NIDAN PANCHAK OF VATARAKTA VYADHI: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction: Vatarakta is a classical Ayurvedic disorder characterized by the simultaneous vitiation of Vata Dosha and Rakta Dhatu, resulting in inflammatory, degenerative, and circulatory disturbances primarily affecting the extremities and small joints. The Ayurvedic diagnostic framework of Nidan Panchak comprising Hetu (etiology), Purvarupa (premonitory symptoms), Rupa (clinical features), Samprapti (pathogenesis), and Upshaya/Anupshaya (therapeutic tests) offers a comprehensive understanding of this condition. This review aims to evaluate the classical description of Vatarakta through the lens of Nidan Panchak and highlight its diagnostic and therapeutic relevance.

Methods: A qualitative literature review was conducted using primary Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Madhava Nidana, along with relevant commentaries and contemporary scholarly publications. Passages related to Vatarakta were extracted, compared, and synthesized to present a structured interpretation of Nidan Panchak elements.

Results: The review found that Hetu primarily includes dietary (Aharajanya) and behavioral (Viharajanya) factors that separately aggravate Vata and Rakta, while their combination initiates the disease through Anyonyavarana,where vitiated Rakta obstructs Vata.Purvarupa manifestations such as burning, pricking pain, and discoloration provide strong predictive value for early diagnosis. Lakshana further categorizes Vatarakta into Uttana (superficial) and Gambhira (deep-seated) varieties, along with Dosha-specific symptomatology, enabling precise staging and individualized intervention. Upshaya measures such as Snehan, Swedan, Basti, Raktamokshana, and Tikta Kashaya preparations showed conceptual alignment with disease mechanisms, whereas Anupshaya factors aggravate chronicity.