DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i02.082

Pages: 876-881

Knowledge of stri-sharira (anatomy and physiology of female reproductive system) is necessary to find appropriate etio-pathogenesis and treatment of gynaecological disorders. Ayurveda classics have put emphasis on applied aspect of science and hence instead of describing micro structural details, they have described ‘sharira’ wherever necessary. ‘Yoni’ suggests the total genital path. ‘Avarta’ of yoni explains various parts of genital path. Modern science explains analogous descriptions regarding vagina that it is a fibro-musculo-membranous sheath communicating the uterine cavity by the outside at the vulva. It includes the excretory channel for the uterine secretion and menstrual blood. The location of ‘garbhashay’a is in third avarta of yoni, at the backside the bladder, in between pittashaya and pakvashaya. Sushruta quoted the word ‘plalamntargata’ which can be compared with ‘beeja granthi’ (ovary). Ritu chakra (menstrual cycle) is under the control of three doshas. Rajah-srava kala (duration of menstruation) varies from three days to seven days. Ayurveda has described the mechanism of artava pravritti precisely. Rajah-kala (menstrual phase) is of 3 to 5 or 7 days in it there is menstrual blood loss and there is dominance of vata dosha. Throughout this phase the vata dosha works by its chala guna and kshepana karma and pitta works by its drava and sara guna. Ritu-kala (proliferative phase including ovulation) is of 12 or 16 days or whole month. In this period even without menstruation establishment of ‘navina rajah’ (new cycles) takes place and there are optimum chances of fertilization. These functions are similar with kapha dosha; hence it reveals that there is dominance of kapha in this phase.