Anushastra-Agnikarma and Raktamokshana as Pain Management Modality -The Concept of Acharya Sushruta

Sushruta samhita the first surgical manuscript of Ayurveda science accommodates mostly surgical and parasurgical techniques. Simultaneously it is observed that it has a great contribution in pain management also. In the nidansthan which explains pathophysiology of diseases where the first place dedicated to Vatvyadhi and in that chapter all painful disorders are categorized as per the tissue i.e. dhatu involved in the pathophysiology. These painful disorders are named as twakagat, raktagat, mamsagat, medogat, siragat,, snayugat, sandhigat, asthigat, majjagat, shukragat . The presenting symptoms of the dhatu involvement are mostly similar to modern counterpart. While coming to management part it is observed that in chikitstasthan treatment explained is local and general both . Local treatment is indicated for painful conditions related to twakagat, raktagat, mamsagat, siragat, snayugat, sandhigat, asthigat. Further treatment protocol is grouped in two parts where anushatra procedure namely raktamokshana and agnikarma is advocated along with other snehanadi upakrama. Objectives of present review is to study anushastra for management of painful conditions as per sushruta samhita. Study material is sushruta samhita and its commentary. It is observed that raktamokshana along with other snehanadi upakrama is indicated for twakagat, raktagat, mamsagat, siragat pathologies. Agnikarma along with other snehanadi upakrama is indicated for snayugat, sandhigat, asthigat pathologies . In this paper author will try to throw light on sushruta's concept of painful disorders and explain presenting symptoms as per dhatu involved and its local management techniques of anushatra and its practical approach in today's clinical practice