A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Vasaadi Kwath and Raktamokshan by Sira Vedhan in the Management of Vatarakta W.S.R. to Gout

Ayurveda the “Science oflife†or longevity is the holistic alternative science since era. The wholephilosophy of Ayurveda is based on achieving, maintaining and promptingpositive health. The equilibrium of various structural and functional units ofbody namely doshas, dhatu, mala, agni, indriya, atma and mann results in ahealthy body. Vatarakta is a disease which is encountered in thepopulation leading to sedentary life style.

The description of Vataraktais found in Brihattrayi and other classical books also. Acharya Charakincludes Vatarakta in raktajroga in rakta dustijanyavikara[1]and also give its whole description as a separate diseases entity inchikitsasthan. In Shushrut Samhita it is described in vatavyadhi adhyaya.The factor said in the classics which are responsible for Vatarakta isvirudhahara and mithya vihara.[2] These leads to the vitiation ofvayu and rakta aggravated, Vata paves for vitiation of rakta in turn leading tofurther aggravation of Vata thus evolves condition Vatarakta. In Charak Samhitasynonyms of Vatarakta is khudd, vatablas, adhyavata.[3] Becauseit occurs mostly in rich person due to an inappropriate relationship with theirenvironment.

In modern medical sciencesthe characteristics of Vatarakta resemble with those of Gouttherefore it can be better correlated to Gouty arthritis.

GOUT is an abnormality ofpurine metabolism that causes hyperuricemia and deposition of monosodium uratecrystal in Joints-acute Gouty arthritis, In soft tissues-causing tophiand tenosynovitis, In renal tubules-causing urate stones and urate nephropathy.[4]

While talking abouttreatment of Vatarakta Acharya Sushrut advised to perform Raktamokshanrepeatedly [5]

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                                                                                                                                                 Acharya Sushrut explained theshastiupkarma and described raktavisravana is very useful in vedanaupshamna andto relieve achirottitashopha.[6]

Acharya Sushrut consider rakta as a fourthdosha.[7] Expulsion or removal of vitiated rakta as well as othervitiated doshas from the body is called Raktamokshan. Amongest variousmethods of Raktamoshana like shring, jalauka, alabu and Siravedhan.Among these Siravedhan is more effective and quicker in action. Siravedhanhas been one of the most commonly used therapeutic procedure to remove thevitiated blood with the help of sharp instruments and is specially used totreat sarvangagata raktadustijanya vikara. It relieves pain and rednessimmediately and considered as “Ardhchikitsa†in Shalya tantra.[8]

Acharya Bhavparkashadvised to use Vasaadi kwath to alleviate Vatarakta completely.[9]

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The decoction preparedwith Vasa, Guduchi, and Amaltas mixed with Erandtaila should be given toalleviate generalized Vatarakta.

In this research theauthors are proposed to analyze the efficacy of Vasaadi kwath and Raktamokshanby Siravedhan for treatment of Vatarakta.

 NEED FOR THE STUDY

Dueto the remittent and relapsing nature of Vatarakta (Gout), thereis no permanent cure for the diseases, which is a challenge in present era.Moreover, it is a potential signal for unrecognized co-morbidities likemetabolic syndrome, Diabetes mellitus, coronary artery diseases andhypertension.

Althoughseveral drug regimens have been advised for its management in modern sciencelike NSAIDS, Colchicine, Corticosteroids and Hypouricemic drugs, there use isassociated with adverse effects and certain limitations.

Therefore,it is essential to find out some alternative therapeutics based on herbs Vasaadikwath and Para-surgical procedure i.e Siravedhan in the management of Vatrarakta(Gout).