Agnikarma (Therapeutic Cauterisation)

Agnikarma is an Ayurveda para-surgical procedure that uses controlled heat to relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote healing.

Overview

Introduction

Agnikarma is a secure and long-tried Ayurveda para-surgical treatment that employs controlled heat for healing. Mild warmth in this method is applied to certain points on the body by employing specially prepared instruments. This relieves pain, enhances circulation, and aids the natural process of healing in the body.

The name is derived from Agni (fire) and Karma (procedure), defined as a treatment that employs the therapeutic energy of heat. Unlike medicines or surgical operations, Agnikarma treatment frequently yields prompt and permanent relief from pain, particularly in illnesses that are not amenable to other forms of therapy.

By removing aggravated Vata and Kapha doshas, Agnikarma reduces stiffness, swelling, and pain, enabling patients to return to comfort and movement in a gentle, natural manner.

At Apollo AyurVAID, our Ayurveda physicians have considerable experience applying Agnikarma therapy, employing traditional methods with modern safety precautions, which will provide maximum benefit and ultimate care and safety for the patient.

Scope and Types of Agnikarma

Agnikarma can be administered in a variety of conditions ranging from pain management to treating skin conditions and in place of surgical procedures.

Pain Management: Agnikarma is very effective in chronic pain when conventional methods have little effect. With Agnikarma, patients often receive immediate relief by treating the cause of pain at the tissues level and we can do this safely on multiple specific locations in a single appointment.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: The Agnikarma treatment is extensively used in disorders like cervical spondylosis, osteoarthritis, sciatica, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis, where the use of heat can correct abnormal function and mobility.
Surgical Substitute: Agnikarma therapy is applied for the management of diseases such as pilonidal sinus, fistula in ano, hemorrhoids as a substitute for traditional surgery.
Skin Conditions: It is especially useful in chronic skin conditions like warts, or corns, where medicines alone may not give lasting relief.

Types of Agnikarma

Agnikarma can be divided based on:

A. Dravya (Substance):
1. Snigdha Agnikarma (Unctuous cauterisation): Utilises Madhu (honey), Ghrita (ghee), Taila (oil) for diseases of Sira (veins), Snayu (ligaments), Sandhi (joints), and Asthi (bones).
2. Ruksha Agnikarma (Dry cauterisation): Utilises Pippali (long pepper), Shalaka (metallic rod), Godanta (gypsum) for diseases of Twak (skin) and Mamsa (muscle).

B. Site:
1. Sthanika (Local): For diseases such as Kadara (corn), Arsha (piles), and Vicharchika (eczema).
2. Sthanantariya (systemic): For Apachi (glandular swelling) and Gridhrasi (sciatica).

C. Disease:
1. Done after surgical excision (Chhedana) for diseases such as Arsha (piles) and Kadara (corn).
2. Done after surgical incision (Bhedana) for diseases such as fistula (Bhagandara) and sinus (Nadivrana).
3. Done after filling with Guda (jaggery) for Krimidanta (dental caries).

D. Akriti (Shape/Pattern):

Valaya (circular), Bindu (dot-like), Vilekha (linear), Pratisarana (smearing/rubbing), Ardhachandra (crescent), Swastika (swastika-shaped), Ashtapada (spoked wheel or octagonal form) are some of the known akritis.

Benefits of Agnikarma

Physical Benefits:

Pain Relief: It is among the best techniques for soothing Vata and Kapha Doshas, which cause all forms of pain (Ruja) in the body, and brings instant relief from pain.
Resolution of Inflammation: Local heat treatment raises local temperature, increasing perfusion and effective delivery of oxygen to tissues. This augmented blood perfusion facilitates the repair of ischemia (Insufficient blood flow to a body part) and degeneration-associated tissue damage, resolving inflammation, healing tissues, and alleviating pain.
Muscle Relaxation: Hyperthermia (High body temperature) causes the muscles to relax more easily, minimising muscle spasm, inflammation, and pain.
Hemostasis: It closes the bleeding vessels and facilitates coagulation, thereby attaining hemostasis.
Disease Eradication: Agnikarma is a superior process since it eliminates diseases at their source, so they do not recur.
Management of Corns: This method has proven satisfactory for treating corns rather than surgical removal.
Treatment of Warts: Warts are managed by electric cauterisation, a modern version of classical Agnikarma.
Healing of Chronic Fissure: Electric cautery (a type of Agnikarma) effectively cleans the fissure area while keeping it free from infection and helps relax the muscle spasms without causing major harm to the anal sphincter, leading to the growth of healthy tissue and eventual healing.

Neurological and Functional Benefits

Agnikarma therapy works by activating the body’s natural pain-control pathways and calming overactive pain receptors, which together reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain.

Restores functional mobility and range of motion within the joints and soft tissue.

Who Should Consider Agnikarma?

Agnikarma treatment is most useful for those with chronic pain states and some skin conditions that have not been responsive to standard treatments.

Agnikarma May Benefit:

Those with advanced musculoskeletal pain disorders
Patients in search of medicine-free pain management practices
Individuals with long-term pain management needs
Individuals with Vata– and Kapha-dominant diseases
Patients seeking alternatives to surgery or surgery that is minimally invasive
Individuals with localised pain that must be specifically addressed
Individuals with diseases that are resistant to other forms of therapy

Stop Living with Constant Pain

Book your session today and find instant relief with Agnikarma—safe, natural, and effective.

Medical Conditions That Agnikarma May Support:

Musculoskeletal Conditions: Cervical spondylosis, lumbar spondylosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, heel spur, muscle spasms, and chronic back pain
Skin and Soft Tissue Conditions: Warts, corns, pilonidal sinus, chronic fissures, and some kinds of non-healing wounds
Surgical Applications: Fistula in ano, hemorrhoids, and bleeding control from small vessels
Neurological Conditions: Some kinds of neuralgia and nerve pain conditions

Agnikarma May Not Benefit:

Absolute Contraindications:

Pregnant women
Children and geriatric patients
Diabetic mellitus patients with uncontrolled blood sugar levels
Patients with bleeding or concealed bleeding disorders
Multiple-wound or infected patients
Intestinal perforation patients
Dehydrated or diarrhoeic patients
Alcoholic intoxication patients
Patients not tolerating Swedana (sudation therapy)

Relative Contraindications:

Patients with foreign bodies retained
Weak patients
Patients with involvement of vital organs
Patients with an alkaline cauterisation history

Specific conditions where it is contraindicated:

Recent Panchakarma: Individuals who have just undergone Panchakarma treatments.
Extensive Swelling: Individuals having swelling of the whole body (Sarvagatra shvayathu).
Fearful Patients: Patients who are fearful (Bheeru).
Undigested Food: When food remains undigested (Ajirne Anne).
Female-Specific Conditions: Women suffering from menstruation, women with irregular menstrual flow, or women having displacement of the vagina or uterus.
Vital Points: Not to be performed on critical or vital points (Marma), arteries, joints, cartilages, veins, tendons/nerves, sutures, throat, umbilicus, testes, penis orifices, passages, or inside of nails.
Eyes: Not usually performed in diseases of the eyes, except those involving eyelids.
Seasons: Not usually performed during autumn (Sharad Ritu) and summer (Grishma Ritu) because of Pitta aggravation, unless in an emergency with precautions.

The Agnikarma Procedure at Apollo AyurVAID

Pre-Treatment Evaluation

Complete Evaluation: Our Ayurveda doctors perform a detailed evaluation of your constitution (Prakriti), present imbalances (Vikriti), and specific conditions for treatment.
Review of Medical History: Thorough review of past medical history, present medications, and any contraindications to maintain patient safety.
Condition-Specific Evaluation: Careful assessment of the affected area, pain patterns, range of motion, and functional limitation.
Patient Counselling: Detailed explanation of the procedure, outcomes, and post-treatment care needs.
Informed Consent: Comprehensive discussion and signed consent assuring patient comprehension and agreement to continue.

Treatment Procedure

Preparatory Measures (Poorva Karma)

Patient Positioning: Convenient positioning depending on the treatment location to facilitate access and patient comfort throughout the process.
Site Preparation: Proper cleaning of the area where treatment is to be given with Triphala kashayam (three-fruit decoction) to maintain sterility and prepare the surface.
Instrument Preparation: Correct heating of chosen instruments (Dahanupakarana) to the proper temperature for therapeutic use.
Preparation by Diet: Introduction of Picchila Anna (soft, oily, cooling articles of diet) to alleviate Pitta prior to procedure, other than in certain conditions necessitating fasting.

Principal Procedure (Pradhana Karma)

Accurate Application: Applying the heated instrument to specific tender points or involved areas with exact pressure and timing.
Therapeutic Burn Production: Careful application until Samyak Dagdha Lakshana (proper therapeutic burn) is produced to maximise therapeutic effect.
Multiple Point Treatment: Multiple points can be treated in one session or multiple sessions, depending on the condition.
Continuous Monitoring: During the procedure, patient response and comfort are carefully monitored.

Post-Treatment Care (Paschat Karma)

Immediate Care: The treated area is instantaneously anointed with honey and ghee or aloe vera gel to relieve the burning sensation and support healing.
Wound Care Instructions: Keep the area dry for 24 hours to avoid infection and ensure proper healing.
Pain Management: Natural pain management methods and suitable medications, if necessary.
Follow-up Scheduling: Scheduling follow-up sessions if necessary and checking on healing progress.

What Patients Can Expect

The immediate effects: Most patients report relief of pain almost immediately and enhanced range of motion and functionality within hours.
Days 1 to 3: Early healing stage with slight discomfort over treatment areas, progressive improvement in pain scores.
Days 4 to 7: Tremendous decrease in pain, improved range of motion, and increased functional ability.

Week 2 onward: Continued pain relief, improved quality of life, and enhanced daily function.

Are you struggling with chronic pain?

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Safety & Side Effects

Safety Standards at Apollo AyurVAID

Sterile Environment: All procedures are done in aseptic conditions with well-sterilised instruments and equipment.
Expert Supervision: Agnikarma Procedures are carried out under the direct supervision of trained Ayurveda doctors with specialised experience.
Quality Instruments: Use of well-prepared and standardised instruments following classical specifications.
Continuous Monitoring: Patient’s vital signs and response are continuously monitored during the procedure.
Emergency Preparedness: Ready intervention facilities for any unforeseen complications.

Possible Side Effects

Temporary and common healing process effects in most cases:

Local Effects: Temporary burning, redness, and swelling in areas of treatment (normal healing reaction).
Temporary Discomfort: Transient pain or tenderness that usually subsides within 24-48 hours.
Scarring: Mild scarring could be present at sites of treatment, which would usually resolve with time.
Pigmentation Changes: Temporary color changes of the skin that normalise with healing.

Preparation Guidelines

Before Your Treatment

Dietary Changes: Adhere to prescribed diet modifications, usually light to digest and less spicy, salty foods to counteract Pitta dosha.
Medication Evaluation: Tell your doctor about all ongoing medications, particularly blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications.
Lifestyle Changes: Proper rest and stress reduction in the days prior to treatment.
Hydration: Stay properly hydrated without overdoing fluids right before the treatment.

During Treatment

Comfortable Clothes: Loose, comfortable clothes that allow easy access to the area of treatment.
Communication: Communicate with your doctor and tell them your comfort level and any issues.
Relaxation: Practice relaxation skills to reduce anxiety and make the treatment more effective.

Trusted Pain Relief with Apollo AyurVAID

Experience classical Ayurveda with modern standards of safety and care.

Post-Treatment Management

Immediate Care (24-48 Hours after treatment)

Wound Care: Keep treated areas as clean and dry as your physician directs.
Pain Management: Implement prescribed natural pain control strategies and avoid excessive medications.
Activity Modification: Avoid excess activities that could disrupt healing sites.
Dietary Guidelines: Adhere to the recommended post-treatment diet to promote healing and avoid Pitta exacerbation.

Long-term Maintenance

Follow-up Appointments: Visit all arranged follow-up sessions to monitor progress and further treatments if required.
Lifestyle Changes: Follow recommended lifestyle changes for the recurrence prevention of the condition.
Home Care: Follow prescribed home care practices for maximum healing and long-term benefits.

Cost & Duration

Apollo AyurVAID’s Agnikarma treatment cost varies depending on various factors such as the particular condition being treated, the number of sessions needed, and the case complexity. Individual Agnikarma sessions usually cost between INR Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 4,000 per session.

Note: Cost could differ depending on our hospital location.

Duration: Usually, 3–7 sessions are needed in 2–4 weeks. Each session takes about 30–60 minutes, including preparation and care afterwards.

Treatment Packages: Some chronic conditions may have treatment packages for multiple sessions.

Treatments

Why Choose Apollo AyurVAID for Agnikarma?

Our Expertise

Our group of skilled Ayurveda doctors is well-trained in the age-old Agnikarma procedures as well as contemporary safety standards. Every practitioner has more than 10 years of clinical practice and is an expert in pain relief by Ayurveda means.

Modern Facilities

While retaining age-old authenticity, we make use of contemporary hospital facilities to provide maximum standards of safety and hygiene. Our premises consist of specially designed treatment rooms, aseptic instrument preparation rooms, and integrated monitoring facilities.

Personalised Care

Each Agnikarma treatment is tailored according to the individual patient's needs, constitution, and specific condition. We offer specific counselling, detailed post-treatment care, and constant support during the healing process.

Proven Results

Our systematic treatment and veteran practitioners have treated thousands of patients with remarkable pain relief and improved quality of life due to Agnikarma therapy.

Patient Success Stories

Wheezing & Respiratory - asthma

Relief from Wheezing & Respiratory Complaints @ AyurVAID Hospital

Psoriasis Treatment through Ayurveda Medical Care | Significant Improvement

Recovery and Praise: My Experience at Apollo AyurVAID for Severe Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain

I have approached this hospital with severe back neck and shoulder pain on 25th Sep 2023 I was advised to take MRI Scan After seeing the result I was advised to undergo treatment for ten days and I was admitted on 1st October 2013.After ten days of various ayurvedic treatment my pain is considerably reduced and I am happy with the treatment The efficient service by the doctors and the staff were excellent I can recommend this hospital for ayurvedic treatment to others with confidence

Apollo Ayurvaid: Excellence in Ayurvedic Care Under Dr. Bheema Bhatta and Dr. Shrinivasa Pandey

Very good Hospital services. Team of consultants Dr Bheema Bhatta and Dr Shrinivasa Pandey competent staff and care givers are very nice. Apollo Ayurvaid will help people in getting good Ayurveda treatment both in preventive and curative way.

Gratitude for Apollo Ayurvaid Hospital, New Delhi: Relieved from Backache

It was really a good experience to have treatment at Apollo Ayurvaid Hospital ,New Delhi. I am much relieved from my backache due to Prolapseed intra vertebral disc. I was under treatment of Dr.Shrinnivasa Pandey and his team. The staff at desk, care givers, attendants, doctors and all otherrs were very cooperative and nice to me. Having such a good hospital and experienced doctors like Dr.Pandey are really boon to the society renderinring thier valuable services in the heart of the New Delhi city. My heartful thanks and regards to Shri Rajiv Vasudevan ji the CEO of this hospital for starting such well equipped Ayurvedic Panchakarma hospital in Delhi.
Regards
Dinesh Chaudhary
Ex MLA, BJP Jaunpur

Restored Mobility and Relief from Hip and Leg Pains Through AyurVaid's Care

My name is Arumugham U. aged 75 years. I had Hip and legs joint pains. Not able to walk even with walking stick. Allopathy Dr. Advised for operation. I have not agreed. My friend informed this AyurVaid treatment. I had treatment here. Now I am almost normal just with one month of treatment. I am able to walk without walking stick inside the house. Outside the house because of road conditions I am using walking stick for safety. I am continuing the medicine. Hope by a month I will be normal. Ayurvaid having well trained Doctors and staff to treat. They are doing wonderful service. Request the suffering people to make use of this opportunity. I thank Ayurvaid for their wonderful service to humanity.
Thank you very much 🙏

Professional Care and Promising Progress in Parkinson's Treatment at AyurVaid

We visited here for my Dad’s initial stage of Parkinson’s treatment. Dr.Sushma and Dr.Adnan treated the condition professionally, planned it in advance and executed it very well. Pradeep was courteous and helpful in all the therapies. The panchakarma treatment was for 30 days and they accommodated our requests for time slots. There is definite progress in my dad’s overall condition and improvements are observed in all the complaint areas.

Blessed with Hope: Overcoming PCOS with Ayurvedic Care at AyurVaid Hospital

As my wife was suffering from PCOS , she finding difficult to conceive. We have consulted many gynecologist and gone through medication, but her health got worse day by day. Finally we consulted AyurVaid hospital. I specifically thank Dr. Anagha who listened my wife’s problems carefully and guided her. She explained in detail how to manage stress and maintain a proper diet,which plays an important role in this whole journey.
Now she conceived naturally.
Thank you so much doctor

Recovery Journey: Combating ACL Tear and Diabetes Through Panchakarma

Illness: ACL tear, Diabetes, body pain
Treatment: Panchakarma for 26 days
1) Ayurvedic treatment for pain management and healing
2) Physiotherapy for muscle strengthening

Liked
1) Doctor and Caretakers/ therapist dedication to cure you.
2) Food – one the best and felt like home
3) Room hygiene
4) Treatment plan
5) Overall care
6) Location of the center

Special mention
1) Dr. Zankhana, Dr Nithin, Dr Sandra,
2) Caretakers / therapist: Arvind, Bineesh, and Amal. – Always treating you with complete dedication to cure you.
3) Patient relation manager: Vijay – Ensuring your stay is pleasant and if you have any concerns they are taken care.
4) Satish and Amini – wonderful people who take care of your food. Always greet you with smile.
5) Cleaning staff. *my bad I never asked her name but akka ensure the room is clean.

Diabetes Reversal And Pain Relief

I’m Clyde D’razario, a 58-year-old former L.I.C Employee, and spend my time very gladly teaching music to students. Music has always been my passion, and now it’s turned into my career. As a teacher, you’re not just teaching your students from textbooks, you’re also constantly encouraging them to perform well in many aspects of life. A teacher plays a huge role in laying down the foundation of a child’s career path.

Like most schools, we too have an annual sports day. The teachers of our school take an active part in this and boost the morale of our students during all the events. I was helping out the students with a tyre event when I felt a massive pain in my back. The pain went on that night and then for several days and I eventually started consulting a few doctors. The doctors said that there was nothing wrong with my spine but suggested me to seek physiotherapy. However, I was committed to my work and couldn’t afford to take any leave. During this time, I went for a consultation in AyurVAID Hospitals.

The doctor suspected diabetes was aggravating my pain. Upon testing, I turned out to be highly diabetic with HB1AC (3 months blood sugar) of 9.0. I was asked to get admitted and without informing my son or wife, I got myself admitted the next month. In the last three months, my diabetes has got reversed and am now at HB1AC of 5.5 The reason for which I went to Ayurveda i.e., my pain has drastically subsided, and I have also lost weight in the last three months. Need I say more? People don’t believe in Ayurveda. I asked them to try it, nonetheless!

Recovering from Back Pain: My Satisfactory Experience at AyurVAID Hospital

I came here with severe low back pain and muscle stiffness. Dr.Ani advised to take 21 days Panchakarma treatment for my disk prolapse. After my treatment,I feel like getting back to normal. I have to follow up and continue the same intermittently to get full relief of it.

Dr.Ani Sambath , Dr.Bindu, Dr.Silma Priya and the working staffs gave the satisfied care during the treatments. 21 days treatment in my room was felt like being in my home at comfort zone. The only thing I felt normal is for food,that needs to be improved as much especially in vegetables.
I m fully satisfied with the care of Ayur VAID and whoever needs a treatments in ayurveda, just move here and feel the same. Thank you Ayur VAID

Revolutionary Relief: Overcoming Diabetic Challenges and Kidney Stones with Ayurveda at AyurVAID

I started my consultation at Ayurvaid in December 2021. After being affected by Covid, I underwent a full body check-up, which revealed that my HbA1c level was 11.8. For a normal person, it should be less than 5.9. An allopathic doctor even prescribed insulin due to my high HbA1c level. This is when I decided to seek diabetic treatment at Ayurvaid. After 15 days of treatment and regular intake of Ayurvedic medicine, my HbA1c level decreased to 6.8 within a year. When I shared this result with the allopathic doctor, he found it difficult to believe that such a significant reduction was possible within a year and suggested running the tests again.

The second issue I faced was a kidney stone. I was admitted to allopathic hospitals twice to clear the stone that was stuck in the ureter. On both occasions, the allopathic doctor claimed to have blasted and cleared the stone. However, every time I underwent an independent scan, a 5.6 mm stone was still found in the kidney. One of the allopathic doctors even accidentally ruptured my ureter while attempting to remove the stone. I had to undergo a 10-day treatment to heal the rupture. Unfortunately, this rupture has resulted in a lifelong stricture in my ureter, causing constant hydro-nephrosis.

The problem of kidney stones started in 2016, and I had been dealing with them consistently since then. It initially started in my left kidney and eventually affected my right kidney as well. With Ayurvedic treatment, the stone in my right kidney completely disappeared. However, the left kidney stone continued to be a problem.

Dr. Sushma at Ayurvaid, upon learning about my long-standing issue with kidney stones, assured me that she could eliminate the left kidney stone measuring 5.9 mm within a month. Thanks to her treatment, there are now no traces of the stone in my left kidney. The doctor who conducted the scan was surprised to find no sign of a kidney stone measuring 5.9 mm. I am grateful to Dr. Sushma and Ayurvaid for providing relief from a problem that had been troubling me for nearly 7 years.

If you or someone you know is suffering from kidney stones or any other long-term ailment where allopathic doctors claim it cannot be treated, I highly recommend considering Ayurvedic treatment, especially Ayurvaid, to help alleviate the pain and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Agnikarma painful?

While there is brief discomfort during the procedure, most patients tolerate it well. The immediate pain relief that follows often outweighs the temporary discomfort of the treatment.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, severity, and response to treatment. Most patients require 3-7 sessions over 2-4 weeks for optimal results.

Will there be permanent scars?

Minimal scarring may occur at treatment sites, but these typically fade significantly over time. The therapeutic benefits usually far outweigh any cosmetic concerns.

Can Agnikarma be combined with other treatments?

Yes, Agnikarma can be combined with other Ayurveda therapies like Panchakarma treatments, herbal medications, and lifestyle modifications for comprehensive healing.

When will I feel the benefits?

Many patients experience immediate pain relief following the procedure. Full benefits typically develop over several days to weeks as healing progresses.

Is Agnikarma safe for everyone?

Agnikarma has specific contraindications and should only be performed after thorough evaluation by qualified Ayurveda physicians. Pre-treatment assessment ensures safety and suitability.

How does Agnikarma compare to modern pain management?

Agnikarma offers a natural, drug-free approach to pain management with minimal side effects and long-lasting results. It addresses the root cause of pain rather than just managing symptoms.

Show References

Kaviraj Ambika Dutt Shashtri: Vol.1, Sutra Sthana, Agnikarmavidhiadhyaya of Shushrut Samhita of Maharishi Sushruta Edited with Ayurveda tatvasandipika Hindi commentary published by Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 14th edition. Dhurve V, Karale A. Role of Agnikarma for pain relief in various diseases: a review article, IJIMS, 2024;12(1):47-55. ISSN 2519-7908. Neha Uniyal, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Sunil Gupta, Devesh Shukla. A Review on Agnikarma- A Boon for Pain Management and its Probable Mode of Action. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research. 2022;10(3):140-144. Patil M. Role of Agnikarma in pain management: a review article. IJMPR. 2024;8(9):60-62. ISSN 2319-5878.

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