Abstract

RAKTMOKSHANA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VATA RAKTA

*Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Verma and Dr. Atul Badoni

Abstract

In Ayurveda Vata Rakta is explained as one of Vataa ana Rakta imbalance disorders. It is a painful condition afflicting the extremities along with the systemic involvement. In Ayurveda Vata Rakta is a disease involving Vata dosha imbalancing which is affecting Rakta Dhatu. Vata Rakta is the major example of Vata vyadhi, caused due to avarana pathology. Vata Rakta (gouty arthritis) is a chronic disease in which derangement of metabolism occurs due to indulgence in unwholesome dietary habits and lifestyle. Vata Rrakta is caused by vitiated Vata and Rakta. Initially vitiated Vata obstructs the path of vitiated Rakta and then gets obstructed by Rakta itself. It can be correlated with Gouty Arthritis due to their similarity in the clinical presentation. In Ayurveda there are so many evidence of efficacy of different treatment protocol mentioned for Vata Rakta such as Raktamokshan (blood-letting therapy), Virechana (purgation) and Basti Karma (therapeutic enema) besides the Shamana (pacification), Rasyana Dravyas along with external applications like Lepa, Upanah (poultice), Parishek, Abhyanga (oleation). Raktamokshana is considered one among Shodhana procedures. Raktamokshana means letting of blood which is mainly indicated in certain disease state especially when there is Rakta-dushti and also during Physiological condition. According to etiological factors and symptomatology, Vata Rakta may be correlated to gouty arthritis. Gout is a metabolic disorder, in gout there is defective purine metabolism, which is characterized by hyperuricemia & deposition of monosodiumurate crystals in joints due to its affinity for elastic tissue. Clinically gout is present with severe pain, tenderness, inflammation and burning sensation in affected joints. It is a humble effort to validate Ayurvedic treatment as safer and toxicity free to tackle with such disease. The problem like Vata Rakta is a silent enemy of the physical ability of humanity. It is hoped that the results of this study will stimulate thinking of Ayurvedic scholars interested in this filed to find out a cure for this disorder. Thus, Ayurveda can contribute to provide relief to the suffering humanity due to its ecofriendly and holistic approach.

Keywords: Vata Rakta is the major example of Vata vyadhi, caused due to avarana pathology.