A conceptual study of Srotas and their importance in diagnosis of disease

The term Srotas derived from Sru Gatau Dhatu which means Gati or movement. Acharya Charaka says that Sravanat Srotamsi which means secretion or passes for secretion. Some Acharya says that Srotas are innumerable and some says numerable. The Srotas are similar in colour of that Dhatus which remain within it i.e., Swadhatusamvarnata. These are Vritta, Sthhoola, Anu, Deergha etc. in shape. Acharya Charaka explain 13 and Acharya Sushruta explain 11 pair of Srotas respectively. Acharya Vagbhata first classify the Srotas in to Antarmukh Srotas which are 13 in number and Bahirmukha Srotas which are 9 in number in males and 12 in number in females. Acharya Charaka says that if Srotas remain in Prakritibhutavastha then origin of disease not possible and if these are vitiated then Dhatus related to it and their path are also vitiated and produce disease. Acharya Sushruta mention that the vitiated Doshas can’t cause disease until Kha Vaigunya (weak point) is originated in the Srotas. In Ashtang Hridayam it is mentioned that vitiated Srotas are cause of disease and unvitiated Srotas are cause of health. The main cause of Srotadushti is the consumption of that Ahara Vihara which vitiate the Doshas and makes abnormal Dhatus. After vitiation of Srotas they show following clinical features: Atipravritti, Sanga, Siragranthi and Vimargagamana and produce mild to severe form of disease of different Srotas. On the basis of Nidan Sevan and Lakshana the disease are diagnosed.