Body Channels

Srotas: The Body's Vital Channels

Srotas are the body's essential pathways that transport substances throughout our system. When these channels become imbalanced or blocked, they create a cycle of disease that affects doshas, dhatus, and malas. 

What Are Srotas?

All body parts that are hollow and carry water, food, malas, dhatus, sound, and nerve impulses are called srotas. Because they carry various substances throughout the body, they are referred to as srotas or body channels.

The substances that the srotas carry throughout the body are referred to as sravam.

The Disease Cycle

Diseased srotas pass on their state of imbalance to the doshas, dhatus, and malas they carry, therefore creating a vicious cycle.

How Imbalance Progresses

1. Dhatus and malas accumulate in srotas
2. Adjoining dhatus are adversely affected
3. Creates ama dosha
4. Travels to different parts of the body
5. Blocks other srotas
6. Leads to further imbalance in dhatus, malas, and several ailments

Similarly, imbalanced doshas, dhatus, and malas accumulate in channels, create obstructions, and lead to a decrease in the quality of the srotas.

Diversity of Srotas in the Human Body

There are millions of srotas in the human body:

• Some srotas like veins and arteries are visible to the naked eye
• Others are difficult to view even under a powerful microscope

Importance in Ayurvedic Medicine

Maintaining healthy srotas is essential for proper circulation and function of all bodily systems. When srotas become blocked or damaged, various health issues can manifest throughout the body.