A review on the action of Agnikarma

Agnikarma or thermal cauterization is one among the anushastras (substitute of surgical instrument) or para-surgical technique mentioned in Ayurveda. It is explained to provide complete relief in certain chronic diseases which are not cured by herbal medicine, surgical interventions and alkaline cauterization. Based on the specific heat retention and transmission capacity of different materials the ancient Indian surgeons had prescribed different materials like pippali (pipper longum), ajasakrut (goats excreta), godantha (cow’s tooth), shara (arrow), shalaka (metal Rods), kshoudra (honey), guda (jaggery), sneha (oil/fat) etc. for cauterizing specific body parts like skin, muscle, blood vessels, ligaments etc. According to the logic of the surgeon appropriate material should be selected for specific disease conditions. The mechanism of action of agnikarma is still obscure. Agnikarma act on a multi-factorial level in the body. Mainly it is indicated in the disease caused by vata and kapha because of its tikshna (quick action), ushna (Hotness), sookshma (subtle), vyavayi (Quick spreading), vikashi (works without being metabolised) proporties to remove srotorodha (obstruction in channels of body). In this article an attempt is being made to unveil the principles of agnikarma.