European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF VATAKANTAKA

Kripa D.*, Waheeda Banu and K. Ravindra Bhat

ABSTRACT

Pain is that one symptom which alters our day to day activities, affecting the quality of life. pain in the heel is one among such pain, which causes difficulty in walking and in turn disturbs daily routines. Plantar fasciitis is most common cause of heel pain in adults.[1] It is estimated that 1 in 10 people will develop Plantar Fasciitis during their life time.[2] The term ‘Vata kantaka’ is made of two words vata & Kantaka. The term ‘vata’ is derived from the root ‘va’ meaning ‘gatigandhanayoh’ that which moves.[3] It is told in samhitas that the functions of the body are mainly controlled by three entities i.e known as Tridoshas, The word kantaka is derived from ‘Kati’+ ‘evul’, which means point of a needle, which is similar to thorn, which becomes troublesome like a minor enemy.[4] When the foot is kept unevenly on the ground, Vata gets localized and gets aggravated in the kaduka and produces pain. This is known as Vatakantaka.[5] Signs and symptoms of Vatakantaka resembles with Plantar Fasciitis told in modern text. When Vata gets localized in the ankle joint while placing the foot unevenly while walking or over exertion causes pain in the ankles. This is Vatakantaka. Through this article an attempt is made to understand the Nidana, Samprapti, purvarupa, rupa of vatakantaka which contributes in its manifestation. Raktamokshana, agnikarma, sweda are treatment told in Ayurveda.

Keywords: Vatakantaka, plantar fasciitis, raktamokshana, sweda, agnikarma.