Review on Annavaha Srotas: An essential System for digestion of food and excretion of Mala from Body.

Abstract

The largest srotas (singular) or channel is the MahaSrotas or gastrointestinal tract in the human body. (Maha – large or great). This can be correlated to the alimentary tract or gastrointestinal tract or digestive tract. Acharya Charaka divides the interior of the stomach into three compartments but says this division is purely imaginary. The Srotas or channels which carry ‘Anna’ or food are called Annavaha Srotas. According CharakAnnavaha Srotas contains mukha, gala, vamaparshwa (annanalika), amashaya, laghuantra and Guda. Thus, Aamashaya should also be applicable to esophagus (food pipe) and most part of smallintestine be cause they too carry food. AnnaVaha Srotas are those channels in the body which transport the food and liquids.If the organs of Annavaha srotas like Amashaya(Stomach), Antra(Intensti ne), Grahani do not function properly, it leads toindigestion also known as Agnimandya., so it may further lead to Agnimandya which is one the causative factor of various disorders.