L8 Ayurveda - Anatomy - Channels Flashcards
What are the 13 channels known as?
Srotas
What is the function of the Srotas channels?
Supply nourishment to and remove wastes from all the tissues of the body
What happens to tissues when the Srotas channels function correctly?
Tissues are healthy
What effect does high Vata and Pitta have on the Srotas channels?
Flow becomes excessive and too quick, leading to hyperfunction
What effect does high Kapha have on the Srotas channels?
Flow becomes deficient, blocked, and too slow, leading to hypofunction, poor nutrition, and waste accumulation
What can block the Srotas channels?
Hardened ‘Ama’ toxins
What is the effect of warming herbs on the channels?
Warming herbs dilate, open, and stimulate the channels by countering Kapha and clearing Ama
Examples of warming herbs include ginger and black pepper.
What is the effect of cooling herbs on the channels?
Cooling herbs contract, close, and calm the channels
Examples of cooling herbs include bitter herbs like gentian and astringent herbs containing tannins.
What can be used to stimulate and restrict channel flow.
Hot and Cold applications
Baths, showers, saunas, wraps
Examples include wraps, baths, showers, and saunas.
True or False: Warming herbs help in clearing Ama.
True
Fill in the blank: _______ herbs are used to calm and close the channels.
[bitter]
Gentian, astringent (tannin-containing) herbs
What is an example of warming herbs?
Ginger
Black pepper
Cinnamon
This is achieved through their stimulating properties.
What are known as ‘Nadis’?
Energy channels that circulate vital force or ‘Prana’
What are Nadis equivalent to in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
‘Meridians’
Both concepts involve pathways for energy circulation.
How many channels are there in total, and how many are major channels?
13 channels in total, 3 major channels
The major channels are essential for understanding energy flow.
What is the main energy channel called?
Sushumna
Sushumna runs from the base of the spine to the head.
What does the Ida channel represent in TCM?
Similar to Yin energy
Ida is associated with calming and nurturing energies.
What does the Pingala channel represent in TCM?
Similar to Yang energy
Pingala is associated with active and stimulating energies.
How can the flow of energy in the Nadis be balanced?
By deep breathing exercises
Deep breathing promotes harmony and balance in energy flow.
What are Marmas ?
Specific energy points where energy channels intersect the physical body.
Energy Points are equivalent to which points in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Acupuncture points
Both Energy Points and acupuncture points are used in therapeutic practices to influence energy flow.
What effect does light pressure on Energy Points have?
Restores the flow of vital force (Prana)
This practice is believed to enhance overall energy and health.
How does the method of acupressure differ from acupuncture?
Uses finger pressure rather than needles
Acupressure focuses on applying pressure to points, while acupuncture involves inserting needles.
