European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

AN OUTLOOK OF GOUT IN CONTEXT OF VATARAKTA ROGA IN AYURVEDA

Dr. Surendra Singh Rajput*

ABSTRACT

WHO defines Health as “A state of complete physical, mental & social well-being and merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Health of an individual solely depends on his diet and lifestyle. Ayurveda more than a medical science it is a culture or lifestyle, one should adopt its applied aspects for one‟s well-being. But with the march of time, in the rapid modernization most of dietary habits, social structure, lifestyle & environment have been changing. The consumption of baked food, half fried vegetables etc. Cause incomplete digestion. This modern living in India makes fast food culture, which is spreading its wings in remote villages too. Nowadays human beings are vulnerable to many disorders due to their altered lifestyle and food habits. Vatarakta, a common metabolic disorder is a grievous medical condition present in the society. Vatarakta as the name suggest is the vitiation of Vata Dosha and Rakta Dhatu (blood). In this condition the normal flow of Vata is obstructed by Rakta leading to symptoms starting from Paada (foot) and Hasta (hands). It is a Vatapradhana (Vata predominant) Tridoshaja Vyadhi. Vatarakta is a major Vatavyadhi caused due to Avarana (occlusion) pathology. The symptomatology of Gout has striking similarities with those explained in Vatarakta. Gout is a common type of arthritis due to uric acid disturbance where excess uric-acid in blood stream forms crystals in the joint that causes intense pain, swelling and stiffness, it usually affects the joint in the big toe. Numerous studies have established the impact of gout on patient‟s morbidity and mortality. Despite major advances in treatment of gout, many patients with gout are not properly controlled and continuing with recurrent flares of gouty arthritis. Therefore, here an attempt is made, to understand Vatarakta (gout) from both modern and Ayurvedic concepts and to discuss the management of the condition from Ayurvedic point of view.

Keywords: Vatarakta, Vatashonita,Khudd-vata, Vatabalasa, Adhyavata.