CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF AGNIKARMA AND ITS THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS

Abstract

Sushruta known as father of surgery has described various surgical procedures along with some para-surgical measures. 'Agni karma' is one amongst these parasurgical procedures. In Agnikarma therapeutic burning with special tools are done on specific sites. Agnikarma has been given special place in surgery by Sushruta and it is believed that disease treated by Agnikarma never reoccurs. It is one of the treatment modality used in certain parts of the world. In modern time also 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. Sushruta Samhita and its commentaries are the main source of this review paper.