Water Channels
Channel governing body temperature, lubrication, electrolyte balance; rooted in pancreas, soft palate, and choroid plexus.
Ambu Vaha Srotas: The Channel for Water
Ambu vaha srotas, also called udaka vaha srotas, is the channel for water metabolism. Both ambu and udaka refer to water; ambu is also a name for the deity Lakshmi. This srotas includes cerebrospinal fluid, salivation, gastric mucosal secretions, and pancreatic secretions. It is connected to rasa dhatu (plasma), a liquid watery tissue, through subtle capillaries linked to the lymphatic system, blood vessels, and the mucosal membrane of the tongue, lips, and gastrointestinal tract.
The mula (root) is kloma (the pancreas), talu (the soft palate), and the choroid plexuses in the brain. The marga (passage) is the gastrointestinal mucous membrane. The mukha (opening) includes vrukkau (kidneys or kidney glomeruli), jihva (tongue), and roma kupa (sweat glands).
The pancreas (kloma) digests the water component of sugar and the sweet taste. Sweet taste contains Earth and Water elements, and the Water component is assimilated by the pancreas—in other words, the pancreas regulates blood sugar. The choroid plexuses are venous plexuses that secrete cerebrospinal fluid, which enters the subarachnoid space and travels along the spinal column, protecting the entire brain. The kidneys and adrenals also play a secondary role in this srotas.
Source: Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles, Chapter Seven: Srotamsi, The Bodily Channels and Systems
Functions of Ambu Vaha Srotas
When the tip of the tongue touches the palate behind the front teeth, it relaxes the choroid plexus, creating a uniform flow of cerebrospinal fluid along with the release of bliss molecules. When the tongue is lifted off the roof of the mouth, the lower chakras are relaxed; when it touches the palate, the higher chakras are relaxed and released.
Other important functions include creating lacrimal, nasal, and salivary secretions. Ambu vaha srotas is connected to sveda vaha srotas (sweat channel) and mutra vaha srotas (urinary channel)—excess water that cannot stay in the body exits through urine or sweat, making these outlets of ambu vaha srotas.
There is agni in ambu vaha srotas that processes and digests ingested water. Digested water enters the plasma cells (rasa dhatu). If the agni of ambu vaha srotas is low, unprocessed water accumulates in the interstitial cells, leading to edema and swelling.
Source: Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles, Chapter Seven: Srotamsi, The Bodily Channels and Systems
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.