Dosha-Dushya Sammurchana in Vatarakta: A Comparative View with Gout Pathophysiology

Abstract

Health is an intricate concept that encompasses physical, physiological, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being, all of which are deeply affected by dietary and lifestyle choices. Ayurvedic texts consistently highlight the vital importance of Ahara (diet) and Vihara (lifestyle) in maintaining Swasthya (health) and Vikara (diseases). This focus is particularly pertinent today, in light of the notable increase in metabolic disorders related to lifestyle. According to Ayurveda, Vatarakta is a disease that involves an imbalance of Vata Dosha that affects Rakta Dhatu. The Vata, whose pathways are impeded by Rakta, is further vitiated, contaminating the Rakta or blood. Vatarakta is a profound Vatavyadhi produced by Avarana (occlusion) disease. Vatarakta have two Avasthas i.e., Uttana and Gambhira. Uttana Vatrakta affects Twacha and Mamsa Dhatu whereas Gambhira mainly affects Asthi, Majjadi Gambhira Dhatu. One of the best and most significant methods for determining a disease's causes, prognosis, and diagnosis is Nidan Panchak. The five parts of Nidan Panchak are Purvarupa, Rupa, Upshaya, Samprapti, and Nidan. The primary and crucial diagnostic technique in Ayurveda is the Nidana Panchak. The symptoms of gout are very similar to those described in Vatarakta. Gout is a common type of arthritis caused by uric acid disruption, in which excess uric acid in the bloodstream forms crystals in the joint, causing acute pain, swelling, and stiffness. Different Ayurveda texts, journals, research papers, articles are referred to study the concept of Vatarakta and its usefulness in manifestation and sequelae of the Vatarakta