Ayurveda the “Science of life” or longevity is the holistic alternative science since era. The whole philosophy of Ayurveda is based on achieving, maintaining and prompting positive health. The equilibrium of various structural and functional units of body namely doshas, dhatu, mala, agni, indriya, atma and mann results in a healthy body. Vatarakta is a disease which is encountered in the population leading to sedentary life style.

The description of Vatarakta is found in Brihattrayi and other classical books also. Acharya Charak includes Vatarakta in raktajroga in rakta dustijanyavikara^[1] and also give its whole description as a separate diseases entity in chikitsasthan. In Shushrut Samhita it is described in vatavyadhi adhyaya. The factor said in the classics which are responsible for Vatarakta is virudhahara and mithya vihara.^[2] These leads to the vitiation of vayu and rakta aggravated, Vata paves for vitiation of rakta in turn leading to further aggravation of Vata thus evolves condition Vatarakta. In Charak Samhita synonyms of Vatarakta is khudd, vatablas, adhyavata.^[3] Because it occurs mostly in rich person due to an inappropriate relationship with their environment.

In modern medical sciences the characteristics of Vatarakta resemble with those of Gout therefore it can be better correlated to Gouty arthritis.

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

While talking about treatment of Vatarakta Acharya Sushrut advised to perform Raktamokshan repeatedly ^[5]

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Acharya Sushrut explained the shastiupkarma and described raktavisravana is very useful in vedanaupshamna and to relieve achirottitashopha.^[6]

Acharya Sushrut consider rakta as a fourth dosha.^[7] Expulsion or removal of vitiated rakta as well as other vitiated doshas from the body is called Raktamokshan. Amongest various methods of Raktamoshana like shring, jalauka, alabu and Siravedhan. Among these Siravedhan is more effective and quicker in action. Siravedhan has been one of the most commonly used therapeutic procedure to remove the vitiated blood with the help of sharp instruments and is specially used to treat sarvangagata raktadustijanya vikara. It relieves pain and redness immediately and considered as “Ardhchikitsa” in Shalya tantra.^[8]

Acharya Bhavparkash advised to use Vasaadi kwath to alleviate Vatarakta completely.^[9]

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The decoction prepared with Vasa, Guduchi, and Amaltas mixed with Erandtaila should be given to alleviate generalized Vatarakta.

In this research the authors are proposed to analyze the efficacy of Vasaadi kwath and Raktamokshan by Siravedhan for treatment of Vatarakta.

NEED FOR THE STUDY             

Due to the remittent and relapsing nature of Vatarakta (Gout), there is no permanent cure for the diseases, which is a challenge in present era. Moreover, it is a potential signal for unrecognized co-morbidities like metabolic syndrome, Diabetes mellitus, coronary artery diseases and hypertension.

Although several drug regimens have been advised for its management in modern science like NSAIDS, Colchicine, Corticosteroids and Hypouricemic drugs, there use is associated with adverse effects and certain limitations.

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