Urinary and Renal Disorders in Ayurveda: An Insight into Mutrakricha, Mutraghata, Ashmari, and Prameha

Urinary and Renal Disorders in Ayurveda: An Insight into Mutrakricha, Mutraghata, Ashmari, and Prameha

Abstract:
Urinary and renal diseases are grouped under Mutravaha Srotas Vikara in Ayurveda. Conditions like Mutrakricha (dysuria), Mutraghata (urinary obstruction), Ashmari (urolithiasis), and Prameha (urinary metabolic disorders including diabetes) are thoroughly explained in classical texts. This article presents a comprehensive Ayurvedic understanding of these disorders, their etiology, pathogenesis, signs, treatments, and Panchakarma modalities.

---

1. Introduction
Ayurveda considers urinary diseases as disorders of the Mutravaha Srotas. Proper function of Apana Vata is essential for healthy urination. Disruption of Vata, Kapha, and Pitta doshas, as well as Medas and Kleda, are often responsible for urinary dysfunction.

2. Nidana (Etiological Factors)

• Excessive intake of dry, spicy, or unwholesome foods

• Daytime sleep and sedentary lifestyle

• Excessive alcohol, improper water intake

• Suppression of natural urges (Mutravegadharana)

3. Common Disorders

• Mutrakricha – Dysuria or painful urination

• Mutraghata – Obstructive uropathy

• Ashmari – Urinary calculus (kidney/bladder stones)

• Prameha – Urinary metabolic syndrome (including Madhumeha/Diabetes)

4. Samprapti (Pathogenesis)

• Vata-Kapha dushti leads to obstruction and difficulty in micturition

• Mutrakricha involves Apana Vata dysfunction

• Ashmari results from Kapha-Pitta aggravated doshas solidifying in the urinary tract

• Prameha involves Kapha and Medas dushti, leading to turbid, excessive urination

5. Rupa (Clinical Features)

• Mutrakricha: Pain, burning sensation, frequent urination

• Mutraghata: Difficulty, incomplete, or suppressed urination

• Ashmari: Renal colic, haematuria, dysuria

• Prameha: Turbid, profuse urination; lethargy, obesity

6. Prognosis (Sadhya-Asadhyata)

• Mutrakricha and Ashmari are curable in early stages

• Prameha is Yapya (manageable)

• Mutraghata can become Asadhya if not treated promptly

7. Chikitsa Sutra (Treatment Principles)

• Mutravirechana: Diuretic herbs and formulations

• Vata-anulomana: Especially for Mutrakricha and Mutraghata

• Lekhana & Medohara: In Prameha

• Shodhana: Virechana and Basti where appropriate

8. Ayurvedic Medicines

• Mutrakricha: Chandraprabha Vati, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Varunadi Kashaya

• Mutraghata: Pashanabheda, Punarnava Mandoora, Trikantaka Kwatha

• Ashmari: Hajrulyahuda Bhasma, Varuna, Kulattha Kwatha

• Prameha: Nishamalaki, Chandraprabha Vati, Vanga Bhasma, Gudmar, Shilajit

9. Panchakarma Therapies

• Basti: Mutrakrichra, Mutraghata, Prameha (Lekhana and Anuvasana Basti)

• Virechana: For Pitta-induced burning and Prameha

• Uttarabasti: In urinary retention, calculus

10. Diet and Lifestyle

• Light, cooling, diuretic foods (barley, kulattha, gokshura)

• Avoid suppressing urination urge

• Regular hydration with lukewarm water

• Yoga practices: Pawanmuktasana, Vajrasana

11. Conclusion
Ayurveda provides an effective, natural framework for managing urinary and renal disorders. With early diagnosis, doshic balancing, use of herbs, and purification therapies, long-term relief and prevention can be achieved.

12. References

1. Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana Chapters 6, 12

2. Ashtanga Hridaya Chikitsa Sthana – Mutrakricha, Prameha

3. Sushruta Samhita – Nidana Sthana on Ashmari

4. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Varuna, Gokshura, Punarnava

5. CCRAS Ayurvedic Formulary of India Vol I & II