“AYURVEDIC APPROACH OF VATARKTA W.S.R. TO GOUT : A REVIEW”

About Author

Correspondence Address

Kayachikitsa Department,Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya,Hanuman Nagar,Nagpur
Contact No. : 9637639806, Email : dhiwarsonam97@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 19 Sep 2025

Date of Publication : 29 Sep 2025

Article ID : SD-IJAY_145

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2025.3305

Abstract

Ayurvedic thought holds that diet is the foundation of both the body and disease. Whereas a healthy diet builds the body, diseases are caused by the opposite.
In India, the fast food culture, hectic lifestyle, and rapid modernisation that are common in cities are also encroaching on rural areas. Because of their altered dietary and living habits, people nowadays are vulnerable to a variety of diseases. Among these metabolic disorders is vatarakta.Stiffness, joint swelling, and pain are among the symptoms of Vatarakta, a chronic illness marked by joint and systemic pain. Both Vata dosha and Rakta dhatu are vitiated in this disease; vitiated Rakta obstructs aggravated Vata, which causes more imbalance and aggravates Vata dosha. According to contemporary science, it shares signs and symptoms with gout. A condition of purine metabolism, gouty arthritis is an inflammatory reaction to the crystals of monosodium urea monohydrate (MSUM) that develop as a result of hyperuricaemia.

Aims & Objectives: Aim of article to provide information about Vatrakta w.s.r. Gout.

Materials & Methods : Ayurvedic Samhitas ,modern literature , journals , various websites , review articles have been analyzed for study .

Conclusion: This paper presents a comprehensive review of Vatarakta from both Ayurvedic and modern medical perspectives.

KEY WORDS:-  Vatrakta, Vata, Rakta, Dhatu

Introduction

WHO defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental & social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. The health of an individual solely depends on his diet and lifestyle. Ayurveda is more than a medical science; it is a culture or lifestyle, and one should adopt its applied aspects for one's well-being.⁽¹⁾

The health of an individual relies on the harmony between Atma, Indriya, and Mana. Maintaining the balance of Doshas (Doshasamya), Agni (Agnisamya), and Dhatus (Dhatusamya) is also essential for sustaining normal health. Joint-related illnesses impact a significant portion of the global population, and such health concerns have risen in recent times due to an unbalanced lifestyle. Vatarakta is one example of a joint disorder.⁽²⁾

The word 'Vatrakta' is made up of two words, 'vata' and 'rakta'.⁽³⁾ Vatarakta is a painful condition. The condition develops suddenly and reoccurs after treatment. When aggravated Vata is obstructed by aggravated Rakta, this obstructed Vata again vitiates the Rakta. This pathological state is known as Vatashonitam or Vatarakta. VataRakta is also known as Khudaroga, Vata-balasa, Vatashra & Adhyavata.⁽⁴⁾

Acharya Sushruta mentioned that this disease can start from Pada Moola (feet), and sometimes it can also start from Kara Moola (hands).⁽⁵⁾

Gout is a crystal deposition disease marked by pain and swelling in the first metatarsophalangeal joint, which is often followed by involvement of other joints. This condition is associated with elevated levels of urate in the body, which can result from excessive production, insufficient excretion, or a combination of both. It can also be defined as the pathological reaction of the joint or periarticular tissues to the presence of non-sodium urate monohydrate crystals; clinically, this may present as inflammatory arthritis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, cellulitis or as nodular tophaceous crystal deposits.⁽⁶⁾

In contemporary medicine, the treatment options include NSAIDs, colchicine, and glucocorticoids; however, these do not alter the progression of the disease and often come with adverse effects. Ayurveda provides an extensive discussion on the treatment of Vatarakta in all its texts, outlining the therapeutic approach, which includes Shodhana, Shaman, and Bahyachikitsa. Many therapeutic modalities and different preparations are mentioned by our ancient Acharyas for Shamana, Shodhana ⁽⁷⁾ and the Bahyachikitsa.⁽⁸⁾

Discussion

Vatarakta is a chronic inflammatory joint disorder characterised by the interplay of vitiated Vata and Rakta, leading to symptoms akin to gouty arthritis. The condition manifests as acute pain, swelling, redness, and burning sensations in joints, particularly affecting the lower limbs.

Modern lifestyle factors such as excessive purine-rich diets, alcohol consumption, and sedentary habits contribute to the exacerbation of Vatarakta. These factors lead to hyperuricemia, which is central to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Conclusion

Vatarakta, akin to gouty arthritis, is a multifactorial disorder that benefits from a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach. Early diagnosis and individualised treatment plans, incorporating both Shodhana and Shamana therapies, along with lifestyle modifications, are essential for effective management. Continued research and clinical trials are necessary to validate and refine these Ayurvedic interventions.

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