Importance of Knowledge of Mahasrotas (Gastrointestinal Tract) in the Development of Diseases

Abstract

Jatharagni is the bio-fire present in the Jathara (gastrointestinal tract) and its main seat is grahani (duodenum), so called because it withholds the food for a certain period of time inside the stomach and small intestine to facilitate the digestion. Agni is responsible for the longevity, health, valour, ojas (essence of the dhatus), provides strength to remaining agni’s .i.e. bhutagni and dhatvagni. The strength of the grahani depends on status of Agni and the strength of Agni is dependent on status of grahani. When the Agni undergoes vitiation, grahani also gets vitiated and produces diseases and vice versa. Jatharagni is considered to be the chief agni among all agni’s because entry of food into the gastrointestinal tract stimulates agni as a result secretion, absorption, motor activity, growth and differentiation of the gut functions takes place normally. According to modern science these are all modulated by a combination of neuronal and hormonal factors. GI diseases are manifestations of alterations in nutrient assimilation or waste evacuation or in the activities supporting these main functions and all these functions depend on agni and doshas. Hence Ayurveda mentioned most of the diseases arise due to disturbed functions of agni. 1