Agnikarma Therapy

Agnikarma therapy, also known as thermal cauterization, is a traditional Ayurvedic procedure that involves the therapeutic application of heat to specific points on the body. It is considered a para-surgical technique used for managing various ailments, particularly those related to musculoskeletal pain and inflammation.

How it Works :-

• Agnikarma aims to manage conditions by applying heat directly to affected tissues.
• This heat application is believed to remove obstructions in the body’s channels (Srotas) and improve blood circulation in the affected area.
• The heat treatment enhances cell activity, including vessel dilatation and the release of healing mediators, promoting tissue regeneration and pain modulation.
• The procedure is thought to work against imbalances of Vata and Kapha doshas, which are often implicated in pain and stiffness in Ayurveda.

Procedure :-

1. Patient Assessment :- The patient’s condition, diagnosis, and severity of the disease are assessed, including their constitution (Prakriti).
2. Point Selection :- Specific points on the body are chosen for treatment based on the diagnosis, typically near the affected area.
3. Preparation :- The selected points are cleansed and sterilized to prevent infection.
4. Agnikarma Application :- A heated metallic instrument called an Agnikarma Shalaka, or a specialized Agnikarma Unit (thermal microcautery unit), is applied to the chosen points.
5. Post-Treatment Care :- A cooling cream is applied, and patients can typically resume daily activities. Follow-up treatment may be required.

Benefits :-

• Pain Relief: Agnikarma is considered highly effective in managing chronic pain conditions, including musculoskeletal pain and joint pain.
• Improved Mobility: It can help reduce stiffness and increase joint mobility.
• Minimal Side Effects: When performed by trained practitioners, it is associated with few side effects and a low risk of complications.
• Non-Invasive: It is a non-surgical procedure that doesn’t involve incisions or chemical substances.
• Targeted Treatment: Agnikarma allows for precise application of heat to specific areas.

Indications :-

• Knee pain (osteoarthritis)
• Lower back pain
• Sciatica
• Lumbar Spondylosis
• Cervical Spondylosis
• Slipped Disc (prolapsed disc)
• Tennis Elbow
• Frozen Shoulder
• Synovitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
• Certain neurological conditions
• To stop bleeding from cut vessels

Contraindications :-

• Individuals with Pitta constitution
• Emaciated, children, and elderly individuals
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with multiple ulcers or boils
• Anemic individuals
• Those with indigestion, alcoholism, or low immunity
• Individuals with concealed bleeding or retained foreign bodies
• During the autumn (Sharad) and summer (Grishma) seasons