Causes

[Su.Chi.1][Ch.Chi.29]
The causes of gout, according to Ayurveda, are ascribed to a number of factors like:

• Excessive intake of  foods that cause burning sensation in the stomach. e.g.:
  • Salty, sour, pungent, spicy, bitter food.
  • Oily and hot food.
• Intake of; stale, unhygienic meat of marshy and aquatic animals. Intake of Til (Sesame) paste.
• Intake of legumes (horse gram, black gram), radish, sugarcane, curd, Kanji, vinegar, butter milk, sour gruel, alcohol.
• Eating despite experiencing indigestion.
• Improper dietary habits.
• Sleeping during daytime.
• Waking up during nights.
• Excessive physical activity in hot weather conditions.
• Emotional causes such as fear, anger, jealousy, gloominess etc.

WHAT HAPPENS [Su.Ni.1]

The above mentioned factors can lead to aggravation of Vata dosha and  blood impurity (Dooshit Rakta). The impure blood obstructs the pathway of Vata (which is already aggravated) leading to further Vata imbalance. This in turn leads to further blood impurity, like a vicious cycle that goes on.

The disease is called Vata rakta and not rakta Vata because of dominance of Vata in this disease.

Intake of pungent, spicy food associated with activities like horse/camel/elephant riding, swimming and jumping leads to improper digestion which may lead to blood impurity. This impure blood accumulates in the feet and combines with aggravated Vata causing Vata rakta.

Dosha	Vata and Rakta (Blood)
Dushya	Blood, skin, muscle
Location	Skin, Muscle and joint
Srotas	Rasvaha