Rasapradoshaja Vikara: Ayurvedic Understanding and Management of Digestive and Metabolic Disorders

Rasapradoshaja Vikara: Ayurvedic Understanding and Management of Digestive and Metabolic Disorders

Abstract:
Rasapradoshaja Vikara are disorders originating from the vitiation of Rasa Dhatu due to improper digestion and metabolic activity. This category includes a wide range of digestive and metabolic conditions like Amlapitta, Grahani, Atisara, and Arshas. This article outlines the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, Ayurvedic management including diet, medicines, and Panchakarma therapies for these disorders with classical references.

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1. Introduction
Rasa Dhatu is the first dhatu formed after digestion and plays a vital role in nourishment of the entire body. Improper Agni (digestive fire) leads to Ama formation and affects Rasa Dhatu, resulting in various Rasapradoshaja Vikara.

2. Nidana (Etiological Factors)

• Ajirna (indigestion)

• Atikaphala-Sevana (excess fruit intake)

• Viruddha Ahara (incompatible foods)

• Adhyashana (eating before previous food is digested)

• Vishamashana (irregular eating habits)

3. Common Rasapradoshaja Disorders

• Ajirna (Indigestion)

• Amlapitta (Hyperacidity)

• Annadrava Shoola (Gastric pain)

• Grahani (Malabsorption syndrome/IBS)

• Atisara (Diarrhea)

• Arshas (Hemorrhoids)

• Gulma (Abdominal lump/distension)

• Parikartika (Anal fissure)

4. Samprapti (Pathogenesis)
Improper diet causes Agnimandya → formation of Ama → accumulation in the GI tract → affects Rasa Dhatu → disease manifestation.

Reference: Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 28/4–28/8

5. Rupa (Signs & Symptoms)

• Ajirna: Loss of appetite, heaviness, belching

• Amlapitta: Heartburn, sour belching, nausea

• Grahani: Alternating diarrhea and constipation

• Atisara: Frequent watery stools, dehydration

• Arshas: Painful bleeding defecation, mass in anus

6. Sadhya-Asadhyata (Prognosis)

• Recent, single-dosha disorders are curable

• Chronic, complicated cases require long-term treatment

7. Chikitsa Sutra (Treatment Principles)

• Deepana-Pachana for Ama digestion

• Anulomana for bowel regulation

• Stambhana in Atisara

• Shodhana when indicated

8. Important Ayurvedic Medicines

• Ajirna: Hingwashtaka Churna, Chitrakadi Vati

• Amlapitta: Avipattikara Churna, Kamdudha Rasa

• Grahani: Bilwadi Churna, Kutajarishta

• Atisara: Kutaja Ghanavati, Musta, Nagarmotha

• Arshas: Abhayarishta, Arshoghni Vati, Kankayan Vati

9. Panchakarma Therapies

• Virechana: For Pitta and Rakta Dushti in Amlapitta

• Basti: In chronic Grahani and Gulma

• Kshara Basti: For Arshas

• Anuvasana Basti: For Vataja Gulma

10. Diet and Lifestyle

• Light, digestible food (Yusha, Manda)

• Avoid incompatible, cold, oily food

• Regular eating habits

• Gentle exercise, yoga

11. Conclusion
Rasapradoshaja Vikara are commonly encountered in modern lifestyle disorders. Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach with Agni management, appropriate herbs, Panchakarma therapies, and dietary regulation to restore health.

12. References

1. Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 28

2. Ashtanga Hridaya, Chikitsa Sthana 8–10

3. Madhava Nidana – Grahani, Atisara chapters

4. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Kutaja, Musta, Bilva

5. CCRAS Ayurvedic Formulary – Vol I & II