Vata-Rakta (Gouty Arthritis): Cure and Care by Ayurveda 

Article published in Nagaland Post on 01/October/2017

Introduction

Vatarakta, commonly known as Gouty Arthritis in modern medicine, is a condition described in ancient Ayurvedic texts. It is characterized by pain and swelling due to elevated uric acid levels, particularly in the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and Ayurvedic management of Vatarakta.

Etiology (Causes) According to Ayurveda

Factors Aggravating Vatarakta:

• Tender physique
• Excessive intake of sweet food
• Sedentary habits
• Unwholesome diets & activities
• Excessive physical exercise
• Obesity
• Excessive intake of saline, sour, pungent, and alkaline foods
• Incompatible foods

Factors Vitiating Rakta:

• Trauma
• Incompatible foods causing burning sensation during digestion

Factors Aggravating Vata:

• Excessive intake of astringent, pungent, bitter & unctuous foods
• Great indulgence in vegetables with penetrating qualities
• Exhaustion by heat
• Suppression of natural urges

Modern Factors of Gouty Arthritis:

• Trauma to the joint
• Surgery
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• High protein diet
• Diuretics
• Hereditary factors

Signs & Symptoms of Vatarakta

Uttana (Superficial) Vatarakta:

• Burning sensation
• Itching
• Aching
• Pricking pain

Gambhira (Deep-seated) Vatarakta:

• Hard inflammation with stiffness
• Severe pain
• Blackish or coppery skin coloration
• Burning and piercing pain

Clinical Features of Gouty Arthritis:

• Commonly affects males above 40
• Severe pain, often described as the "worst pain" ever
• Extreme tenderness, especially in the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint
• Fever, anorexia, malaise, headache, tachycardia

Ayurvedic Management of Vatarakta

Shodhana Chikitsa (Purification Therapy):

1. Oleation Therapy: Application of unctuous substances.
2. Purgation Therapy: Mild purgatives to prevent excessive Vata provocation.
3. Vasti Therapy: Repeated Niruha (non-oily) and Anuvasana (oily) enema therapy.
4. Abhyanga (Massage) and Pradeha: To alleviate symptoms.

Raktamokshana (Blood Letting):

• Done using leech, horn, needle, or gourd.
• Depending on symptoms like pain, burning sensation, and swelling.

Important Ayurvedic Formulations for Vatarakta:

• Guda Haritaki
• Vardhmana Pippali
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) preparations
• Patoladi Decoction
• Nimbadi Churnam
• Vataraktantaka Rasa
• Vishweshwara Rasa
• Kaishore Guggulu
• Triphala Guggulu
• Guduchi Ghrita
• Mahapinda Tailam

Management of Gouty Arthritis (Modern Approach):

• Analgesics for pain relief.
• Medications to prevent and reduce urate crystal formation.

Dietary Recommendations

Pathya (Useful):

• Old barley, wheat, wild rice, and certain types of rice.
• Meat soups from partridge, quail, lark.
• Leafy vegetables and tender branches like Solanum nigrum.
• Soups from Momordica charantia, Amaranthus, and Spinacia oleracea.
• Milk from cows, buffalo, goats, and sheep.
• Drink plenty of water.

Apathya (Harmful):

• Daytime sleep
• Excessive exercise
• Pungent, saline, sour, and hot foods
• Alcohol, curd, sugarcane, radish, sesame oil

Conclusion

Vatarakta is a significant health issue managed effectively through Ayurvedic therapies, including purification techniques, dietary modifications, and medicinal formulations. Proper diagnosis and treatment by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner are essential.

Note: Ayurvedic treatments should be administered by a qualified Ayurvedic doctor. The information provided is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.