Raktamokshana (blood letting) –the visha mokshana chikitsa

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Raktamokshana (blood letting) –the visha mokshana chikitsa
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Author(s):

Tomar Samata
HOD, Dept. of Agadatantra, Shri G. A. College, G.A.U., Jamnagar, Gujarat
Solanki Grishma
Lecturer, Dept. of Agadatantra, Shri G. A. College, G.A.U., Jamnagar, Gujarat
Pravin Jawanjal*
PhD Scholar, Dept. of Ras shastra, IPGTRA, Jamnagar


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Raktamokshana (blood letting) –the visha mokshana chikitsa

Year: 2019

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

1) Introduction

Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, emphasizes health maintenance and disease prevention through various therapeutic approaches. Among its many techniques, Raktamokshana, or bloodletting, plays a significant role in the treatment of poison-related illnesses (Vishachikitsa). This practice is rooted in Ayurvedic traditions and is associated with detoxification processes, helping to expel harmful substances from the body. With modern parallels in toxicology and emergency medicine, Raktamokshana is revisited for its relevance in treating acute poisonings, where prompt action can save lives.

2) Understanding Raktamokshana

Raktamokshana is a vital Ayurvedic detoxification therapy aimed at removing vitiated blood (Dushtarakta) from the body. The method involves various techniques such as venesection, scraping, leech application, and vacuum extraction with gourd. The core principle of Raktamokshana is linked to the concept of Vega, which refers to the speed and nature of the poison's invasion into the body's tissues (Dhatus). By performing bloodletting, Ayurvedic practitioners aim to halt the progress of poison by swiftly removing affected blood, thereby addressing the initial stages of toxicity effectively and preventing further systemic damage.

3) Implications of Raktamokshana in Poison Treatment

Raktamokshana is particularly relevant in cases of acute poisoning, including bites from venomous creatures. The therapy is designed to alleviate the immediate toxic effects by either slowing down or stopping the spread of poison within the body. Specific indications for this treatment arise when the poisoned area shows signs of discoloration, swelling, or rigidity. Furthermore, the historical significance of Raktamokshana in Ayurvedic texts, along with modern understanding of its mechanisms, highlights its role as a first line of intervention in poison management. The integration of techniques like leech therapy underscores the adaptability and importance of this ancient practice in contemporary health care.

4) Conclusion

In conclusion, Raktamokshana represents a pivotal component of Ayurvedic detoxification methods, especially in the context of Vishachikitsa. Its applications demonstrate how ancient healing traditions can provide valuable insights into modern medical practices, particularly in emergency poison treatments. By continuing to explore and validate these techniques through clinical research, practitioners can enhance understanding and efficacy in addressing poisoning cases. Raktamokshana not only exemplifies the wisdom of ancient medicinal practices but also stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Ayurveda in contemporary health care.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Raktamokshana and its significance in Ayurveda?

Raktamokshana, or bloodletting, is a detoxification therapy in Ayurveda. It aims to expel vitiated blood to treat blood-borne diseases and poisoning, preventing toxins from spreading throughout the body.

How is Raktamokshana performed in cases of poisoning?

In cases of poisoning, Raktamokshana is performed through methods like venesection, leech application, or incisions. These techniques help remove toxic blood, allowing for faster relief from symptoms and reducing the impact of the poison.

What are the indications for performing Raktamokshana?

Raktamokshana is indicated in situations where poisoned areas become discolored, swollen, or painful. It's also needed in unconsciousness, specific poisoning cases, and for treating various skin disorders linked to toxic blood.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Raktamokshana (blood letting) –the visha mokshana chikitsa”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body, and in the context of Ayurveda, it often becomes the medium through which Visha (poison) spreads. Methods such as Raktamokshana (blood-letting) are employed to remove vitiated blood containing toxins from the body.

2) Raktamokshana (Raktamoksana, Rakta-mokshana):
[see source text or glossary: Raktamoksana]

3) Visha (Visa):
Visha translates to poison in Ayurveda and can be either animate (Jangamavisha) or inanimate (Sthaavaravisha). The goal in Vishachikitsa (treatment of poison) is to identify and expel this toxic substance from the body as quickly as possible.

4) Disease:
In Ayurveda, diseases can be caused by the imbalance of Doshas, the presence of Visha, or blood impurities. Treatments like Raktamokshana are prescribed to remove vitiated blood, thereby addressing Raktajavikara (blood-borne diseases).

5) Rakta:
Rakta, meaning blood, is a crucial Dhatu (body tissue) in Ayurveda that sustains the body’s life functions. Treatments such as Raktamokshana focus on purifying this vital fluid to mitigate the effects of Visha and other toxins.

6) Vega:
Vega refers to the stages of poison’s invasion into body tissues. In Ayurveda, understanding the Visha Vega is crucial for timely intervention, especially through techniques like Raktamokshana to prevent further spread.

7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
[see source text or glossary: Ayurveda]

8) Mokshana (Moksana):
Mokshana means liberation or relief. Raktamokshana, therefore, translates to the liberation of vitiated blood from the body, helping to expel toxins and restore health.

9) Alabu:
Alabu is a therapeutic tool used in Raktamokshana, particularly for extracting blood through suction created by a vegetable like a bottle gourd. It is often employed to treat conditions involving Kapha Dosha.

10) Dhatu:
[see source text or glossary: Dhatu]

11) Horn:
Horn application is a form of Raktamokshana where a horn-like implement is used to create suction and remove blood. This method is particularly effective in treating Vata disorders.

12) Drug:
[see source text or glossary: Drug]

13) Blood letting:
[see source text or glossary: Blood letting]

14) Blood-letting:
[see source text or glossary: Blood-letting]

15) Dosha (Dosa):
In Ayurveda, Doshas are the biological energies (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that govern bodily functions. Imbalance in Doshas can lead to disease, and treatments like Raktamokshana aim to balance them by removing vitiated blood.

16) Karma (Karman):
[see source text or glossary: Karma]

17) Pitta:
Pitta Dosha, associated with fire and heat, can lead to inflammatory conditions when imbalanced. Raktamokshana is often used to treat Pitta-related disorders by expelling hot, vitiated blood.

18) India:
[see source text or glossary: India]

19) Guna:
[see source text or glossary: Guna]

20) Dushivisha (Dusivisa):
Dushivisha refers to cumulative or chronic poison. Raktamokshana is prescribed in cases of Dushivisha to remove the toxins accumulated over time from the bloodstream.

21) Utkartana:
Utkartana is an Ayurvedic procedure involving incision to remove poison or vitiated blood from the body. It is part of the array of techniques included in Raktamokshana for detoxification.

22) Shodhana (Sodhana):
[see source text or glossary: Shodhana]

23) Powder:
In the context of Raktamokshana, powders such as Trikatu and turmeric (Haridra) are used to stimulate blood flow, ensuring effective expulsion of vitiated blood and toxins.

24) Kala:
[see source text or glossary: Kalaa]

25) Vata:
Vata Dosha, associated with air and movement, can cause various disorders if imbalanced. Raktamokshana, particularly methods like Shringa application, is used to treat Vata disorders.

26) Agadatantra (Agada-tantra, Agadatamtra):
[see source text or glossary: Agadatantra]

27) Siravedha (Sira-vedha):
Siravedha, or venesection, is a Raktamokshana method where a vein is punctured to expel vitiated blood. It is used extensively in Ayurveda for detoxifying the blood in cases of poisoning and other conditions.

28) Shastra (Sastra):
[see source text or glossary: Shastra]

29) Samata (Shamata):
[see source text or glossary: Samata]

30) Cotton:
[see source text or glossary: Cotton]

31) Laghu:
Laghu, meaning light, is a property of poison that makes it rapidly spreading and highly harmful. Raktamokshana uses techniques like Shringa and Jalauka to counteract Laghu poisons.

32) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna, meaning hot, is a property of both Pitta Dosha and certain toxins. Raktamokshana helps in eliminating Ushna properties by expelling hot, vitiated blood from the body.

33) Death:
[see source text or glossary: Death]

34) Asu (Ashu):
[see source text or glossary: Ashu]

35) Tree:
[see source text or glossary: Tree]

36) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta Samhita is a foundational Ayurvedic text which provides detailed information on Raktamokshana. Sushruta is known as the Father of Indian Surgery and has extensively written about bloodletting techniques.

37) Pradhana-karma:
Pradhana-karma refers to the main procedure in Ayurvedic treatments. In Raktamokshana, this includes methods like Siravyadha (venesection) and Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) to expel vitiated blood.

38) Cauterisation (Cauterization):
Cauterization, or Agni, involves applying heat to the affected area to treat poison. It is one of the techniques in Raktamokshana that helps in neutralizing toxins within the skin and muscles.

39) Jangamavisha (Jangamavisa, Jangama-visha, Jamgamavisha):
Jangamavisha refers to animate poisons, such as those from animal bites. Raktamokshana is particularly effective in treating Jangamavisha by quickly removing the toxin-laden blood from the bite site.

40) Discussion:
The discussion section in Ayurveda texts often elaborates on the effectiveness, indications, contraindications, and procedural details of treatments like Raktamokshana, highlighting their relevance in detoxification and disease management.

41) Sprinkling:
[see source text or glossary: Sprinkling]

42) Toxicology:
[see source text or glossary: Toxicology]

43) Garavisha (Garavisa, Gara-visha):
Garavisha represents artificial cumulative poisons. Raktamokshana is an effective treatment for Garavisha, as it helps in removing the accumulated toxins from the bloodstream, thus preventing chronic poisoning.

44) Pradhana:
[see source text or glossary: Pradhana]

45) Upadhana:
Upadhana involves applying medication on an incised scalp. This is one of the treatments in Ayurveda that can be integrated with Raktamokshana to expel toxins and provide relief in poisoning cases.

46) Toxicity:
[see source text or glossary: Toxicity]

47) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]

48) Samhita:
[see source text or glossary: Samhita]

49) Sukshma (Suksma, Shukshma):
Sukshma refers to the subtle nature of poisons, allowing them to enter and affect all parts of the body. Raktamokshana aims to target and expel these subtle toxins effectively.

50) Shringa (Srnga, Shrimga):
[see source text or glossary: Shringa]

51) Vartaka:
[see source text or glossary: Vartaka]

52) Gujarat:
[see source text or glossary: Gujarat]

53) Jalauka:
Jalauka refers to the use of leeches in Raktamokshana. Leeches help in blood-letting by sucking out the vitiated blood, making it an effective treatment for Pitta disorders and toxins.

54) Vyavayi:
Vyavayi describes the spreading nature of poisons throughout the body. Techniques like Raktamokshana are used to halt this spread by expelling poison-laden blood from crucial areas.

55) Mantra (Mamtra):
[see source text or glossary: Mantra]

56) Yantra (Yamtra):
Yantra refers to the instruments used in Ayurvedic treatments, including Raktamokshana. Shringa Yantra, for example, involves using a cow's horn to create suction and release blood.

57) Pathya:
[see source text or glossary: Pathya]

58) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]

59) Animal:
[see source text or glossary: Animal]

60) Mamsa (Mamsha):
[see source text or glossary: Mamsa]

61) Agni:
Agni, or fire, represents heat and is crucial in treating Pitta disorders. Cauterization, a form of Agni in Raktamokshana, helps to neutralize toxins located in the skin and flesh.

62) Rasa (Rasha):
[see source text or glossary: Rasa]

63) Sira (Shira):
[see source text or glossary: Sira]

64) Food:
[see source text or glossary: Food]

65) Mritasamjivana (Mrtasamjivana, Mrita-samjivana):
[see source text or glossary: Mritasamjivana]

66) Anirdeshyarasa (Anirdesyarasa):
[see source text or glossary: Anirdeshyarasa]

67) Paschat-karma:
Paschat-karma is the post-procedure phase in treatments like Raktamokshana. It includes dressing the wound with medicated oils and ensuring the patient’s well-being after the main procedure.

68) Horripilation:
[see source text or glossary: Horripilation]

69) Hridayavarana (Hridaya-avarana, Hrdayavarana):
[see source text or glossary: Hridayavarana]

70) Ghatiyantra (Ghati-yantra, Ghatiyamtra):
Ghatiyantra is an instrument used in the Raktamokshana procedure to create suction and remove blood. This technique is especially mentioned in Ayurveda for expelling vitiated blood to cure various ailments.

71) Civilization:
[see source text or glossary: Civilization]

72) Atharvaveda (Atharva-Veda):
[see source text or glossary: Atharvaveda]

73) Karavellaka:
[see source text or glossary: Karavellaka]

74) Pratisharana (Pratisarana):
[see source text or glossary: Pratisarana]

75) Mudgayusha (Mudgayusa, Mudga-yusha):
[see source text or glossary: Mudga-yusha]

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 158]

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