Agnikarma Thermal Cauterization Instruments
Agnikarma Thermal Cauterization Instruments (Sanskrit: Agnikarma Shalaka (Dahana Upakarna)) is an instrument in the kshara sutra and para-surgical instruments category. 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).
| 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 (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).
How is it used traditionally?
The source notes list its traditional use for chronic musculoskeletal pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, calcaneal spur, warts, corn, hemorrhoids and skin tags.
Traditional materials
- Panchadhatu (five-metal alloy) rods - for muscle/bone cauterization
- Suvarna (gold) rods - for delicate areas
- Iron (Loha) rods - general use
- Pippali (Piper longum) - for skin (twak) cauterization
- Godanta (bovine tooth) - for skin (twak) cauterization
- Madhu (honey) and Guda (jaggery) - for vessel, ligament, joint and bone (sira, snayu, sandhi, asthi) 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.
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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