Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF VATASTHILA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

Dr. Prince Kumar Singh*, Dr. Shreya Maurya, Dr. Shikha Nayak, Dr. Priyanka Barange

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Abstract

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common age-related urological disorder affecting a significant proportion of men over 50, characterized by non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland leading to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). In Ayurveda, this condition is closely correlated with Vatasthila, a disease primarily caused by the vitiation of Vata dosha, which gets localized in the Basti (urinary bladder) region, forming a sthila (hard) or granthi (swelling). This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Vatasthila by elucidating its etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and principles of Ayurvedic management in parallel with the modern pathological understanding of BPH. The Ayurvedic pathophysiology involves the accumulation of Ama (toxins) and vitiation of Vata due to Mithyahara-Vihara (erroneous diet and lifestyle). The aggravated Vata, especially Apana Vata, situated in the pelvic region, undergoes Prakopa (aggravation) and gets lodged in the Medovaha Srotas(channels of fat) and Mutravaha Srotas (urinary channels), leading to the formation of a stony, movable swelling near the bladder, which is Vatasthila. The clinical presentation, including Prabhutamutrata (polyuria), Mutrakrichhra (dysuria), and Vanga Varchata (interrupted flow), bears a striking resemblance to LUTS of BPH. The management of Vatasthila in Ayurveda is multifaceted and rooted in the principles of Shodhana (purification) and Shamana (palliation). The primary line of treatment includes deepana-pachana (improving digestion), Snehana (oleation), Swedana (fomentation), and Virechana (therapeutic purgation), which is considered the prime treatment. Additionally, Basti (medicated enema), especially Uttar Basti (intra-urethral/vesical administration), holds significant importance. Various herbal formulations like Gokshuradi Guggulu, Chandraprabha Vati, and Varunadi Kwath are extensively used for their Mutrala (diuretic) and Srotoshodhaka (channel-clearing) properties. This paper consolidates classical knowledge with contemporary research, highlighting the holistic, individualized, and potentially side-effect-minimizing approach of Ayurveda as a viable complementary and alternative management strategy for BPH/Vatasthila.

Keywords: Vatasthila, BPH, Mutrakrichhra, Virechana, Uttar Basti, Gokshuradi Guggulu.