E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Agnikarma

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2023 Volume 8 Number 5 May
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Conceptual study on Agnikarma in Ayurveda

Bharat Raut M.1*
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21760/jaims.8.5.24

1* Maheshkumar Bharat Raut, Assistant Professor, Department of Shalyatantra, Shri Sai Ayurved Hospital Medical College and Research Centre, Vairag, Solapur, Maharashtra, India.

Sushruta known as father of surgery has described various surgical procedures along with some parasurgical measures. ‘Agnikarma’ is one amongst these parasurgical procedures. Agnikarma has been given special place in surgery by Sushruta and it is believed that disease treated by Agnikarma never reoccurs. Agni is considered to be very high in therapy because the disease treated with it have no relapse and also those which are incurable by medicine, surgery and alkali application are cure by the fire therapy. Now a days it is used and it is termed as therapeutic burns or cauterization. This paper deals with details of various aspects of Agnikarma and its use in present context.

Keywords: Agnikarma, Dagdha, Cauterization, Parasurgical measures

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Maheshkumar Bharat Raut, Assistant Professor, Department of Shalyatantra, Shri Sai Ayurved Hospital Medical College and Research Centre, Vairag, Solapur, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Maheshkumar Bharat Raut, Conceptual study on Agnikarma in Ayurveda. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(5):150-153.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2431

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2023-03-25 2023-03-27 2023-04-03 2023-04-10 2023-04-16
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes

© 2023by Maheshkumar Bharat Rautand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Raut M: Conceptual study on Agnikarma in Ayurveda

Introduction

Shalyatantra is one of the eminent branches of Ayurveda based on six major methods of management such as Bhesajkarma, Kasharkarma, Agnikarma, Raktamokshan. Agnikarma is greater among them and boon for local Vataj and Kaphaj Vyadhi as disease treated by it do not recur and also gives instant relief to the patients.[1] Sushruta indicated ‘Agnikarma’ in various disorders of skin, muscles, vessels, ligaments, joints and bones. The approach of Agnikarma has been mentioned in the context diseases like Arsha, Arbuda, Bhagandar, Sira, Snayu, Asthi, Sandhigata Vata Vikar and Gridhrasi.

Materials and Methods

Dahanopakarna (Equipment’s required for burning)[2]

SN Dahanopakarana Site of burning according to disease[3]
1. Pippali, Goats excreta, cow teeth, Arrow head and metal Disease of skin (Twakadagdha)
2. Jumbavostha rods of metals Disease of muscles (Mamsadagdha)
3. Honey jaggery and fats Disease present in veins, ligaments, bones and joints (Sira, Snayu, Asthi, Sandhidagdha)

Classification of Agnikarma

Agnikarma can be classified based on

1. Type of Akruti

2. Sthana/part to be cauterized

3. Based on Dravya used

4. Based on disease site

5. Based on Nature of disease

1. Based on Type of Akruti: According to Acharya Sushruta

Valaya

Bindu

Vilekha

Pratisarana[4]

According to Acharya Vagbhat

Valaya Ardha Chandra

Bindu Swastik

Vilekha Ashtapad[5]

Pratisarana

2. Based on Sthana

1. Twak Dagdha (on skin)

2. Mamsa Dagdha (on muscle)

Acharya Sushruta explains that Agnikarma in Sira, Snayu, Sandhi Asthi Dhatu is also not prohibited.[6]

3. Based On Dravya Used[7]

  • Snigdha Agni Karma - Madhu, Ghrita & Tail which is used in Sira, Snayu, Sandhi, Asthi.
  • Ruksha Agni Karma - Pippali, Shara, Shalaka, Godanta which is used in Twak & Mamsa Dhatu.

4. Based to the Disease Site

  • Sthanik in condition like Kadara and Arshas
  • Sthanantariya (distal to the site of disease) in condition like Pleehodara and Antra Vruddhi.

5. Based On Disease

  • In disease like Kadara, Arshas where Agnikarma is done after Chedana Karma.
  • In disease like fistula, sinus etc. Agnikarma done after Bhedana Karma
  • In Krimidanta condition, Agnikarma after filling the cavity with Guda (jaggery), Madhuchista (beeswax) etc.

Features of proper Agnikarma[8]

  • Twak Dagdha - Production of crackling sound, bad odour and contraction of skin are signs of proper Agnikarma.
  • Mamsa Dagdha - Colour like that of pegion i.e., ashy, dark grey, mild swelling, mild pain, and dry contracted wound are the signs of proper Mamsa Dagdha.
  • Sira Snayu Dagdha - Black colorations, elevation of site, stoppage of discharge are the signs of proper Sira Snayu Dagdha.
  • Sandhi Asthi Dagdha - Dryness, dark red colouration, roughness and stability of part are the signs and symptoms of Sandhi Asthi Dagdha.

Agni Karma Kala: According to Acharya Sushruta, Agni Karma can be done in all seasons, except Sharad Ritu and Grishma Ritu. It is because in Sharad season there is a Prakopa of Pitta and Agni Karma also aggravates Pitta which may lead to Pitta Prakopa, leading to production of various disorders due to vitiated pitta. Agnikarma is contraindicated


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in Grishma Ritu as it is the hot season which will again cause Pitta aggravation. But in emergency, Agnikarma can be done in any season.

Indications of Agnikarma

  • Cystic lesion, Tumor, Sinus lymphadenopathy, fistula, hemorrhoids, filarial, hernia, skin tag, joint disorder.
  • Agnikarma indicated to stop bleeding from cut vessels.
  • In chronic wound having some hard elevated tissue.[9]

Contraindications of Agnikarma

  • Agnikarma can be done in all season of the year except in Sharad (Autumn) & Grishma (Summer).[10]
  • All types of Pittaja and Raktaja disorders, patient with concealed bleeding, retain foreign body, Intestinal perforation, children, weak person, old age person, patient with multiple wounds, who are not fit for Swedana Karma are rendered unfit for this procedure.[11]
  • Should not be done in Vrana of Snayu, Marma, Netra, Kushta, and Vrana with Visha and Shalya.[12]
  • Person who are contraindicated for Kshara Karma.[13]

Procedure of Agnikarma

Purvakarma

  • Before performing out the Pradhan Karma the procedures and preparations carried out is called Purva Karma.
  • After having carefully analyzed the seat of the disease and examining the individual for the strength, the locations of the Marma, disease and season should resort to Agnikarma.[14]
  • In all diseases and in all seasons, the patient should be fed on a diet which is Picchila before Agnikarma; while the patient should be on empty stomach before the therapy, in case of Asmari (renal stone), Mudhagarbha (malpresentation of fetus), Arsa (haemorrhoids), Bhagandara (fistula in ano), Udara (ascites), Mukha Roga (diseases of oral cavity).[15]

Pradhankarma: Agnikarma should be initiated with Swasthikvachan towards the patient.


The patient kept in suitable position by keeping head in the east direction and held by expert assistants to avoid movement. Then the surgeon should make the different shapes of Agnikarma viz. Valaya, Ardhachandra, Swastika etc. as per need by heated Shalaka in a smoke free fire of Khadira or Badara. Once the Pradhana Karma is carried out, it is important to assess the Samyak Dagdha Lakshana i.e., signs and symptoms of proper cautery.[16]

Samyak Dagdha Lakshaan[17]

  • Anaawagadhavranata (wound which is not deep)
  • Talaphalavarnata (colour resembling fruit of tala tree)
  • Susamsitavrana (without elevation or depression)

Paschat Karma

  • Application of Madhu (honey) and Ghrita (ghee) after Agnikarma
  • Use paste of Tugakshiri, Plaksha, Chandana, Amrita & Gairika with Ghrit.
  • Paste of flesh of some animals like horse, pig etc.
  • If person doesn’t get relief from above medicine then surgeon should follow the line of treatment like Pitta Vidradhi.[18]
  • Madhuchisth Ghrita prepared by processing of wax in Ghrit with Yashtimadhu, Lodhra, Raal, Sarjaras, Manjistha, Raktachandana, Murv.[19]

Discussion and Conclusion

Agnikarma will do instant relief of chronic pain, tissue cutting, coagulation, blending, and fulguration or wound healing. The Agnikarma deals with the action of thermal energy in the human body. It is a potent and minimally invasive parasurgical procedure which has wide application in chronic conditions as well as in emergency management. Its applications are widely practiced in modern surgical practice - viz. cauterization, laser, radiation etc. It has a wide number of applications which may be substantiated with numerous theories. New vistas of research should be opened up in this topic for achieving a crystal clear validation of its applications in Ayurveda.



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Reference

1. Agnikarma: A Reference Manual for Ayurvedic Physicians – Information Directly Extracted from Approximately 3000 years old Literature. Ayurvedic, volume 2, Issue 2, November 2015. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.14259/av.v2i2.176 eISSN: 2375-6586

2. Maharshi Sushruta, Sushruta samhita edited by P. Himasagar Chandra Murthy, translation of text and Nibandhasangraha Commentary of Shridalhan, Sutrasthana 12/3, Varanasi Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series, 2015; 119

3. Maharshi Sushruta, Sushruta samhita edited by P. Himasagar Chandra Murthy, translation of text and Nibandhasangraha Commentary of Shridalhan, Sutrasthana 12/3, Varanasi Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series, 2015; 120

4. Anant Ram Sharma, edited with ‘susrutavimarsin’ Hindi commentary. (1st ed). Susrutasamhita, maharshisusruta, Sutrasthana; Ch.12. verse no.11. varanasi: Chaukhambaprakashan, 2010; pg no. 87.

5. Subhashranade & G.R.Paranjape, edited with ‘indutika’ Marathi commentary . (1st ed). Ashtangasangraha, maharshivagbhat. Sutra-sthan; Agnikarmavidhi- adhyaya: ch. 40 verse no.4. pune: Anmolprakashan, reprint 2006; pg no. 493.

6. Anant Ram Sharma, edited with ‘susrutavimarsin’ Hindi commentary. (1st ed). Susrutasamhita, maharshisusruta, sutra-sthan; Ch.12. verse no.7. varanasi: Chaukhambaprakashan, 2010; pg no. 86.

7. Agnikarma in Ayurved: An overview” International Journal Of Science and Healthcare Research vol. 3;Issue: 1;Jan-March 2018 website: ww.ijshr.com ISSN: 2455-7587.

8. Acharya Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita edited by priyavrat Sharma, English translation of text and Dalhan’s commentary, sutrasthan 12/8, varanasi chaukhamba visva-bharati, reprint, 2004; 126.

9. Anant Ram Sharma, edited with ‘susrutavimarsin’ Hindi commentary. (1st ed). Susrutasamhita, maharshisusruta, sutra-sthan; Ch.12. verse no.10. varanasi: Chaukhambaprakashan, 2010; pg no. 87.

10. Anant Ram Sharma, edited with ‘susrutavimarsin’ Hindi commentary. (1st ed). Susrutasamhita, maharshisusruta, sutra-sthan; Ch.12. verse no.5. varanasi: Chaukhambaprakashan, 2010; pg no. 85.

11. Anant Ram Sharma, edited with ‘susrutavimarsin’ Hindi commentary. (1st ed). Susrutasamhita, maharshisusruta, sutra-sthan; Ch.12. verse no.14. varanasi: Chaukhambaprakashan, 2010; pg no. 87.

12. Y.G.Joshi, Charak samhita of Maharshi Charak, chkrapanidatta, commentor charaksamhita, 5th ed. Varanasi: chaukhamba Sanskrit sansthana;2001. Chikitsasthana,25/105; pg no. 564.

13. Subhashranade & G.R.Paranjape, edited with ‘indutika’ Marathi commentary. (1st ed). Ashtangsangraha, maharshivagbhat. Sutrasthana Agnikaarmavidhi-adhyaya: ch. 40 verse no.3. pune: Anmolprakashan, reprint 2006; pg no.493.

14. Anant Ram Sharma, edited with ‘susrutavimarsin’ Hindi commentary. (1st ed). Susrutasamhita, maharshisusruta, sutra-sthan; Ch.12. verse no.12. varanasi: Chaukhambaprakashan, 2010; pg no. 87.

15. Anant Ram Sharma, edited with ‘susrutavimarsin’ Hindi commentary. (1st ed). Susrutasamhita, maharshisusruta, sutra-sthan; Ch.12. verse no.6. varanasi: Chaukhambaprakashan, 2010; pg no. 87.

16. Subhashranade & G.R.Paranjape, edited with ‘indutika’ Marathi commentary. (1st ed). Ashtangsangraha, maharshivagbhat. Sutrasthana Agnikaarmavidhi-adhyaya: ch. 40 verse no.5. pune: Anmolprakashan, reprint 2006; pg no.493.

17. Anant Ram Sharma, edited with ‘susrutavimarsin’ Hindi commentary. (1st ed). Susrutasamhita, maharshisusruta, sutra-sthan; Ch.12. verse no.16. varanasi: Chaukhambaprakashan, 2010; pg no. 87.

18. Anant Ram Sharma, edited with ‘susrutavimarsin’ Hindi commentary. (1st ed). Susrutasamhita, maharshisusruta, sutra-sthan; Ch.12. verse no.23,24. varanasi: Chaukhambaprakashan, 2010; pg no. 90.

19. Anant Ram Sharma, edited with ‘susrutavimarsin’ Hindi commentary. (1st ed). Susrutasamhita, maharshisusruta, sutra-sthan; Ch.12. verse no.27,28. varanasi: Chaukhambaprakashan, 2010; pg no. 90.


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