Effect of Agnikarma Therapy on Musculoskeletal Pain – A Review Article

Abstract

In Ayurveda, the word “pain” can be correlated with Ruja, which is caused due to vitiation of Vata. Use  of heat therapy for various ailments was found in Ancient Ayurveda treatises. There are different treatment  modalities in Ayurveda, which are described by Acharyas, Agnikarma (heat therapy) is one among them.  Acharya Sushruta has mentioned use of Agnikarma in various disorders such as Granthi (tumor), Arsha 

(hemorrhoids), Bhagandar (fistula), Arbuda (tumor), Shlipad (filariasis), Antra Vrana (internal injury),  and Nadi Vrana (sinuses) in detail. There are different materials that are used, such as Pippali (Piper  longum), Aja Shakrut (goat excreta), Godanta (gypsum), Shara (arrow), Shalakha (metal rod), Kshaudra (honey), Guda (jaggery), and Sneha (oil/fat), for giving Agnikarma to various parts of the body such as  skin, muscles, blood vessels, and ligaments. As Agnikarma is a para-surgical procedure, Acharya Charak has not described it in separate chapter but has described it as one of the treatment measures in different  Vatavyadhis (neuro muscle skeletal disorders) such as Gridhrasi (sciatica). If the drugs such as non  steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are generally used for relieving pain factor in musculoskeletal  disorders, are used for longer duration they can cause potential side effects on the body; hence, there is an  emerging need to search for a safe option for the same. In this article, an attempt has been made to search  the researchers conducted on Agnikarma related to musculoskeletal disorders to establish its role in  musculoskeletal pain.