Conceptual Study of Annavaha Srotas and its Viddha lakshana with special reference to Andhya: Short Communication

Abstract

Annavaha Srotas (gastrointestinal channels) are essential for the food and sustenance of all bodily tissues, including ocular structures. Ayurveda emphasizes the link between digestion, systemic health, and ocular problems, including blindness. According to classical Ayurvedic writings, vitiation of annavaha srotas caused by poor food, lifestyle, and aggravated doshas can result in inadequacies impacting eye health. This paper examines the pathogenic involvement of annavaha srotas in ocular illnesses, particularly blindness, using Ayurvedic concepts and comparing them to modern medical discoveries. In modern medicine, blindness is frequently connected with nutritional deficits, metabolic problems, and degenerative illnesses of the optic nerve and retina. Vitamin A deficiency, diabetic retinopathy, and ischemic optic neuropathy have been related to malnutrition and metabolic dysfunctions, supporting Ayurveda's theory of diminished agni (digestive fire) leading to systemic illnesses. This review article tries to bring together Ayurvedic and modern perspectives, emphasizing the importance of gut health in ocular illnesses and arguing for an integrative approach to blindness prevention and therapy.