A CRITICAL REVIEW ON MADHUMEHA JANYA TWAK-GATA VATA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEURITIS

Abstract

With the increasing prevalence of Diabetes mellitus especially in the middle age group, the chances of developing neuro-vascular complications are very high. One such complication is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy / Distal Symmetric sensory Polyneuropathy (DSPN). Diabetes mellitus can be correlated to Madhumeha and its complication Peripheral neuropathy to that of Twak-gata vata. Twakgata vata is one such vatavyadhi which can manifest in a Madhumeha Rogi. According to Acharya Charaka, Prakupita vata localized in twak brings about dryness of skin, skin cracks open, numbness in that part, emaciation, black discolouration, pricking type of pain, a feeling of stretching in that part, redness, and pain in small joints. Charaka has explained the special reason for the manifestation of a vatavyadhi. He says that depending upon the specific cause and site the aggravated vata produces different types of vyadhis, like twak-gata vata, raktagata vata, etc. Though, Daha as a lakshana has not been mentioned under Twakgata vata lakshanas, when there is anubandha of vata with pitta, daha is seen. Sushruta says in rasa-rakta etc., if vata gets associated with other doshas it produces various disorders. Ex: If there is daha, then association of vata with pitta should be inferred.