GRAHANI (ग्रहणी): AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE WITH CONTEMPORARY CORRELATION — A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
Background: Grahani (ग्रहणी) is one of the most important anatomical and physiological entities described in classical Ayurvedic literature. It refers to the site of Agni (digestive fire) and occupies a strategic location between the stomach (Amashaya) and the intestines (Pakwashaya). Dysfunction of Grahani, termed Grahani Roga, is a clinical syndrome characterized by erratic bowel habits, digestive impairment, and altered stool consistency — closely resembling modern disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), malabsorption syndrome, and functional diarrhea.
Objectives: To conduct a systematic, critical review of classical Ayurvedic descriptions of Grahani — its etymology, anatomical location, physiological functions, pathogenesis, clinical types, and management — and to correlate these with contemporary biomedical understanding.
Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridayam, Madhava Nidana, and Sharangadhara Samhita were reviewed. Relevant commentaries (Ayurveda Dipika, Sarvanga Sundara) and peer-reviewed research publications from PubMed, Google Scholar, and DHARA were also analyzed.
Results: Grahani, anatomically positioned at the duodenum and proximal small intestine, functions as the principal seat of Agni. When Agni is weakened (Agni Mandya), Grahani fails to properly hold and transform ingested food, leading to Grahani Roga. Four clinical types (Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Sannipataja) are described with specific signs and symptoms. The management is multidimensional, involving Deepana-Pachana, Grahi drugs, Shodhana therapy, and Rasayana.
Conclusion: The concept of Grahani in Ayurveda offers a comprehensive, clinically applicable framework for understanding and managing functional gastrointestinal disorders. Its correlation with IBS, malabsorption, and intestinal dysbiosis opens significant avenues for integrative medical research.