Raktavaha srota

Raktavaha srota refers to the channels responsible for carrying Rakta Dhatu. In modern medicine, it can be loosely translated to the circulatory system.

Raktavaha srota refers to the channels responsible for carrying Rakta Dhatu. In modern medicine, it can be loosely translated to the circulatory system.

Functions: Carries blood, especially haemoglobin

Controlling Organs: 

• Liver
• Spleen

Causes of vitiation:

• Food and lifestyle mistakes, such as consuming foods which lead to vitiation of doshas
• One of the most common food and lifestyle mistake linked with issues in raktavaha srota is consumption of pungent, hot, sour, and fermented foods (including alcohol).
• Exposure to excessive sun, heat, and radiation 

Symptoms and Diseases of Raktavaha srota vitiation:

• Chronic skin diseases (Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, leprosy etc.)
• Pigmentation of skin
• Intrinsic haemorrhage
• Abscesses
• Inflammation in anus and genital organs
• Jaundice
• Hepatitis
• Splenomegaly
• Anaemia
• Autoimmune diseases
• Disorders of blood cells

Treatment: 

• Bloodletting (a type of Panchkarma) in diseased parts
• Balanced diet - correcting food and lifestyle according to one's body type
• Panchkarma cleaning depending on the type of imbalance

References:

Primary Reference: School of Ayurveda and Panchkarma - Lectures and Notes