Review on the disease Vata Rakta and its management in Ayurvedic literature

Abstract

The rapid modernization in India, fast food culture, stressful and speedy life, prevalent in urban areas is spreading its wings in remote villages too. Nowadays human beings are vulnerable to many disorders due to their altered life style and food habits. Among such metabolic disorders Vatarakta is one of them. Vatarakta is more distressing and common metabolic disorder prevalent in present era. It is characterised by severe pain, tenderness, inflammation and burning sensation in the affected joints. It is a Vatapradhana Tridoshaja Vyadhi[1] where Rakta is main Dushya. Vatarakta is an illness where both Vata and Rakta are afflicted by distinct aetiological factors. Sedentary lifestyle along with mental stress, consumption of non- vegetarian and highly protein diet, excessive alcohol intake are some of the precipitating factors which causes acute exacerbation of Vatarakta. The aetiological factors responsible for Gouty arthritis,[6] pathology and clinical features are quite similar with the Vatarakta. Rapid modernization, Junk food culture, stressful life and urbanisation are the markers for prevalence of Vatarakta. Due to excruciating pain, inflammation, joint deformity and restricted joint movements with the risk of various complications like Chronic Kidney Disease and Urate Nephrolithiasis,[7] it is necessary to have an overall review on all aspects of disease for treatment. Because of the morbidity, chronicity, incurability and complications, the management of Vatarakta is a difficult task.