A Functional Reappraisal of Dhamanī, Sirā and Srotas Concepts in Suśruta Saṃhitā Śārīrasthāna 9: A Comparative Perspective with Contemporary Biomedical Sciences
Author : Dr. Ashutosh Kumar Yadav and Dr. Suman Yadav
Abstract :
Background: Ayurvedic Śārīra Śāstra presents a distinctive understanding of human anatomy based on the relationship between structure, function, and physiological regulation. Among the classical descriptions, the ninth chapter of Śārīrasthāna of Suśruta Saṃhitā, known as Dhamanīvyākaraṇa Śārīra, provides a detailed account of internal channels involved in transportation, nourishment, sensory activities, and maintenance of life processes.
The concepts of Dhamanī, Sirā, and Srotas have traditionally been interpreted within the Ayurvedic framework. However, their functional descriptions demonstrate conceptual similarities with several aspects of contemporary vascular anatomy, physiology, microcirculation, and organ-system biology.
Aim: The present study aims to critically analyze the descriptions of Dhamanī, Sirā, and Srotas in Suśruta Saṃhitā Śārīrasthāna 9 and explore their possible functional relationships with modern anatomical and physiological concepts.
Materials and Methods: A classical-text-based analytical review was conducted using Suśruta Saṃhitā Śārīrasthāna 9 as the primary source. Classical commentaries, Ayurvedic interpretative literature, and modern biomedical references related to anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, and pathology were reviewed. Descriptions related to origin, classification, distribution, function, and injury manifestations of Dhamanī and Srotas were analyzed using a comparative interpretative approach.
Results: The analysis indicates that Ayurvedic descriptions of Dhamanī represent a broad functional concept associated with conducting pathways, nourishment, and regulation of physiological processes. Certain features resemble arterial circulation, peripheral vascular distribution, and microcirculatory exchange. The concept of Srotas extends beyond vascular structures and corresponds functionally with multiple biological transport systems, including circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive pathways.
The clinical manifestations described following Srotas injury demonstrate an early understanding of the relationship between structural disruption and functional impairment.
Conclusion: The Dhamanīvyākaraṇa Śārīra description represents an integrated physiological model of the human body developed through classical Ayurvedic observation. Direct anatomical equivalence with modern structures is not appropriate; however, comparative interpretation provides meaningful insights into similarities between Ayurvedic functional anatomy and contemporary biomedical physiology.
Keywords :
Suśruta Saṃhitā, Dhamanī, Sirā, Srotas, Śārīra, Ayurveda anatomy, Comparative anatomy, Microcirculation, Functional physiology.
