UDAKAVAHASROTAS – CHANNELS RESPONSIBLE FOR WATER TRANSPORTATION OR CENTRES CONTROLLING WATER BALANCE IN THE BODY
According to Sushruta –
The Udakavaha Srotas or the channels responsible for water regulation and supply in the body are 2 in number. They have their roots of origin in –
Talu – palate
Kloma – is a controversial organ and has been compared to pharynx, pancreas, lungs, gall bladder and water regulating centers in the brain
SYMPTOMS OF INJURY TO THE UDAKAVAHASROTAS:
Pipasa – severe thirst
Maranam – death (when there is water deficit or imbalance for a longer duration and has not been compensated)
According to Charaka –
The roots of Udakavahasrotas are located in Talu and Kloma (same as Sushrutas explanation)
SYMPTOMS OF VITIATION OF UDAKAVAHASROTAS:
Jihwashosha – dryness of the tongue
Taalushosha – dryness of the palate
Oshtashosha – dryness of lips
Kanthashosha – dryness of the throat
Klomashosha – dryness in kloma
Atipravriddampipaasaa – severe thirst
CAUSES FOR VITIATION OF UDAKAVAHASROTAS:
Ushnaaahaaravihara – Hot foods and comforts
Aama – due to presence of products of undigested food or metabolic toxins in the body or in circulation
Bhayaat – fear
Paanaat – excessive consumption of alcohol
Shushkaannasevana – consumption of dry foods
Trushnaapeedana – habit of withholding the urge for drinking water or holding on to the urge of thirst frequently
MANAGEMENT OF VITIATION OF UDAKAVAHASROTAS –
The treatment of vitiation of udakavahasrotas should be done on the lines of treatment of Trishna (thirst) chikitsa (line of treatment of thirst disorder)