Raktamokhana is considered as one of the Panchakarmas. Raktamokshana translates to Blood letting.
The Sushrutha school of Ayurveda considers Rakta as important as other doshas and the balance and purification of Rakta is given utmost importance. When blood gets vitiated by doshas, it can cause various diseases.
Blood letting or Rakta mokshana is a therapeutic detoxification of blood by releasing the vitiated rakta and thereby reduce the toxicity in the blood.
What are the classifications of Raktamokshana?
The classics mention two classifications:
1.Shastra Visravana In this type, sharp/surgical instruments are used for blood letting.
Pracchana: The vitiated blood is released through several incisions
Siravyadha: The vitiated blood is released through venous puncture.
2. Anushastra Visravana
In this type, non-metallic instruments are used for blood letting.
Jalookavacharana: Using leech to remove the vitiated blood. Non poisonous variety of leeches are used for this purpose. Suitable for Pitta disorders
Alabu: In this method, a pitcher gourd or bottle gourd shell is used to create a vacuum to suck out the vitiated blood. Mostly chosen for kapha disorders
Shrungavacharana: In this type, cow’s horn is used to reduce the vitiated blood through release. This is mostly used in Vatha disorders.
In modern Ayurvedic practice, raktamokshana is mostly practiced with leech therapy and venous puncture.
What are the diseases treated with Raktamokshana?
Skin diseases, herpes, Liver disorders, Swelling, Tumors, non-healing ulcers and other diseases caused by the vitiation of rakta along with the other doshas.
This concludes our series on Panchakarma. As always, feel free to write to us for doubts or clarifications.
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