A Critical Analysis of the Concept of Srotas with Special Reference to Charaka Samhita: A Functional Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52482/ayurline.v10i06.1143Keywords:
Srotas, parmanu, Samyog, vibhag, vayu karma, swabhavAbstract
The concept of srotas occupies a fundamental position in Ayurvedic physiology and pathology. In Charaka Samhita, srotasas are described as pathways or channels associated with the formation, transportation, transformation, nourishment and elimination of various bodily constituents. The present conceptual study critically analyses the description of srotas in Charaka Samhita and its major commentaries and explores its possible functional correlation with different levels of biological organization, namely cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. Particular attention is given to the Ayurvedic concepts of parmanu, samayoga, vibhaga, vivardhana and the role attributed to vayu in developmental processes. The study suggests that srotas should not be equated exclusively with any single modern anatomical entity. Rather, it may be understood as a functional and dynamic concept encompassing pathways and processes operating at multiple levels of organization. Such a functional interpretation may provide a useful framework for comparative understanding of Ayurvedic physiology and contemporary biomedical sciences. However, these correlations should be regarded as conceptual interpretations rather than direct anatomical equivalences.
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