Abstract

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON AGNIKARMA CHIKITSA (THERMAL CAUTERIZATION) – AYURVEDA CLASSICAL ASPECT

Dr. Meena Alnewar*, Dr. Priyanka Deshpande, Dr. Sharad Tripathi and Dr. Nirmala Apturkar

Abstract

Agnikarma (Thermal Cautery) is an Ancient Medical Technique described and followed by Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda. The technique of Agnikarma has been designed to relieve various muscular and joint disorders. It is the most important procedure of the Shalya Chikitsa (surgical treatment). It comprises of two words i.e Agni and Karma. Agnikarma (Thermal Cautery) involves a procedure whereby heat is transferred to the affected parts of the body using a metal Shalaka (metal rod) in various procedure heat is used directly or indirectly all these come under Agnikarma. Agnikarma is effective and superior among all surgical procedure. Agnikarma has important role in the Vataj and Kaphaj Vyadhi involving the Dhatu that are predominant with Pṛuthvi and Aap Mahabhuta. On the basis of Lok Puruṣa Samnaya Sidhant Agni that exit in the body (Bhutagni, Dhatwagni, etc.) have similar properties that exit outside the body. This article is aimed to illustrate the classical aspects of Agnikarma.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Agnikarma, Pain, Shalaka.