AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

The greatest channel is the MahaSrotas or gastrointestinal tract in the human body. (Maha - substantial or significant). This can be associated with the alimentary, gastrointestinal, or digestive tract. Acharya Charaka categorizes the interior of the stomach into three compartments, but he claims that this separation is merely conceptual. The Srotas, or conduits that transport Anna or food, are referred to as AnnavahaSrotas. According to Charak, AnnavahaSrotas comprises the mouth, throat, left lateral aspect (annanalika), stomach, small intestine, and rectum. Consequently, Aamashaya should also pertain to the esophagus and the majority of the small intestine, as they also transport food. AnnaVahaSrotas are the bodily channels that convey food and beverages. The concept of the gastrointestinal tract is extensively detailed in the Ayurvedic Samhitas. The Atreya Samhita provides a consistent, unambiguous, and exact anatomical description of the majority of the gastrointestinal tract, as referenced in Vaidyaka Shabda Sindhu. The gastrointestinal tract is referred to by several words, including Mahsrotas, Annavahasrotas, and Kostha. In Ayurveda, the digestive tract is seen essential for overall health and is referred to as Agni, signifying digestive fire. This article offers a succinct examination of the Ayurvedic viewpoint of the physiology of the digestive system. Ayurveda posits that the digestive system has multiple organs and processes functioning synergistically to digest and assimilate food. The primary organ systems implicated include the oral cavity, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and pancreas. The efficient operation of these organs is crucial for sustaining maximum health and averting disorders.