A Comprehensive Literature Review On The Assessment Of Strotodushti Lakshana In Clerical Bank Employees Due To Professional Hazards From An Ayurvedic Perspective

Abstract

Background: The modern banking sector, characterized by a sedentary work environment, high psychological stress, and repetitive strain, presents significant occupational health challenges. Clerical bank employees are particularly susceptible to a range of musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and stress-related disorders. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a unique perspective on disease etiology through the concept of Strotas (bodily channels) and their impairment (Strotodushti). This review aims to systematically analyze the occupational hazards faced by clerical bank employees through the lens of Strotodushti Lakshana (symptoms of channel pathology).

Objective: To correlate the clinical manifestations of work-related illnesses in bank employees with specific Strotodushti Lakshana described in classical Ayurvedic texts, thereby providing a theoretical framework for Ayurvedic assessment and management.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, AYUSH Research Portal, DHARA) and classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya). Keywords included "occupational health," "bank employees," "sedentary lifestyle," "repetitive strain injury," "stress," combined with Ayurvedic terms like "Strotas," "Strotodushti," "Vikara," and "Nidana." Studies and texts describing clinical features of occupational diseases and Strotodushti were included.

Findings: The occupational hazards were mapped onto specific Strotas. Prolonged sitting and mental stress directly correlate with Annavaha (food channel), Pranavaha (respiratory/life force channel), and Manovaha (mental channel) Strotodushti, manifesting as obesity, dyspepsia, hypertension, and anxiety. Repetitive computer work aligns with Rasavaha (plasma channel) and Mamsavaha (muscle channel) Strotodushti, leading to cervical spondylosis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Visual strain corresponds to Alochakapitta impairment.

Conclusion: The pathologies prevalent among clerical bank employees can be effectively understood and assessed using the principles of Strotodushti. This Ayurvedic framework facilitates a holistic, preventive, and personalized approach to managing occupational health, moving beyond symptomatic treatment to address root causes related to Agni (digestive fire), Ama (metabolic toxins), and Srotas dysfunction. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate this correlation and develop specific Ayurvedic protocols.