Conceptual Review on Vatarakta

Abstract

In the present era various types of health issues are increasing day by day because of unhealthy food habits and sedentary lifestyles. Vatarakta is a disease explained in Ayurveda involving Vatadosha imbalance affecting Raktadhatu, where the Vayu gets aggravated due to Vishamayaana (travelling with improper posture), and on the other hand Rakta gets vitiated by consumption of Lavana, Amla, Katu, Kshara etc. The Vata whose passages are blocked by Rakta further undergoes vitiation and further contaminates Rakta. The Rakta vitiated by Vayu will vitiate the Rakta in whole body later gravitates towards the foot. This vicious amalgamation of vitiated Vata and Rakta is called Vatarakta. The symptoms are first manifested in the small joints of the foot. Later it gradually spreads to the upper portions of the body causing itching, pain numbness etc. symptoms in all the joints of the hands and foot. The other joints of the body are also involved in the painful picture. In association of Kapha, this Vatarakta spreads throughout the body in quick time like rat poison. In the general population the prevalence of Vatarakta (Gouty Arthritis) is between 1.3 to 3.7 % and it is most common among men. As for as Chikitsa of Vatarakta is concerned Ayurveda is considered Basti Karma is effective in the management of Vatarakta.