Abstract

ROLE OF RAKTMOKSHANA AS TOOL IN MANAGEMENT OF SURGICAL DISEASES

Dr. Amol Sabale*

Abstract

Panchakarma is an indispensable therapy inhabiting all the eight branches of Ayurveda. Panchakarma therapy includes Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (medicated enema), Nasya (nasal medication) and Raktmokshana (therapeutic bloodletting). Out of them Raktmokshana is most likely to use in surgical diseases as described in Shalyatantra (ancient Indian surgery). Raktmokshana includes Siravedhana (vein-puncturing), Prachana (scraping), Shrung (horn of animal application), Jalauka (leech application), Alabu (pitcher gourd). Raktamokshana is indicated in disorders of Pitta (fire/bile) and Rakta (blood) involvement, thus numerous acute and chronic surgical conditions like Vrana (wound), Dushta vrana (nonhealing wound), Bhagna (musculo-skeletal injuries), Arsha (hemorrhoids), Bhagandara (fistula in ano), Arbuda (tumours), Shalipada (filariasis), Shopha (swellings), Visarpa (Erysipelas), Gudpaka, Medhrapaka, Raktpitta, Plihavriddhi, Vidradhi (abscess) & Siragatavata (venous ulcer)etc. can be well managed with Raktmokshana. In the classical texts of Ayurveda, an emphatic description of Raktmokshana is available, with special relevance in the management of various surgical pathologies. In this article, an endeavor has been made to explore the applied concepts of Raktmokshana in the field of Shalya Tantra.

Keywords: Ayurveda treatment, Raktmokshana, Siravedha, Prachhana, Jalaukaavarchan, surgical diseases.