CONCEPT OF RASA SAMVAHAN IN AYURVEDA

*Dr. Padminee Sahu and Vinay Bhardwaj

ABSTRACT

Rasa is the primary Dhatu formed from ingested food. Rasa Samvahan is the system of conveyance of Ahara Rasa (food extracts) via Strotas to all the Dhatus (tissues) of the body for their nourishment. It includes all the transportation and exchange of Poshaka Rasa from Aahara Rasa at cellular levels to the Dhatus (tissues). The Rasa (nutrient fluid) is circulated continuously in the entire body at the same time by the Vyana Vayu by virtue of its proprietary nature (Guna) of spreading.[1] Rasa Samvahana has been found comparable with Shabda (sound), Archi (fire), Jala (water) as per the direction, motion and formation of the Dhatus. The function of Rasa is Preenana (nourishment) which is said to be variable with age. During childhood, it performs Vardhan Karma, Tarpan in adults and Yapan in geriatric age.

Keywords: Rasa, Strotasa, Prana Vayu, Vyana Vayu, Saman Vayu, Jatharagni, Hridaya, Rasa Samvahan.