Abstract

LITERARY REVIEW OF VATIKA SHOTHA W.S.R. CARDIAC OEDEMA

*Dr. Preeti Rawat, Dr. Princi Verma and Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh

Abstract

Ayurveda describes diseases characterized with swelling under the title of Shotha. "Shotha" refers to the condition of oedema or swelling caused by an imbalance in the Dosha (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Shotha finds reference as a Lakshana of various diseases as well as a separate disease and may be a complication of other disease. Utsedha is the cardinal feature of Shotha. Shopha term used for mainly one meaning i.e. swelling (Oedema) and sometimes for different meaning like Shopha mainly used for inflammatory conditions. Here it is used in terms of Shotha (Oedema), in which vitiated Tridosha and Rakta accumulates between the “Twaka”and “Mamsa” Dhatu and cause a swelling. In allopathic literature Shotha can be correlated with Oedema i.e., abnormal and excessive accumulation of free fluid in the interstitial spaces & serous cavities. Vatika Shotha refers to Shotha caused by vitation in Vata Dosha. On the basis of symptoms of Vatika Shotha can be correlated with cardiac oedema. Cardiac oedema occurs due to heart related issue such as congestive heart failure (CHF), where the heart’s capacity to pump blood reduces which results in fluid retention in various tissues, both conditions involve fluid accumulation and swelling. Faulty lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and increased stress level are major factors for cardiovascular diseases. These factors lead to the condition such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes, which in turn increase the risk of heart disease and complications like cardiac oedema.

Keywords: Shotha, Cardiac Oedema, Vatika Shotha, Swelling.