Srotas (स्रोतस्)

Srotas are the channels or transport systems within the body. They are responsible for carrying Doshas, Dhatus (tissues).

Ayurvedic Principles (Siddhanta Kosha) 1 min read
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Sanskrit Verse

स्रोतांसि खलु परिणाममापद्यमानानां धातूनाम् अभिवाहीनि भवन्ति अयनार्थेन।

— (Charaka Samhita, Vimanasthana 5/3)

Explanation

Srotas are the channels or transport systems within the body. They are responsible for carrying Doshas, Dhatus (tissues), and Malas (waste products) throughout the body. There are numerous Srotas, but Ayurveda describes 13 principal channels, such as Pranavaha Srotas (carrying prana/breath), Annavaha Srotas (carrying food), and Udakavaha Srotas (carrying water).

Clinical Importance

Disease is often understood as a blockage or dysfunction (Sroto Dushti) within these channels. Ayurvedic treatments like Panchakarma are designed to clear these blockages and restore the proper flow of substances through the Srotas.