Anorectal anatomy in ayurveda and its applied aspect

Abstract

The Anatomy of the Anorectal region was mentioned scattered in Ayurveda. The most common terminology in this regard is Guda. Guda is the organ which helps driving away of flatus andstool. It can be correlated with both rectum and anal canal. Acharya Charak divided the Guda into two parts i.e. Uttaraguda and Adharaguda. According to Chakrapani Uttaraguda is the place wherepureesha is retained for some time. Adharaguda is the place which helps in excretes stools or the pureesha out of body.Functionally rectum retains faecal matter for certain time hence it is called as UttaraGuda. And excretion of faecal matter is function of anal canal so called as AdharaGuda.  Susruta however highlights anatomy of anal region most distinctly and vividly. Here he describes 3 valis as pravahini, visarjini and samvarani which exhibit sphincter of anal region irrespectively of internal and external. They are placed one after another i.e. Conch shell like and 1 Angula in circumference diameter. Embryological developed was mentioned from Sarabhaga i.e. nutrient part of Rakta and Kapha. Functional aspects are understood with Pureeshadharakala. While abnormality occurs in this region include pureeshavahasrotavikar as well as vitiation of mamsa. Importance of guda can be known from followings - Dasa-pranayatana, Sadyapranahara marma, Mamsa marma, 4 and 1/2 angulam paramana, moola of purisha vaha srota and it is one among bahirmukha srotas. The applied aspects of anal region are mainly highlighted in disorders Arsha, Bhagandara, etc.