MUTRASHMARI: AYURVEDIC AND MODERN PERSPECTIVE

Mutrashmari (Urinary calculi) is a painful and recurrent disorder of the Mutravahasrotas (urinary system), described in Ayurveda as a subtype of Mootraghata or a separate disease. Acharya Sushruta classified it among the Astamahagada (eight most difficult diseases to treat) due to its impact on urinary function. Its symptoms closely resemble modern urolithiasis, which has a 50% recurrence rate within five years. Ayurveda emphasizes Nidana Parivarjana (eliminating causative factors), Samshodhana (detoxification), Samshamana (palliative care), Sastrakarma (surgical intervention), and Pathya (dietary & lifestyle modifications). Herbal formulations like Varuna, Pashanabheda, Gokshura, and Punarnava aids in stone dissolution and prevention, while Panchakarma therapies such as Basti and Uttarabasti support detoxification and urinary health. In modern medicine, urolithiasis management includes hydration, dietary adjustments, medications, and advanced procedures like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and Ureteroscopy for stone removal. Lifestyle changes, including increased water intake, reduced oxalate-rich foods, and a balanced diet, are crucial in prevention. A combined approach integrating Ayurvedic and modern treatments can enhance patient outcomes, minimize recurrence, and provide a holistic, preventive strategy for urinary stone management.