What is Agni karma?
The word Agnikarma consists of ‘Agni’ +‘Karma’ i.e. Heat + Procedure.
अग्निः क्षारादपि श्रेष्ठस्तदग्धानामसंभवात् |
भेषजशस्त्रक्षारैश्च न सिद्धानां प्रसाधनात् || [अष्टांग ह्रदय सूत्र स्थान 30/40]
As stated by Shushrut Acharya in Ayurvedic books, Agnikarma treatment is a part of para-surgical procedure that involves inflicting micro burns on the surface of the tissue that is causing the pain.
What are the tools used in Agnikarma?
The tools used for Agnikarma (Cauterization) depend upon various disease conditions. There are some examples below: –
* For diseases of Twak Dhatu (skin):
Pippali, Ajashakrit (Excreta of a goat), Godanta (Cows teeth), Shara (Arrowhead), Shalaka (Metal rod) – LohaShalaka i.e. made of Iron
* For diseases present in Mamsa Dhatu (muscle):
Jambavoushta: a piece of black stone made like a Jambuphala (fruit of Syzygiumcumini, Eugenia jambolana Lam), Rods of other metals like Tamra, Rajata, etc are used.
* For diseases of Sira, Snayu, Sandhi and Asthi Dhatus (vessels, ligaments, joints, and Bones):
Kshaudra or Madhu (Honey), Guda (Jaggery), Sneha- Ghrita, Taila, Vasa, and Majja.
Suitable Time for Agnikarma (Agnikarma Kala):
Thermal cautery can be done in all seasons, except Sharat (autumn) and Grishma (summer).
How does Agnikarma help to relieve the pain?
In Agnikarma the Agni from the stove/gas flames is taken by Shalaka and it becomes red hot. Then this Agni(heat) is transferred from the Shalaka to the Dushya-Dhatu (skin). The time taken for this transfer of heat is 2 to 3 seconds. This procedure increases the circulation of blood flow to the affected site of the disease. Agnikarma raises the temperature of the disease area and by this the rate of metabolic activities increases. Agnikarma also stimulates the area’s local nerves, which help in pain relief and improves the part’s movement.
This procedure induces all the cell activities to go up including dilation of vessels, Synthesis, Motility, and release of pain relief chemical mediators. This condition eliminates inflammation in the area and thereby get relieving from pain and other symptoms. The Ayurvedic doctor creates these therapeutic burns according to the body’s constitution, pain area, and disorder severity.
What are all the diseases treated by Agnikarma?
- Painful conditions of bones and joints.
- Joint stiffness
- Muscle spasm
- Tennis elbow
- Calcaneal spur
- Plantar fasciitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Headache
- Sciatica
- Early stages of Hernia
- To remove the wart
- To excise the corn from the heel
- To excise the external piles
- Disc prolapses
- Low back ache
- Trigger thumb
- Use full to excise the mucocele of lip, tongue etc
- Use full to excise some extra growths of skin and muscle
- Useful for the excision of fistula tracks, etc.
Is there any complications?
Improperly performed Agnikarma will lead to severe burning sensation, increased pain, destruction of tissue, suppuration, bleeding, non healing ulcer formation etc.
Properly performed Agnikarma by skilled surgeon will give excellent result in several conditions. On the other hand improperly performed will lead to many complications.