Abstract

Dr. Hemangini Dubey, Dr. Supriya Gautam*

ABSTRACT

Human body is mainly composed of three types of substances viz. Dosha, Dhatu and Mala. Although all these entities are present in body itself, but some kind of transportation system is required to carry these substances from the site of production to the site of action. For transportation mode of such body constituents, the special term 'Srotasa' is used which denotes a channel through which substances flow from one part to another part of body. Strotas are innumerable channels or pathways which supply nourishment to dhatu and whole body. Strotas carry all like poshya rasa to poshaka rasa, specific materials, hormones, enzymes, thought process, stimulus. The human body contains several channels through which the Doshas, Dhatus and Malas travel which are called as Srotamsi. There are thirteen Abhyantra srotamsi, each of which relates to specific organs, and are increased and vitiated by specific factors. Among thirteen Abhyantra srotas Pranavaha is one. Its main function is to provide the medium, through which Prana flows, which is governed by Vata. This literary review delves into the classical Ayurvedic texts to explore the depth of knowledge surrounding Pranavaha srotas and its functions. The foundational texts of Ayurveda, such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, extensively discuss Moolasthana, Dushti hetu and Dushti Lakshna of Pranavaha srotas. They describe the intricate network of channels responsible for the movement of Prana i.e. the vital life force. Pranavaha Srotas is the channel which carries the external air into the body to sustain the life.