Pain management in Vatarakta

Abstract

The health of an individual depends solely on his diet and life style. But the rapid modernization of living in India makes fast food culture, which is spreading its wings in remote villages too. The consumption of baked food, half fried vegetables etc. cause incomplete digestion and metabolism of their protein structure. These disorders may be life threatening like stroke or may be causing functional impairment like joint disorders. Out of these Vatarakta is a common presentation. “Vata Dustam Raktam Yatra Roga Vishesha”, Vatarakta is the disease which is caused by vitiation of Vata as well as Rakta. Aggravated Vata is blocked by vitiated Rakta, in turn leading to further aggravation of Vata. Thus aggravated Vata vitiates whole Rakta leading to the condition Vatarakta. Nidana like Katu, Amla, Ushna, Vidahi Ahara, Gaja Ustra Yaana etc. is mentioned. With the march of time, most of dietary habits, social structure, life style and environment have been changing. Occurrence of Vatarakta is also one of the out comes of these modification. Ayurvedic management of pain in Vatarakta includes both internal administration and external application of drugs. The Shodhana processes - Raktamokshana, Vasti and Virechana are considered as most effective line of treatment. The Shamana method of treatment also has major role in the management of Vatarakta. The simultaneous vitiation of Vata and Rakta at Sandhi produces a slow pathology which involves Vata Hara and Rakta Prasadaka remedies as Chikitsa.