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@article{194186,
        author = {Vd Devyani Gawale and Vd Sharad Pawara and Vd Kishorkumar Madavi and Vd Milind Nikumbh},
        title = {Role of Annavaha Srotas and Rasavaha Srotas in Psychiatric Illness: An Ayurvedic Perspective},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {10},
        pages = {2933-2939},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=194186},
        abstract = {Psychiatric illnesses, though primarily manifested at the level of mind, demonstrate deep-rooted connections with fundamental bodily systems as described in Ayurveda. Among these, Annavaha Srotas (the channels responsible for intake, digestion, and transportation of food) and Rasavaha Srotas (the channels governing the formation and circulation of rasa dhatu the primary nourishing essence) play a crucial regulatory role in mental health. This abstract provides an integrative understanding of how disturbances in these srotas contribute to the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. Annavaha Srotas, originating from the Amasaya (stomach) and Anna-vahini dhamanis, are responsible for proper digestion (Agni vyapara) and transformation of food. Impairment of Agni leads to the formation of Ama, which circulates through the body and obstructs channels, including those associated with mental function. Ama-induced derangements disturb Vata and Rasa-Rakta circulation, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, mood disturbances, irritability, mental clouding, and cognitive deficits. Chronic digestive disturbances also affect the production of essential neurotransmitter precursors, highlighting the gut–brain axis parallel in modern science.
Rasavaha Srotas, rooted in the Hrudaya (heart) and Dasha dhamanis, nourish all tissues including Manas. When RasaDhatu is pure, abundant, and well-circulated, it promotes mental clarity, emotional stability, and balanced sensory perception. Disorders of Rasavaha Srotas due to improper diet (Ahara), emotional stress, lifestyle errors, or systemic diseases result in Dhatu kshaya, malnourishment of the brain, and impaired functioning of Manovaha Srotas. This manifests as depression, fatigue, memory loss, emotional instability, and attention disturbances. Rasavaha dysfunction also aggravates Vata-related imbalances, further affecting psychological harmony. Modern perspectives correlate these Ayurvedic concepts with gastrointestinal dysfunction, malabsorption, microbiome imbalance, inflammatory mediators, circulatory irregularities, and neurohumoral dysregulation. Evidence suggests that chronic digestive impairment leads to neuroinflammation and altered neurotransmission, while impaired circulation affects oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain. Understanding psychiatric illness through the lens of Annavaha and Rasavaha Srotas provides a holistic approach to prevention and treatment. Ayurvedic management focusing on Agni deepana, Ama pachana, Rasayana therapy, dietary correction, lifestyle regulation, and mind-calming interventions can significantly enhance overall mental well-being.},
        keywords = {Annavaha Srotas, Rasavaha Srotas, psychiatric illness, Agni, Ama, Rasa Dhatu, Manovaha Srotas, Ayurveda, gut–brain axis.},
        month = {March},
        }