Literary Review of Ayurveda in Management of Vatashthila

Vatashthila is one of the types of Mutraghata in which there is decreased urine flow due to obstruction in urinary passage. Inappropriate Ahaara-Vihaara, excessive excursion, stress and other circumstances increase Vata Dosha, particularly Apaan Vata which leads to formation of Ashthilavat Ghan, Unnat Granthi between urinary bladder and rectum which causes Vin Mutra Anil Sangha, Adhmaana, Vedana in Basti Pradesh. In essence, BPH is an enlarged prostate gland in which benign prostate hyperplasia of prostate gland occurs, which is non-cancerous and age related. Particularly hormonal imbalances from androgens cause prostate growth. Unable to empty the bladder, dribbling, urgency, hesitancy, frequency, nocturia etc lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)which hampers the quality of life of patient. Due to resemblance in symptoms as well as anatomical consideration Vatashthila bears a close resemblance with BPH. In modern medicine, BPH is managed through oral medications aimed at reducing prostate size and relaxing smooth muscles, alongside surgical interventions such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or prostatectomy for severe cases. However, these treatments carry risks and may not be suitable for all elderly patients. In Ayurveda, the approach to treating Vatashthila involves addressing the root cause by normalizing Apana Vayu and clearing the obstructed channels through therapies like Srotoshodhan (cleansing of channels), Vatanuloman (balancing Vata), Lekhana(scrapping) and Rasayana (rejuvenation therapies). Ayurvedic therapies aim not only to alleviate symptoms but also to improve overall health and function of the affected tissues and organs, thereby enhancing the patient's quality of life.