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).
| 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). 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 (Piper longum) - for mucosal cauterization
- Godanta (bovine tooth) - for bone cauterization
- Madhu (honey) and 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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