Abstract

ROLE OF AGNIKARMA IN PAIN MANAGEMENT: AN OVERVIEW

Dr. Varsha Kuriyal*, Dr. Vishal Verma, Dr. Sheetal Verma

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is traditional ancient Indian system of health science. Agnikarma is a widely used clinical practice described as a para surgical procedure in Ayurveda. Agnikarma means procedure done by Agni to treat the disease. According to Acharya Sushruta, “the procedure in which Samyaka Dagdha Vrana is produced by Agni is called Agnikarma.” In Sushruta Samhita, different Dahanopkarnas are mentioned for Agnikarma such as Pippali, Aja shakrita, Shalaka, Kshaudra and Sneha. Pain is the cardinal feature of most musculoskeletal disorders which affects the quality of life. In Ayurveda, the word pain can be correlated with Ruja, which is caused due to vitiation of vata. For instant pain relief in musculoskeletal disorders patients usually take NSAIDs but it has some side effects on the body. Agnikarma is a better alternative, having vata-kaphahara properties like Ushna, Sukshma and Ashukari Guna so it has been chosen to manage vata disorder. It is also helpful in increasing Rasa Rakta Samvahana to affected site. The excess blood circulation to the affected part flushes away the pain producing substances and patient gets relief from symptoms and therapeutic heat increases the Dhatwagni, so metabolism of Dhatu become proper and digests the Amadosha from the affected site and promotes proper nutrition from purva Dhatu. In this way, Asthi and Majja dhatu become more stable resulting in relief from all painful conditions. Agnikarma is an important tool in pain management of many musculoskeletal disorders due to being a safe, easy, cost effective and OPD level procedure.

Keywords: Agnikarma, Dahanopkarnas, Dhatwagni, Amadosha, NSAIDS, Ruja.