Abstract

*Kumar Manoj and Kureel Manoj

ABSTRACT

Concept of gastrointestinal tract is very much elaborated by the Ayurvedic Saamhitas. A consistent, clear and precise anatomical description for the most part of the gastro-intestinal tract has been furnished by Atreya Samhita which has been quoted by Vaidyaka-Sabda Sindhu. The gastrointestinal tract is described by various terms like Mahsrotas, Annavaha srotas and Kostha etc. Srotasa are channel system for transportation and transformation of sharirbhava and dhatu. The term Annavaha Srotas points out the functions performed by this channel means the transportation of the food. Annavahasrotas is associated with digestion and flow of food material which later forms rasadhatu. Sushruta explained that Amasaya is the most important part of the alimentary tract whereas Charaka has included both stomach and small intestine in it. Annavaha Srotas is related to structural and functional units associated with mechanical and chemical digestion in mouth, stomach and small intestine as well as absorption from stomach and small intestine. Here absorption of food material forms the first dhatu Rasa dhatu.