Abstract

VATASHTHEELA AND BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW WITH AN OVERVIEW OF AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

^*Dr. Pushpa Patel, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Dr. Devesh Shukla, Dr. Rajeev Kumar

Abstract

Background: Vatashtheela, described under Mutraghata in Ayurveda, is characterized by urinary obstruction and formation of a hard, elevated, stone-like mass caused by aggravated Vata Dosha. Its clinical features closely resemble Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), an age-related benign enlargement of the prostate causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The limitations and potential adverse effects associated with long-term medical therapy and surgical interventions have encouraged exploration of Ayurvedic management strategies. Objective: To review the Ayurvedic concept of Vatashtheela and correlate it with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), highlighting its Nidana (etiological factors), Samprapti (pathogenesis), Lakshana (clinical features), and Chikitsa Siddhanta (principles of management) in relation to the etiopathogenesis and clinical features of BPH. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts, peer-reviewed scientific literature, and contemporary clinical guidelines. Evidence on disease mechanisms, conventional management, and Ayurvedic therapeutic principles was reviewed and analysed to establish conceptual and clinical correlations between Vatashtheela and BPH. Results: Vatashtheela closely corresponds to BPH based on similar urinary symptoms such as weak stream, frequency, urgency, nocturia and incomplete bladder emptying. Both conditions are associated with progressive obstruction of urine flow. Ayurveda attributes the condition to Vata-Kapha imbalance, whereas modern medicine explains it through hormonal changes, prostatic hyperplasia, and inflammation. Ayurvedic management aims to restore Dosha balance, improve urinary function and enhance quality of life. Conclusion: The Ayurvedic description of Vatashtheela demonstrates significant conceptual similarity with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in terms of its etiopathogenesis and clinical manifestations. Ayurvedic management based on Vatahara Chikitsa, Mutrala (diuretic), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vasti Karma, and Rasayana therapies, offers a holistic approach to improve urinary symptoms, enhance quality of life and potentially reduce dependence on long-term pharmacological or surgical interventions. Integrating evidence-based Ayurvedic principles with modern diagnostic approaches may provide a safe, effective, and holistic strategy for the management of BPH while strengthening the scientific basis for Ayurvedic interventions.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Mutraghata, Vatashtheela, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Prostatic enlargement.