukha Srotas (External meatus or passa-ges)
2. Yogavaha Srotas (Internal passages)

1. Bahirmukha Srotas which has got external openings to outer surface of body through which all excretable are thrown out in either sex, they are 2 nostrils, 2 eyes, 2 ears, one mouth, one urethra, one anus; in addition to them, female has got 3 Srotas - 2 as breast nipples to secret milk for child, one as genital organ and pathway for parturition of baby, totally 12 in females.[7]

2. Yogavaha Srotas are those which deals about complete transport mechanism in the body.

These 13 Srotas have been called after their transporting material.[8]Theyare

SNSrotasSystem description
1. Pranavaha SrotasChannels of respiration
2. Udakavaha SrotasChannels of fluid distribution
3. Annavaha SrotasAlimentary canal
4. Rasavaha SrotasLymphatic canal
5. Raktavaha SrotasVascular system
6. Mamsavaha SrotasChannels of nutrition to muscle tissue transport
7. Medovaha SrotasNutritive channel for adipose tissue
8. Asthivaha SrotasNutritive channel for bone tissue
9. Majjavaha SrotasNutritive channel for bone marrow
10.Sukravaha SrotasNutritive channel for reproductive tissue
11.Mutravaha SrotasChannel transporting urine
12.Swedavaha SrotasChannel transporting sweat
13.Purisavaha SrotasChannel transporting feces

Caraka categorically mentions that 'तानि दुष्टानि रोगायाः विशुद्धानि सुखाय च' dysfunction resulting due to organic damage of Srotas is disease & normal function is health.

Caraka enumerated commonly occurring pathological or organic damages to Srotas i.e., Khavaigunya. They are -

1. Atipravritti (An excessive flow)
2. Sanga (Retention or holding up)
3. Siragranthi (Dilatation veins or varicose veins)
4. Vimarga-gamana (Flow of the content through other channels)

Discussion

To understand the phenomenon of Srotodushti look into the following examples-

1) Atipravritti (Excessive flow)

Increased flow of the contents in excess to its normalcy.[9]

SNExamplesDescriptionDisease
1. HyperacidityExcessive flow of acid to stomachAmlapitta
2. Artavavaha Sroto-dushtiExcessive flow of Rakta or ArtavaRakta-pradara
3. Mutravaha Sroto- AtipravrttiExcessive flow of urineAtimutraorPrameha
4. PurisavahaSroto- AtipravrttiExcessive flow of fecesAtisara

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Similarly, Amlapitta, increased hormonal secretions etc. are examples of Attipravritti within Srotas / body.

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Similarly, Asrugdara, Raktpitta etc. are examples of Attipravritti outside of the Srotas / body

2) Sanga (Retention or holding up)

Sanga means obstruction causing in different ways.[9]

SNSangaExamples
1. Intra luminal obstruction (True obstruction)Baddha-Gudodara (intestinal obstruction)
2. Extra luminal obstruction-
Obstruction from outside of Srotas
(External pressure)		Any tumors/growths causing obstruction to Srotas externally e.g.
1. Enlarged hilar lymph nodes causing obstruction to esophagus (dysphagia) Annavaha- Srotosanga
2. Tumour at vertebral column causing pressure on spinal cord giving rise to paraplegia (Adharangavata)
3. Inhibition of impulses so that movement of membranes arrested so that contents will not flow (Neuronal or reflex or inhibition of impulses)1. Udavarta
2. Nasanaha
3. Anaha 'अचलमिति' arrest of movement without solid obstruction.
4. TIA - spasmodic constriction of vessel leading to less blood flow to the site.
5. Paralytic ileus - tympanites

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3) Siragranthi (Dilatation veins or varicose veins)

Siragranthi means dilated mutilated vessels which causing stoppage of flow of blood through it due to volvulus e.g. Varicose veins[9]

jaims_4279_13.JPG

An example of Siragranthi

4) Vimarga-gamana (Flow of the content through other channels)

That causes pathogenesis in two aspects[9]

A) Contents of the Srotas moving into other Srotas

1. On cerebral hemorrhage blood comes out of the vessel and enters into CSF– since it is in other place it causes irritation to the cerebrum resulting in disease.

2. Recto-vesicular fistula, feces through urethra.

3. In case of Bhagandara since there is a sinus from rectum or anus i.e. Purishavaha Srotas, the feces come out through wound openingexternally.

B) Deprive of nutrition to its own tissue

In hemorrhage when blood comes out of vessel, the proper tissue which has to get blood supply will not have nutrition resulting in loss of function. e.g. hemiplegia, ischemia, degeneration due to atrophy etc. When a tissue or cell comes out of its own Srotas, it becomes exogenous (antigen) to other tissue there by triggering the defense mechanism resulting in disorders (auto-immune disorders). Second aspect when the proper nutrition is diverted, it will get Dhatu-Kshaya resulting in loss of function.

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Extravasation of Rakta Dhatu into Mamsa Dhatu (Vimarg-gaman)

Conclusion

Srotas is to be considered as structural and functional unit of body performing various functions in the body. The relevant Srotas is called after its Dhatu name which it conducts, these are known as ‘Yogavaha Srotas’.

As modern medical literature of pathology, treatment and medicine is studied in terms of system i.e. respiratory system means structural and functional unit concerned with respiration; cardiovascular system structural and functional unit concerned with circulation similarly. Yogavaha Srotas are also structural or functional units in the body. Hence conveniently pathology and treatment can be studied basingonSrotas.

References

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