# Agnikarma Thermal Cauterization Instruments

> Agnikarma Thermal Cauterization Instruments (Sanskrit: Agnikarma Shalaka (Dahana Upakarna)) is an instrument used in kshara sutra and para-surgical instruments. A set of metal rods (Shalaka) of specific shapes - Suchi (needle-point), Bindu (dot/round), Valaya (ring), Vilekha (line), Pratapta (red-hot) - for Agnikarma (therapeutic thermal cauterization).

## Key facts

- **Sanskrit name:** Agnikarma Shalaka (Dahana Upakarna)
- **Ayurvedic category:** Kshara Sutra and Para-Surgical Instruments

A set of metal rods (Shalaka) of specific shapes - Suchi (needle-point), Bindu (dot/round), Valaya (ring), Vilekha (line), Pratapta (red-hot) - for Agnikarma (therapeutic thermal cauterization). Also includes [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (long pepper), Godanta (bovine tooth), and other organic materials that can be heated for cauterization of specific tissues.

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sushruta Samhita Sutrasthana Chapter 12 (Agnikarmavidhi Adhyaya). Sushruta declares: 'The disease which is not cured by medicines, is cured by Shastra Karma; that which is not cured by Shastra, is cured by Agni; that which is not cured by Agni has no cure.'

## How is it used traditionally?

Chronic musculoskeletal pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, calcaneal spur, warts, corn, hemorrhoids, skin tags, and conditions resistant to medication and surgery.

## Traditional materials

- Panchadhatu (five-metal alloy) rods - for muscle/bone cauterization
- Suvarna (gold) rods - for delicate areas
- Iron (Loha) rods - general use
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (Piper longum) - for mucosal cauterization
- Godanta (bovine tooth) - for bone cauterization
- [Madhu](/herb/madhu/) (honey) and [Guda](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#guda) (jaggery) - for skin cauterization

## Modern variants

- Stainless steel Agnikarma instruments
- Electrocautery adaptations
- Temperature-guided cautery devices

## Regulatory status

- **India Cdsco:** Traditional Agnikarma instruments not separately classified. Practice regulated under AYUSH para-surgical guidelines. Electrocautery devices are Class B/C medical devices.
- **Us Fda:** Electrocautery equivalents are Class II medical devices. Traditional rods not specifically classified.
- **Eu Mdr:** Electrocautery devices classified Class IIa/IIb.

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Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.