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Abstract
Shotha is a significant pathological condition recognized in Ayurveda, characterized by swelling or
elevation of body parts due to internal or external factors. It mirrors the concept of inflammation in
contemporary biomedicine. According to Ayurvedic classics, Shotha arises from the vitiation of Vata,
which subsequently disrupts Rakta, Pitta, and Kapha, leading to obstruction in the peripheral channels
(Bahya Sira) and manifesting as localized or systemic edema. Shotha is classified into Nija (endogenous)
and Agantuja (exogenous) types, each having distinct etiological factors.
The diagnostic framework of Nidanapanchaka-comprising Nidana (etiology), Purvarupa (premonitory
symptoms), Rupa (clinical features), Samprapti (pathogenesis), and Upadrava (complications)—offers a
holistic approach to understand and manage Shotha. Clinical features vary based on the predominance of
specific doshas: Vataja, Pittaja, and Kaphaja Shotha present with unique symptom patterns. Prognosis
(Sadhyasadhyata) depends on factors like chronicity, doshic involvement, and associated systemic
complications. Ayurvedic management emphasizes Nidana Parivarjana (removal of causative factors),
administration of suitable dietary and lifestyle regimens, detoxification therapies (Shodhana), and use of
medicinal formulations. Modern research correlates Shotha’s pathogenesis with vascular and immune
responses, highlighting the enduring relevance of Ayurvedic concepts. Early diagnosis and appropriate
interventions based on Nidanapanchaka can significantly prevent the progression of Shotha into complex
or incurable stages. This review critically explores the Ayurvedic diagnostic perspective on Shotha,
aligning classical knowledge with modern understanding to enhance clinical utility.
Keywords : Shotha, Inflammation, Ayurveda, Nidanapanchaka, Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Dosha, Pathogenesis,
Diagnosis.
P
ISSN No. : 2584-2757
Volume : 02
Issue : 04
DOI
: 10.5281/zenodo.16089596
Reg. No. : MAHA-703/16(NAG)
Year of Establishment – 2016
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH
Corresponding author: Dr. Sushmita Patil Article Info: Published on : 15/07/2025
Impact Factor : 1.013
Critical Ayurvedic Diagnostic Review On Shotha
Dr. Sushmita Patil 1, Dr. Santosh Chavan 2
1 Third Year PG, Department of Rogidan Evum Vikriti Vidnyan, D. Y. Patil School of Ayurveda, Navi Mumbai,
Maharashtra, India.
2 HOD, Department of Rogidan Evum Vikriti Vidnyan, D. Y. Patil School of Ayurveda, Navi Mumbai,
Maharashtra, India.
Cite this article as: - Dr. Sushmita Patil (2025) ; Critical Ayurvedic Diagnostic Review On Shotha ;Inter.J.Dignostics and
Research 2 (4) 173-178, DOI : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 6 0 89596
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Volume : 02
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Introduction
Shotha, alternatively termed as Shopha or
Svayathu, is an Ayurvedic clinical entity that
encompasses conditions manifesting as swelling
and inflammatory responses. Classical treatises
elaborate Shotha both as an independent disease
and a symptom of various disorders. The
foundational pathophysiology emphasizes the
derangement of doshas, especially Vata, resulting
in the obstruction and accumulation within
peripheral tissues, causing elevation and edema of
body parts. Acharya Madhava elaborates that
disturbed Vata affects Rakta, Pitta, and Kapha,
obstructing Bahya Sira, ultimately leading to
Shotha through Utsedha or tissue swelling[1].
In the biomedical context, Shotha correlates well
with inflammation - a vascular reaction to injury
and infection aimed at eliminating causative
agents[2].
Nidanapanchaka of Shotha Vyadhi :
1. Nidana (Etiology):
ï‚· Nija Shotha :
Intrinsic causes of Shotha are categorized into
dietary (Aharaja), behavioral (Viharaja), and other
systemic factors.
1. Aharaja nidana includes heavy (guru), sour
(amla), and salty (lavana) foods such as
pulses like Masha, grains like Godhuma,
fermented dairy (Takra), and saline
substances (Vida, Samudra). [3]
2. Viharaja nidana involves inappropriate
indulgence in Panchakarma therapies like
Sneha, Swedana, Vamana, and Virechana
without proper indications.
3. Diseases like vomiting (Chhardi), diarrhea
(Visuchika), respiratory conditions
(Shwasa), anemia (Pandu), and fevers
(Jwara) predispose individuals to Shotha.
4. Miscellaneous factors include intake of
incompatible foods (Viruddha Ahara),
excessive sexual activity, and trauma to
vital parts[4,5]
ï‚· Agantuja Shotha :
Extrinsic causes primarily involve physical injuries,
contact with toxic plants like Bhallataka, animal
bites, exposure to poisonous materials, and
application of artificial poisons[6,7].
2. Purvarupa (Premonitory Signs) :
Premonitory symptoms herald the onset of Shotha,
manifesting as:
ï‚· Heat (Ushma) [8]
ï‚· Discomfort (Dawathu)
ï‚· Dilation of blood vessels (Sira Ayama)
ï‚· Heaviness in limbs (Anga Gaurava) [9]
3. Rupa (Clinical Features) :
Shotha’s cardinal features include:
ï‚· Heaviness (Gaurava)
ï‚· Instability (Anavasthita)
ï‚· Swelling (Utsedha)
ï‚· Localized warmth (Ushma)
ï‚· Thinning of vessels (Sira Tanutvama)
ï‚· Horripilation (Lomaharsha)
ï‚· Discoloration of the affected area (Anga
Vivarnata) [10]
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4. Samprapti (Pathogenesis) :
Pathogenesis involves disturbed Vata infiltrating
Bahya Sira, impacting Kapha, Pitta, and Rakta,
leading to obstructions (Sanga) and abnormal flow
(Vimargagamana), culminating in localized tissue
swelling[11].
The Samprapti Ghatakas include:
ï‚· Dosha: Predominantly Vata with Tridosha
involvement.
ï‚· Dushya: Rasa, Rakta, and Udaka.
ï‚· Strotasa: Rasavaha, Raktavaha, and
Udakavaha.
ï‚· Adhisthana: Interface between Twacha
(skin) and Mamsa (muscle) [12].
A simplified Samprapti Chakra (pathological
cycle) illustrates how initial derangement leads to
progressive tissue dysfunction and clinical
manifestation[13].
5. Upadrava (Complications) :
If untreated, Shotha can cause severe complications
such as vomiting (Chhardi), dyspnea (Shwasa),
anorexia (Aruchi), excessive thirst (Trishna), fever
(Jwara), diarrhea (Atisara), and generalized
debility (Daurbalya) [14].
6. Sadhyasadhyata (Prognosis) :
Prognosis depends on the disease’s chronicity,
location, severity, and presence of complications:
ï‚· Sadhya (Curable): Early-stage Shotha
without complications[15].
ï‚· Krichasadhya (Difficult to Cure): Trunk-
involved Shotha or generalized Shotha[16].
ï‚· Asadhya (Incurable): Chronic cases
involving abdomen, vital organs, or
vulnerable populations such as children,
elderly, and debilitated individuals[16,17].
7. Upshaya (Treatment Affording Relief) and
Anupshaya (Aggravating Factors) :
Upshaya :
Beneficial interventions include:
ï‚· Consuming Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
tastes.
ï‚· Intake of aged grains like Shali rice, and
vegetables like Punarnava, Neem leaves.
ï‚· Use of medicated ghee (Ghrita), buttermilk
(Takra), honey preparations (Asava,
Arishta), and specific meats like goat and
fowl [19].
Anupshaya :
Aggravating factors encompass:
ï‚· Heavy (Guru), hot (Ushna), and
incompatible foods (Viruddha Ahara).
ï‚· Consumption of fermented foods, excessive
salt, jaggery (Guda), and exposure to cold,
wet environments[20].
Types of Shotha :
Classification by Cause :
ï‚· Nija Shotha: Intrinsic origin due to doshic
imbalance.
ï‚· Agantuja Shotha: Due to external factors
like trauma or poison.
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Classification by Dosha :
Shotha manifests differently depending on the
dominant dosha:
ï‚· Vataja: Unstable, thin-skinned, rough, with
reddish-black discoloration, numbness, and
pain[21].
ï‚· Pittaja: Soft, odorous swelling with heat,
redness, fever, thirst, and giddiness[22].
ï‚· Kaphaja: Heavy, stable swelling, pale color,
associated with anorexia, salivation, and
excessive sleep[23].
Further gradations exist in Ayurvedic texts,
including Ekvidha (single type), Dwividha (two
types), Trividha (three types — Vataja, Pittaja,
Kaphaja), and combinations involving trauma
(Abhighataja) and toxins (Vishaja) [24,25].
Discussion :
The Ayurvedic understanding of Shotha remarkably
mirrors the biomedical concept of inflammation.
Classical texts articulate a detailed systemic
pathology stemming from dosha imbalance,
vascular obstruction, and tissue response,
analogous to inflammatory pathways involving
vascular permeability, leukocyte infiltration, and
cytokine release in modern medicine. Shotha's
classification into Nija and Agantuja parallels
endogenous and exogenous inflammatory causes,
while its doshic subdivisions depict
symptomatology resembling clinical differentials of
inflammatory disorders. Notably, Ayurveda
emphasizes early identification of Purvarupa
(premonitory signs) — a preventative model that
modern preventive medicine echoes. Furthermore,
emphasis on Nidana Parivarjana (eliminating
causative factors) aligns with the contemporary
focus on risk factor mitigation.However, certain
classifications (like Navvidha Bheda) appear
exhaustive, potentially complicating clinical
decision-making if not systematized. Modern
interpretative frameworks might help streamline
Ayurvedic Shotha management in integrative
settings.
Conclusion :
Shotha Vyadhi, as per Ayurvedic classics, embodies
a sophisticated understanding of inflammatory
disorders. Rooted in the Tridosha theory, its onset,
progression, and complications are systematically
outlined through the Nidanapanchaka framework.
The emphasis on causative factors, early signs, and
individualized prognosis renders Ayurveda’s
approach both preventive and therapeutic.
Comparing it with modern inflammation
underscores the timelessness of Ayurvedic wisdom,
while advocating for more integrative, evidence-
based practices in contemporary healthcare.
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ISSN: 2584-2757
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