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Dr. Vikram Chauhan - MD (Ayurveda)

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Treatment for Vatarakta (Gout) through Ayurveda

The disease Vatarakta in Ayurveda can almost be correlated to the Gouty arthritis of modern science due to its similarity in clinical presentation. As the name suggests, there is vitiation of both Vata dosha and Rakta dhatu. Although any of the tridoshas (vata, pitta and kapha) can get afflicted in this disorder with the prime factor being Vata dosha. Usually the symptoms manifests depending on the predominance of dosha involved. However, generally it can show symptoms like that of skin disease affected mainly on the joints. It mainly involves intermittent throbbing and cutting pain along the joints with inflammation and burning sensation. The person may also feel a sense of general debility, body looseness or heaviness, itching etc. Usually its clinical presentation initially begins in the feet or hand and gradually spreads to the whole body. Now let us move towards the Ayurvedic methodology of treatment for Vata Rakta

Vatarakta, Gout, Gouty arthritis

AYURVEDIC THERAPIES FOR VATARAKTA (GOUT)

In the case of Vatarakta, 'Raktamokshana' (bloodletting therapy) and purgation therapy (Virechana) are given prime importance despite the treatment being highly individualistic. Bloodletting is done through various means depending upon the symptoms. Leeches, sucking horn, venesection or scratching the skin are considered for the purpose.

SOME EFFECTIVE EXTERNAL PROCEDURES

Apart from this, various other external procedures like 'lepana' (medicinal paste application), 'Abhyanga' (massage), 'Pariseka' (pouring medicated liquids) and 'avagaha' (immersing the body or body part in medicated liquids) are also advocated in Vatarakta. These kinds of therapies are especially prescribed for the 'uthana vata rakta' where the symptoms reside only in the skin and muscles. The other type in which the disease spreads gradually towards the entire body, is the more severe version. Here the patient is resorted to more complex yet mandatory Panchakarma therapies like Virechana (Purgation), basti (medicated enema) and snehapana (oral intake of fats). Milk enema (ksheerabasti) with ghee gives efficacious results for pacifying doshas in Vataraktha. Vamana (Emetic therapy) is also administered in those with predominant Kapha Dosha symptoms like heaviness of the body, inactivity, itching etc.

APPLICATION OF MEDICATED OILS

Oils like Pinda taila, Satadhouthaghrita (ghee) are generally used for 'Abhyanga' in Vatarakta. For 'Pariseka', milk boiled with 'dashamoola' (roots of ten herbs) when poured warm at the affected part provides immediate relief from pain. Similarly, juice of Draksha (Vitisvinifera) and Ikshu (sugarcane), honey-water, water of curds etc are also used for pouring in the body as 'pariseka'. Other methods like application of warm poultice prepared of sesame seeds or mustard seeds are also done in certain conditions of Vatarakta. Beyond all these, plethora of other combinations is described by Acharyas in the ancient Ayurveda classics for the efficient healing of Vatarakta.

DIETARY ADVICES AND CLASSICAL FORMULATIONS

As a general rule, warm applications are beneficial in those Vatarakta conditions with the predominance of Vata and Kapha dosha. Similarly, Pitta dosha and Rakta vitiated conditions are pacified with cold applications. Food items that cause further aggravation of the condition like excess intake of horse gram, black gram, leafy vegetables, curd, vinegar, buttermilk dry meat, uncooked food etc should be avoided. Alongside this, for internal administration, classical Ayurvedic formulations like Vasadikwatha, Guduchyadikwatha, Manjishthadikwatha, kokilakshakwatha, kaishore Guggulu, Amritadi Guggulu and several others are used appropriately in suitable conditions of Vatarakta.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR VATARAKTA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda has included certain effective herbal supplements under the group 'GOUT CARE PACK' which is exclusively for combating Vatarakta. It includes:

  1. Kaishore Guggul
  2. Navkarshik churna
  3. Punarnava Capsules
  4. Giloy Capsules
  5. Dashmularisht

Gout Care Pack


Herbal remedies for gout, Gout Care Pack

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Kaishore Guggul

Kaishore Guggul from Planet Ayurveda is an exact combination of several herbs as mentioned in the classic Ayurvedic texts. The ingredients involved are Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Sunthi (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Danti (Baliospermum montanum) and Trivrit (Ipomea turpethum). It is advantageous in gout as it promotes joint health and acts as a blood purifier. It is effectively used in all kinds of inflammation. Apart from various other benefits, its long term use has anti-ageing benefits too.

Dosage - 2 tablets twice daily, after meals with warm water.

2. Navakarshik Churna

Navakarshik churna produced by Planet Ayurveda has its reference in the ancient Ayurvedic text book of 'chakradathasamhitha'. It has been mentioned especially for gouty arthritis along with other arthritis. It comprises of herbal ingredients like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Vacha (Acouis calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Katuki (Picorrhiza kurrao), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Daruharidra (Berberis aristata). It is a saviour in high uric acid level conditions and relieves pain and inflammation. It helps in blood purification by removal of toxins and regulates the metabolism.

Dosage - 1 teaspoonful twice daily, after meals with warm water.

3. Punarnava Capsules

Planet Ayurveda brings the pure herbal supplement of Punarnava capsules made from the standardized extract of Punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa). Punarnava balances the tridoshas (vata, pitta and kapha). With its mild diuretic action, it can eliminate the excess 'kleda' (moisture) out of the body. Moreover, it is anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating. It gives good results in gout accompanied with the protection of heart, liver and kidneys.

Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily, after meals with warm water.

4. Giloy Capsules

Giloy capsules introduced by Planet Ayurveda are prepared from the pure extract of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) which can be used safely. It has got multifacious actions in the body. It is much helpful in Rakta (blood) and Pitta dosha vitiation which is relevant in gouty arthritic conditions. Guduchi is also capable of immuno-modulation. Even after being hot in nature, it provides relief from burning sensation. It improves both digestion as well as bodily strength.

Dosage - 1 capsule twice daily, after meals with warm water.

5. Dashmularisht

Dashmularisht- Dashmoolarishta is a polyherbal syrup preparation made up of using 65 herbs approximately. This wonderful formulation shows surprising results in managing vatarakta (gout). Vatarakta is a condition in which there is involvement of primarily two doshas i.e vata and rakta and symptoms like excess sweating, ulcer formation, pain in the joints such as knees and foot, loss of sensation, joint weakness, laziness, stiffness, burning sensation,, pain, inflammation etc occurs. So Herbs like manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), khadira (Acacia catechu), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Patola (Stereospermum suaveolens), Prishniparni (Uraria picta) and sonpatha (Oroxylum indicum) are potent enough to alleviate all the associated symptoms and keep our joints healthy.

Dosage - 2 teaspoonful twice daily with equal amount of water, after meals.

CONCLUSION

Diseases like Vatarakta are being observed commonly nowadays due to our erratic lifestyle. In order to obtain a definite solution, Ayurvedic science should be utilised to the maximum. Since it is among those disorders with high morbidity and chronicity, it should be treated at the earliest under expert guidance. It is high time to adapt Ayurvedic way of approach in Vatarakta which proves effective in the overall wellbeing.

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