Exploring the Fundamental Pathway of Kushtha: From Agnimandya to Rasa Dushti

Abstract

Ayurveda emphasizes Agni as the foundation of all metabolic and transformative processes in the body. The quality of Rasa Dhatu, the first and foremost nourishing tissue, is directly dependent on the strength of Jatharagni and Rasa Dhatvagni. When Agni becomes impaired, improper digestion and incomplete transformation of Ahara Rasa occur, resulting in Ama formation and defective Rasa Dhatu ^[1,2]. This vitiated Rasa circulates throughout the body, ^[3] obstructing Srotas and disturbing the equilibrium of Doshas, particularly Pitta and Kapha. Such pathological changes form the root cause of Kushtha (skin diseases). Therefore, correcting Agni is a primary therapeutic strategy to purify Rasa Dhatu, re-establish proper tissue metabolism, clear Srotas, and ultimately manage a wide spectrum of dermatological disorders..

Correction and nourishment of Rasa Dhatu forms the fundamental line of treatment in Kushtha, as imbalance of Rasa leads to impaired Twak (skin) function and contributes to the pathogenesis of all types of Kushtha. Rasa-dushti being the earliest pathological event in Kushtha ^[4,5], its correction becomes the basic principle of treatment ,