A Gout is medical condition in which level of uric acid in blood increases above 6.8 mg/dl. When elevated uric acid causes arthritis, it is called as gouty arthritis. In Ayurveda this condition is known as Vatarakta. This is commonly found type of arthritis in 2 to 3% of population in world. Ayurvedic classics have mentioned very effective treatment for gout.
Metabolism of purine is disturbed in this diseases. And level of serum uric acid increases in blood (above 6.8mg/dl). Crystallization of uric acid in form of monosodium urate occurs when uric acid level elevates more than 6.8mg/dl. These crystals deposit around joints, tendons as well as surroundig tissues. Such deposition of crystals causes very sharp pain in joints, burning, redness, swelling as well as tenderness of joints.
Initially, when purine metabolism disturbs & uric acid level increases person may not feel any symptoms and such asymptomatic condition can be there for 3 to 6 months, later gradually symptoms starts to develop. Men usually suffers more than women from gout. And it usually develops around age of 50.
Risk factors of gout-
Gout has both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
modifiable risk factors- diet, alcohol, medications, co-morbidities, body mass index, physical fitness
Non- modifiable risk factors - genetics, age and gender)
Uric acid crystals deposition starts in joints & surrounding tissues when the level of uric acid in blood crosses its upper normal value. In allopathy system of medicines NSAID's i.e. Allopathy system generally uses Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen, aceclofenac, colchicine, glucocorticoids, allopurinol, febuxostat etc. for treatment of gout. Use of these drugs is full of side effects such as gastric ulcer, hypersensitivity; adverse effect on kidney function and possibility of drug interaction with other prescribed drug such as erythromycin restrict their uses.
Allopathy treatment consider to lower uric acid level up to normal by any means but does not focus on metabolism, which is main source of extra production of uric acid in body. Hence Allopathy treatment does not treat root cause and act as symptomatic treatment. Restricted protein diet, life style modification, weight loss, low alcohol consumption and ensuring sufficient fluid intake is common in any treatment for gout.
Ayurveda and gout -
According to ayurvedic basic principles , Tridosha i.e. Vata, Pitta, & kapha. These are three physiological basic of the human body. Vata is predominant among them and it causes more serious and long term diseases than other Pitta and Kapha doshas. Vata gets vitiated or aggravated due to either Avarana (obstruction in the path) or dhatukshaya (degeneration of body tissue). Vatarakta is one of the main Vata diseases which is the result of avarana of vitiated vata dosha by vitiated rakta (blood) dhatu .
There are two types of Vatrakta in Ayurveda- Uttana Vatarakta & Gambhir vatarakta. when only skin and Mamsa are involved then, it is known as Uttana Vatarakta (uncomplicated gout).
And when joins,bones & majja (bone marrow) is involved along with skin & muscles, then it is called as Gambhir vatarakta, i.e. complicated gout
Vatarakta if remains untrearted for one yearthen it becomes Yapya i.e. difficult to cure.
Principle of Ayurvedic treatment of gout.
Ayurvedic treatment for gout includes Nidan parivarjana in first step, in which all causes associated with elevated uric acid or vata vitiation are stopped. Ayurveadic classic books mentioned two types of treatment one is Shodhana & second is Shaman Chikitsa. Acharya Charaka in his book Charak Samhita mentioned, Raktadhika vatarakta has to be treated with,
Virechana -medicated purgation
Ghrita ksheera pana- intake of medicated ghee or milk,
Seka - pouring of medicated decoctions over body,
Niruha Basti - medicated enema and
Sita nirvapana -application of pastes for cooling
Rakta dushti along with vata is treated with ayurvedic herbs like Rasna, Kokilaksh, Guduchi, Neem, Kirat tikta etc.
Lifestyle modification along with correction of metabolism with ayurvedic medicines & panchakarma can cure gout within 3 to 5 months.
We Ayushman Bhava Ayurveda Clinic has treated many cases of gout successfully with Ayurvedic treatment.
Dr.Yogesh Chavan is Expert and one of the best Ayurvedic Doctor in Nashik for treatment of gout or elevated uric acid.
For more details or To book appointment Click Below-
- Dr.Yogesh Chavan, MD(Ayurveda)Kerala