Raktapradoshaja Vikara and their Upakrama

In Ayurveda, Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) is an important component responsible for nourishing the body and maintaining life. It plays a vital role in nourishment, oxygenation, immunity and overall vitality. Rakta is primarily governed by Pitta Dosha and its normalcy or vitiation influences both physical and mental wellbeing. When Rakta gets vitiated due to various factors (like Pitta aggravation, Ama accumulation, and external toxins), it leads to Rakta Pradoshaja Vikara - diseases primarily affecting the skin, blood circulation and overall metabolism. A class of disorders known as "Rakta Pradoshaja Vikara" in Ayurveda are primarily linked to the vitiation or imbalance of Rakta (blood) during the Sharada Ritu, Rakta can be vitiated to cause a variety of conditions, from dermatitis, rashes, and boils to more serious conditions including anaemia, jaundice, and blood-related issues. Ayurvedic medicine, which emphasizes the use of herbal remedies, purifying and cleaning procedures, and dietary adjustments to restore balance, is being used to treat Rakta Pradoshaja Vikara. In the Upakrama treatment, Acharyas emphasize Raktashodhana (blood purification) and Rakta Prasadana (Blood nourishment) through Shodhana (purification therapies) - Raktamokshana (bloodletting), Virechana (Purgation), Basti (Enema) and Shamana (Palliative therapies) through Herbal decoctions made with specific herbal formulations like Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), and Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) are used to purify the blood and decreases symptoms, Rasayana (Rejuvenation) and Pathya-Apathya (Dietary & Lifestyle Corrections) - Cooling foods, avoiding Pitta aggravating factors. Modifying one's lifestyle to incorporate practices like stress management, adequate sleep, and a Pitta-balancing diet is another way to aid in the healing process. Apart from managing the signs and symptoms of the imbalanced Rakta Dosha, this all-encompassing strategy aims to address the root cause of the problem to avoid recurrence.