Meda Vaha Srotas

The channel carrying nutrients for the fat tissue is called meda vaha srotas. Its mula (root) is the omentum and adrenals. The marga (passage) is the subcutaneous fat tissue. The mukha (opening or mouth) is the sweat glands. Sweat is a byproduct of meda and is also included in this srotas. The doshic subtypes associated with meda vaha srotas are kledaka kapha and avalambaka kapha.

This srotas is connected to and rooted in the adrenals and kidneys. The adrenal cortex regulates fat metabolism. All anabolic steroids increase fat in the body. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secreted from the anterior pituitary gland and the hormones secreted from the adrenal cortex have functional integrity. A person who suffers from nervousness and insecurity goes on eating and eating, which stresses the adrenals. Fat metabolism changes and the result can be either obesity (excessive meda) or inadequate meda dhatu.

Meda vaha srotas is also associated with and rooted in the omentum, an extension of the abdominal lining (peritoneum) that drapes over the stomach and intestines like an apron where fat accumulates. When examining meda vaha srotas, evaluate the omentum as well as the adrenals. If the tone of the abdominal muscle is diminished and the muscle is flabby, the person will appear obese. Fat also accumulates on the lower back, hips, thighs, and buttocks.