AYURVEDIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASES

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder that impairs renal function over time. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, provides a holistic understanding of CKD by examining genetic, anatomical, dietary, behavioural, and traumatic factors contributing to renal dysfunction. Polycystic renal diseases and anatomical defects are significant causes of CKD, correlating with the Ayurvedic concepts of Bheeja and Bheejabhagaavayava dushti. Anatomical deformities of the mutravaha srotas, such as Mutra granthi and Basti kundalika, are linked to CKD manifestations. Improper dietary habits, including excessive intake of kshara (alkalis), lavana (salt), madhya (alcohol), shukta, and abhishyand ahara contribute to renal parenchymal damage, emphasizing the importance of a regulated diet in Ayurveda. Additionally, the suppression of natural urges, particularly mutra and pureesha, disrupts the apana vata, adversely affecting renal function by impairing neural and vascular supply. Imbalanced water intake, consumption of contaminated water, and water with high dissolved solvents can lead to mutraghata and mutrakricchra (urinary disorders) described in Ayurveda. Trauma or injury to vital organs, including basti , can cause irreversible renal damage. In surgical practices, care must be taken to avoid damaging the mutravaha srotas, udakavaha srotas, and shukravaha srotas to prevent CKD. This holistic understanding emphasizes prevention through proper diet, behavioural practices, and protection of vital organs, offering insights for managing CKD from an Ayurvedic perspective.