Sharir Kriyatmak aspect of Grahani

Pooja Patil; Abhaysingh Patil; Savita Wale

Sharir Kriyatmak aspect of Grahani

Patil P.^1*, Patil A.², Wale S.³

DOI:

^1* Pooja Patil, Assitant Professor, Dept. of Kriya Sharir, B.G. Garaiya Ayurveda College, Rajkot, Gujarat, India.

² Abhaysingh Patil, Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta and Yoga, B.G. Garaiya Ayurveda College, Rajkot, Gujarat, India.

³ Savita Wale, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Roganidana, B.G. Garaiya Ayurveda College, Rajkot, Gujarat, India.

Ayurveda aims at preservation of health and curing of the disease. Ayurveda emphasizes more on the normal condition of Jatharagni (digestive fire), that is why it has been mentioned as “Rogaha Sarvepi Mandagni.” The food undergoes metabolic transformation by Jatharagni and results in maintenance of the body tissue elements by their growth and repair processes. According to Charaka, Jatharagni is the leader of all the factors concern with digestion in the body of all living beings. Charaka also states the seat of Agni is also known as ‘Grahani’ because it receives and retains the food. Further, the main function of Grahani is to support Pachak Pitta which is required for digestion of food, which is brought to this part on the way to Pakwashaya. Grahani not only helps in digestion and metabolism but also take care of separation of Sara and Kitta. Any impairment of Agni will impart the integrity of Grahani. Grahani Roga is one of the very commonly seen diseases in our society, may be because of perverted food habits, socioeconomically condition, modern lifestyle and mental state of human beings. The aim of this study is to describe the Grahani in its Sharir Kriyatmaka (physiological) aspect. So, that it will be easy to prepare efficient protocol for diagnosis and treatment of Grahani Roga.

Keywords: Grahani, Agni, Sharir Kriyatmak aspect of Grahani, Grahani Roga

Corresponding Author	How to Cite this Article	To Browse
Pooja Patil, Assitant Professor, Dept. of Kriya Sharir, B.G. Garaiya Ayurveda College, Rajkot, Gujarat, India. Email:	Pooja Patil, Abhaysingh Patil, Savita Wale, Sharir Kriyatmak aspect of Grahani. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(9):81-85. Available From https://www.jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2081

Introduction

Grahani is the specialized part of Mahasrotas. According to Sushrut, organ which is located between Amashaya (stomach) and Pakwashaya (colon) is called as Grahani (small intestine). It is the site of Pittadhara Kala, it is considered as the site of Pachak Pitta which helps for the Ahara Pachana.^[1]

Agni is located in Grahani (small intestine) is called as Jatharagni.^[2]Agni Mahabhuta is predominantly present in Pitta Dosha.^[3]

Grahani and Agni are having Adhara Adheya Sambandha Jatharagni rules the process of digestion supported by the three Dosas.

Laghu Antra (small intestine), is the part where most of the digestion takes place. The part of G.I. tract which is between stomach and large intestine is known as small intestine. Small intestine is Matrija organ and is the main site of Agni. Small intestine receives indigested food and sends almost digested food into the large intestine.^[4]

Aims

To scrutinize the classical texts to find out the Sharir Kriyatmak aspect of Grahani in Ayurveda.

Objectives

1. Study of Grahani according to different Ayurvedic texts.

2. Study the small intestine in its anatomical and physiological aspect.

Ayurvedic Aspect

According to Acharya

Sushrut: Sixth Pittadhara Kala is situated between Amashaya and Pakwashaya

Charak: It is the part situated above the Nabhi, it is the site of Agni and does Grahana of Anna and it is supported and nourished by the strength of Agni.

Vagbhata

षष्ठीपित्तधरानामपक्वामाशयमध्यस्था। साहिअंतरग्नेरधिष्ठानतयाआमाशयात्पक्वाशयोन्मुखअन्नंबलेनविधार्यशोषयतिपचति, पक्वचविमुंचति। दोषाधिष्ठितातुदौर्बल्यादाममेव। ततोऽसावन्नस्यग्रहणात्पुनर्ग्रहणीसंज्ञा। (अ.सं.शा.5/23)

The sixth Kala is named as Pitta Dhara Kala and it is located in between Pakwashaya (intestine) and Amashaya (stomach). Being the abode of internal fire (digestive activity), it withholds by force, the movement of food material passing from the Amasaya (stomach) into the Pakvasaya (intestines); digests the food by the heat of Pitta, absorbs it and allows the digested food to move further; under the influence of decreased activity of the Doṣas present therein, it allows even undigested food to move further. Hence this is also known Grahani, in view of its (function of) with holding the food. Its strength is from Pitta itself, known also as Agni. Thus, activated by this fire (like activity) it maintains the welfare of the body.^[5]

Grahani as an organ: Grahani is situated between Amashaya (Stomach) and Pakvashaya (intestine) receives and retains the food for digestion. In Grahani, Pittadhra Kala is present.

Grahani is the seat of Agni and situated above the Nabhi (Umbilicus).^[6]

Grahani is small intestine where main digestive juices are secreted from Liver and Pancreas having properties of the Pachakapitta.

Grahani: It is helpful in holding the food and ensures the digestion as it holds (Grahana), it is named as Grahani.

The Grahani is located in the center of the Amashaya and Pakywashaya. The term ‘Grahani' is derived from the fact that it takes Anna from the Amashaya. It is also known as Pacchyamanshaya, Laghwantra and Kshudranta.

अग्न्यधिष्ठानमन्नस्यग्रहणात्ग्रहणीमता।।( च.चि .19 /53)

Grahani is the seat of Jatharagni and it is helpful in holding food and thereby ensures digestion. The Grahani is the main place of Agni. It is in this Grahani that most of the digestive process takes place. Digestive bile produced in the liver and pancreas enters the Grahani through a carrier system and participates in the digestion of nutrients.

Types of Agni

1. Jatharagni : 1 depending upon Dosha Adhikya, Jatharagni divided into 4 type 1) Tikshagni 2) Vishamagni 3) Mandagni 4) Samagni

2. Dhatwagni : 7

3. Bhutagni : 5

समानोऽग्निसमीपस्थःकोष्ठेचरतिसर्वतः।

अन्नंगृहणतिपचतिविवेचयतिमुन्चति || (अ.हृ.सू. 12/8)

Samana Vata is located near to Agni. It moves in the Koshtha, Ama-Pakwashaya i.e., alimentary tract and other abdominal viscera, keeps the ingested food particles in the alimentary canal for digestion. After that separates it as the essence and wastes and eliminates the waste product through the Gudamarg (Anus).^[7]

Ahara Parinamkar Bhava

Ushma, Vayu, Kleda, Sneha, Kala, Samyoga.

The factors present in the Sharir which are responsible for the digestion and metabolism of the ingested food are collectively called as Ahara Parinamkar Bhava.

Aharapaka

Madhura Avasthapaka
Amla Avasthapaka
Katu Avasthapaka

Modern Aspect

Digestion

Definition: Breaking down of large and complex molecule of food into small and simple molecules for the utility of body cell and synthesis of energy.^[8]

Phases

Ingestion - Prana Vayu
Movement - Samana Vayu
Digestion - Ushma, Kleda, Sneha and Kala
Absorption - Samayoga
Excretion - Apanvayu

Physiological co-relation of Grahani (Small intestine)

Physiologically it holds the indigested food for the duration of its digestion before the Kitta or undigested food residue is propelled into the Pakwashaya.

The functional importance of small intestine is digestion and absorption. Maximum absorption of food takes place in small intestine.^[9]

Layer of intestine: Serous, Muscular, Sub mucosa, Mucosa.

First layer: Outer serous layer or outer peritoneal layer made up of tough fibrous tissue which gives protection to intestine.

Second layer: Muscular layer -It is made up of longitudinal and circular fiber. This muscular layer is main responsible layer to the movement like peristalsis.

Third layer: Submucosal layer majority of glands are situated in this layer. Eg.Brunner’s gland, simple tubular gland

Gland: Simple tubular gland - directly open into lumen of intestine

1. Enterochromaffin cell (Argentaffin cell) secret intrinsic factor

2. Goblet cell- secret mucus

3. Panth cell - secret cytokines

Brunner’s gland - directly opens to duodenum. Secret mucus and trace of enzymes

Fourth layer: Mucous layer - innermost layer It is not a plain layer; it is having many folds which comprises villi and microvilli and this layer gets the rich supply of many lymph vessels.

Succus Entericus

Secretion from small intestine
Volume 1800 ml/day
Highly alkaline in nature
Composition: water 98.5%, solid 1.5%
Organic substances - proteolyitic, lipolytic, amylolytic
Other organic - mucus, intrinsic factor, defensins
Inorganic

Movement of small intestine

Mixing movement
Propulsive movement
Peristalsis in fasting
Movement of villi

Small intestine composed of 3 segment

Duodenum - releases bile and pancreatic secretion, active site of digestion
Jejunum - active site of nutrient absorption

Ileum - active site if nutrient absorption - water, vitamins, minerals

Function of small intestine

Mechanical functions - mixing movement of small intestine are help in the mixing of chyme with the digestive juices.
Secretion - the succuseintericus, interokines, GI hormones (secritin, cholecystokinin)
Digestion - digest proteins with the help of proteolytic enzyme (peptidases), digest carbohydrate with the help of amylolytic enzymes (sucrose) and digest fat with help of lypolytic enzymes
Absorption - the villi and microvilli are increasing the surface area of small intestine the facilitates the absorptive function
Hemopoetic function - intrinsic factor plays important role in erythropoiesis
Hydrolytic function - intestinal juice helps in all the enzymatic reactions of digestion

Grahani Roga (Disease): Grahani Roga is common disease in India and also superimposed over a pre-existing Agni-Dusti. There is also Dushti of Kledaka Kapha, Pachak Pitta and Saman Vayu. It may also occur as a sequel of other disease like Atisara (Diarrhea). Grahani is precipitated after Atisara (Diarrhea). A person who has been relieved of Atisara but it still having Mandagni, if he takes injudicious food, it leads to vitiation of Agni and then damages the organ Grahani and expels digested or Mal-digested substances.^[10]

Discussion

The name Grahani is given to that of gastro-intestinal tract of our body where ingested food is supposed to get retained for a longer period for the purpose of getting disintegrated and absorbed. The organ Grahani is situated above Nabhi Pradesh (umbilical region), which acquires the strength through Agni. The main strength of organ Grahini is Pitta in which Agni resides and keeps the living human body healthy and normal. Pittadhara Kala is part of digestive system. It is a substratum for the Agni. Physiology and pathology of the body is depending on status of Agni.

Aharpachana or the digestion of food is the main function of the Pachaka Pitta.

The Ahara-Pachana in Amapakwashaya has been described as Avasthapaka i.e., the change in the state or form of the food substances. This is the stagewise change where the Jatharagni plays an important role on the ingested food particles. As per Vagbhata Vipaka is the final Rasa (taste) produced by the Jatharagni on a substance at the end of digestion. The taste mentioned in Vipaka is that of the end product of digestion of that substance. Sara-Kitta-Vibhajana is a process carried out by Jatharagni in the Mahasrotas and it’s also the function of Grahani.

Digestive system is frequently exposed to many pathogens and allergens because of the food. Consequently, many diseases are occurring in the Pittadhara Kala or Grahani. Grahani is the most affected part and the Grahani Roga can manifest.

The functional importance of small intestine is digestion and absorption. Maximum absorption takes place in small intestine. Diagnostic approach according to Modern Science could be investigating altered gastrointestinal motility and visceral hypersensitivity, post infectious reactivity, brain-gut interactions, alteration in fecal micro flora, bacterial overgrowth, food sensitivity, carbohydrate malabsorption, intestinal inflammation, Low levels of vitamins A, B₁₂, E, D and K Low Sr. Ca, Alb, Folate. Treatment approach according to Ayurveda can be considered with respect to Dosa-Dusya Balancing, Agni Pradipana, Amavisha Nirharana, Srotas involved, Avastha-Pakavichar, Bhutagni-Pakavichar, Purish Pariksha , Vishishtha Lakshana, Avasthavichar and Mansika involvement of food takes place in small intestine.

Conclusion

Grahani which is disturbed functions of the bowels and intestines. Grahani (small intestine) is the seat of Agni (digestive fire). Food is held here until it is completely digested by Agni (or digestive fire). After the food is completely digested, it then passes on to the next part of the digestive tract for absorption, but if the Agni is weak, then the food is not completely digested and passes on in a half digested form. Considering all these parameters related to Grahani as a organ Dosha, Dusya, Agni, Ama, Srotas, Avasthapaka, Vipaka and Bhutagni Paka in proper way in Garahani Roga is necessary to proceed for successful treatment.

Reference

1. Kaviraj Dr. Ambikadatta Shastri, Atisara Pratishedam Adhyaya, Sushrut Samhita, Uttartantra, Vol. II, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi. Edition: Reprint; 2019.p. 306

2. Yadavji Trikamaji Acharya, Grahani Dosha Chikitsa Adhyaya, Charak Samhita, Chikitsasthana, Choukhambha Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi. Edition; 2017.P. 517.

3. Prof.K.R.Srikantha Murthy, Doshabhediya Adhyaya, Astanga Samgraha, Sutrasthana 20/1, Vol.I, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi. Edition, Reprint; 2018. p. 367.

4. Prof. Dr. Subhash Ranade, Prof. Dr. R.R. Deshpande, Prof. Dr. Swati Chobhe, Aharapaka, A Textbook of Kriya Sharira, Part-1; Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi. Edition, Reprint; 2017. p.176.

5. Prof. K.R. Srikant Murthy, Angavibhaga Sharira Adhyaya, Astanga Sangraha, Sharirsthana 5/36, Vol.II, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi. Edition, Reprint; 2018. p. 64.

6. Yadavji Trikamaji Acharya, Grahani Dosha Chikitsa Adhyaya Charak Samhita, Chikitsasthana, 15/57, Choukhambha Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi. Edition; 2017, p. 517.

7. Dr.Vishwavasu Gaur, Dosabhediya Adhyaya, Astang Hrudayam by Vagbhata, Sutrasthana, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi. Edition;2010. p. 209

8. K Sembulingam, Prema Sembulingam, Overview of Digestive System, Essentials of Medical Physiology, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers(P) Ltd, Edition: Seventh;2016, New Delhi, p. 219.

9. K Sembulingam, Prema Sembulingam, Functions and Secretions of Small Intestine, Essentials of Medical Physiology, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd, Edition: Seventh;2016, New Delhi, p. 261.

10. Dr. Nisha Kumari, Grahani, A Text Book for Roga Nidana and Vikriti Vijnana, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi. Edition: 2017. p.433.

Manuscript Received	Review Round 1	Review Round 2	Review Round 3	Accepted
2022-08-24	2022-08-26	2022-09-02	2022-09-09	2022-09-16
Conflict of Interest	Funding	Ethical Approval	Plagiarism X-checker	Note
Nil	Nil	Yes	16%

Review Article

Grahani

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences