According to Ayurveda, vitiated Vata and vitiated blood causes this disease. Hence it is called as Vatarakta. Increased blood uric acid levels are also responsible for this disease.
It has been divided in two major types : superficial and deep. Similarly according to dosha predominance it has also been divided into predominant rakta type, predominant Kapha type, predominant Pitta type, and duel type.
Usually the disease starts from the inflammation of the big toe of the foot or the thumb of the hand. After this the other big or small joints in the body are affected. The disease originates in the circulatory system, gets localized into joints, and spreads throughout the body . The shollen joints are very painful, tender, inflamed, red, and warm to touch. High degree fever is usually present in acute stage. Many times skin rashes and allergic symptoms are also present with severe itching or change in the colour of the skin. Excessive sweating or no sweating and severe pain in bones and muscles may be present.
Superficial type- affected skin becomes blackish red, painful, hot to touch and there is intensive itching.
Deep type – the symptoms are more prominent in the bones, nerves, and muscles.
In Vata predominant type – pain is the main factor, with contracture developing in fingers.
In rakta predominant type – pain and edema are present.
In Pitta predominant type – excessive sweating, thirst, and tendency to develop gangrene is present. If this is not properly treated, complications like gangrene, formation of ulcers, and permanent contractures take place.
Purification by medicated purgation of blood letting according to the condition and stage of the disease is advised. Three specific herbs are used : tinospora cordifolia, kokilaksha (astercantha longifolia) and suranjana – (colchium luteum). Any one of these herbs in dose of 1 gm. Twice a day for 1 month is useful. Western herbs include althea officinalis, curcuma, calamus, and verbascum thapsus.
Externally, oil prepared from guduchi or pinda taila should be applied to the swollen joints. Internally, medicated ghee with guduchi is indicated. A simple combination of 500 mgm; each of guggulu with guduchi or colchium twice a day for 1 month, is very useful.
Vata type – the general line of treatment is anti Vata diet. If toxins or ama is present anti – ama diet should be given until the ama is detoxified. Tab. Kaishore guggulu (SS) 250 mgm; 3 times a day for 1 month is ideal medicine.
Pitta type – there is severe inflammation of the joint that is reddish in colour and is associated with fever, loose motions, sweating, thirst, and fainting.
Kapha type – the joint affected is more swollen and edematous with dull aching pain and sense of heaviness in the joint.
Kapha conditions, marking nut or semicarpus anacardium is herb of choice. It must be used with caution in Pitta constitution persons. These persons may be allergic to this herb. For Vata and Kapha types amrita bhallataka avaleha is ideal. Application of pinda oil to the affected joint and its formentation should be done.
Patients shoul avoid all food, shich can vitiate Vata and blood. They should not work near very hot places and should avoid damp and cold places. They should take light diet easy for digestion. Avoid all sour, pungent, fried foods, red meat, alcohol, and tobacco.
