CONCEPT OF VATARAKTA IN AYURVEDA W.S.R TO GOUTY ARTHRITIS

Abstract

According to the theory of Ayurveda both the body and the diseases are made of Diet. Where the wholesome diet constructs the body, but the reverse causes the diseases. Changing food habits, lack of physical activities, and different environmental factors, nowadays a number of diseases are manifesting including Vatarakata. Due to the above-mentioned factors, the metabolism of proteins takes place improperly resulting in the formation of a number of free radicals which deposit in different sites of the body according to their affinity towards the same tissue resulting in a number of serious diseases. The disease Vatarakta is described as one of the diseases of Sammurchhna of Vata and Rakta. It is a disease, that occurs due to the Avarana of Vata Dosha by the aggravated Rakta dosha. It as a Vata dosha pradhana Tridoshaja Vyadhi where the main Dushya is Rakta. Hence Vatarakta is a disease where both Vata and Rakta are afflicted by distinct etiological factors. The references of Vatarakta are found in Bruhattrayee & the text of other Acharya in respective chapters. After the keen vision of etiological factors and symptomatology, Vatarakta may be correlated to gouty arthritis.[1] It is a disorder of defective purine metabolism, which is characterized by hyperuricemia & deposition of monosodiumurate crystals in joints due to its affinity for elastic tissue. It is a chronic metabolic disorder of the musculoskeletal system. [2] Severe pain, tenderness, inflammation and burning sensation in affected joints are the clinical features of it. It has been called "The disease of Kings" due to its association with people having sedentary lifestyles. Due to severe morbidity, chronicity, and incurability with associated complications, management of Vatarakta always remain a challenge for the Ayurveda physician as there is no exact treatment in the allopathy system also. So, it is very much necessary to know the concept of Vatarakta before its management.[2]