Rakta and Pitta Vikaras: Ayurvedic Insights into Blood and Skin Disorders and Their Management

Rakta and Pitta Vikaras: Ayurvedic Insights into Blood and Skin Disorders and Their Management

Abstract:
Rakta and Pitta vitiation plays a crucial role in the manifestation of various skin and bleeding disorders in Ayurveda. This article discusses the etiology, symptomatology, Ayurvedic pathogenesis, management, and Panchakarma therapies for Rakta and Pitta Vikaras such as Kushta (skin diseases), Pandu (anemia), Kamala (jaundice), and Raktapitta (bleeding disorders) with appropriate classical references.

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1. Introduction

Rakta (blood) is considered one of the vital dhatus, and Pitta is closely related to its function and color. Their simultaneous vitiation can manifest in a wide range of systemic and skin disorders. These diseases are often chronic and require deep purification and rejuvenation therapy.

2. Nidana (Etiological Factors)

• Intake of viruddha ahara (incompatible food)

• Excessive consumption of sour, salty, fermented, spicy food

• Alcohol intake

• Sun exposure, stress, improper sleep

3. Common Disorders Involving Rakta and Pitta

• Kushta (Skin diseases – eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis)

• Visarpa (Herpetic eruptions, cellulitis)

• Charmadala (Dermatitis)

• Shwitra (Vitiligo)

• Kitibha (Psoriasis-type lesions)

• Dadru (Fungal infections/ringworm)

• Vicharchika (Eczema)

• Pandu (Anemia)

• Kamala (Jaundice)

• Raktapitta (Epistaxis, hematemesis, menorrhagia)

4. Samprapti (Pathogenesis)
Vitiated Pitta and Rakta circulate in the bloodstream, localize in specific organs or skin layers, and produce lesions, bleeding, or discoloration. If ama is involved, it worsens the prognosis.

Reference: Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 7/17–7/22, 16/20–16/30

5. Rupa (Signs & Symptoms)

• Kushta: Itching, discoloration, dryness or oozing lesions

• Raktapitta: Nasal/oral/rectal bleeding, burning sensation

• Pandu: Pallor, weakness, fatigue, dyspnea

• Kamala: Yellow discoloration of skin/eyes, nausea, loss of appetite

6. Sadhya-Asadhyata (Prognosis)

• Raktapitta and Kamala are curable in early stages

• Kushta is chronic, often Yapya (manageable, not fully curable)

• Shwitra and Kitibha are Chikitsakrama Sadhya or Kricchrasadhya

7. Chikitsa Sutra (Treatment Principles)

• Raktashodhana (Blood purification)

• Pittahara chikitsa (Cooling therapies)

• Srotoshodhana (Channel cleansing)

• Rasayana for long-term immunity

8. Important Ayurvedic Medicines

• Kushta: Pancha Tikta Ghrita, Khadirarishta, Arogyavardhini Vati

• Raktapitta: Kamdudha Rasa, Mukta Pishti, Ushira, Chandana

• Pandu: Punarnava Mandura, Lohasava, Navayas Lauha

• Kamala: Arogya Vardhini Vati, Bhoonimba, Kutaki

• Shwitra: Bakuchi Churna, Krimighna Gana herbs

9. Panchakarma Therapies

• Virechana: Main therapy for Pitta and Rakta disorders

• Raktamokshana: Jalaukavacharana in inflammatory skin diseases

• Basti: In chronic Kushta (especially Tikta Ksheera Basti)

10. Diet and Lifestyle

• Avoid sour, spicy, fermented foods

• Include cooling herbs like coriander, amalaki, guduchi

• Use medicated ghee (like Tikta Ghrita)

• Regular application of medicated oils (Karanja Taila, Jatyadi Taila)

11. Conclusion
Rakta and Pitta Vikaras form a major category of skin and bleeding disorders in Ayurveda. They require systemic purification, pacification of Pitta, and rejuvenation therapies. Early diagnosis and adherence to pathya-apathya significantly improve outcomes.

12. References

1. Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana Chapters 7, 16

2. Ashtanga Hridaya, Uttara Tantra – Kushta & Pandu

3. Madhava Nidana – Kushta, Raktapitta

4. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Usheera, Chandana, Bakuchi

5. CCRAS Ayurvedic Formulary of India – Volume I & II