A SCIENTIFIC AND ANALYTICAL APPROACH ON SNIGDHA AGNIKARMA

Abstract

Anushastra karmas such as Kshara karma, Agnikarma and Raktamokshana are said to have immediate and long lasting results. Agnikarma is mainly indicated in Ruja pradhana, Vata and Kaphaja vyadhis. Pancha dhatu shalaka has been used on a regular basis for the purpose of Agnikarma irrespective of the structure involved or level of the pathology. But more than 80 % of painful conditions are related to locomotory system which comprises Sandhi, Asthi, Sira and Snayus. These are considered as Gambheera dhatus and Dahanopakaranas mentioned for the diseases of these locations are Snigdha dravyas such as Kshaudra, Guda, Taila, Vasa, Madhuchista etc. When the thermal behavior of the Snigdha dravyas and Pancha dhatu shalaka were studied by direct methods employed in temperature measurement, Pancha dhatu shalaka requires considerably higher temperature (235°C-240°C) to become red hot, than that of the Snigdha dravyas to get boil (140°C-160°C). But Snigdha dravyas has got higher Latent heat than Pancha dhatu shalaka. The heat dissipation rate is about 2°C in Snigdha dravyas and is 4°C-6°C in Pancha dhatu shalaka. So in conditions like Vertebral disc prolapse, Calcaneal spur, Tendinitis etc. if Agnikarma performed with Snigdha dravyas, it will give better result than Pancha dhatu shalaka as they have the deep heat penetration capacity for longer periods.