A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF RAKTA DHATU AND RAKTAVAHA SROTAS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KAMALA

Rakta dhātu is one of the most important among the sapta dhātus described in Ayurveda responsible for the sustenance of life, nourishment of tissues, and maintenance of normal complexion. The proper functioning of rakta dhātu depends upon the integrity of raktavaha srotas, whose mūlasthāna are yakrit and plīhā. Any vitiation of rakta dhātu or obstruction of raktavaha Srotas leads to various pathological conditions collectively known as raktapradoshaja vyādhis, among which kamala is a prominent disorder. kamala is predominantly caused by pitta doṣa vitiation and is characterized by yellowish discoloration of skin, eyes, urine, and other systemic features. This conceptual study aims to elaborate the fundamental principles of rakta dhātu and raktavaha Srotas and to analyse their role in the etiopathogenesis of kamala. Classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka saṁhitā, Suśruta saṁhitā, and Aṣṭāṅga hṛdaya were reviewed to understand the interrelationship between rakta, pitta, and raktavaha Srotas in the manifestaion of kamala.