Cauterization Rod Thermal Cautery Instrument
Cauterization Rod Thermal Cautery Instrument (Sanskrit: Agnikarma Shalaka) is an instrument used in massage and external therapy tools. Metal rods of various shapes (Suchi/needle-shaped, Bindu/dot, Valaya/ring, Vilekha/line) heated in fire and applied to specific body points for therapeutic thermal cauterization (Agnikarma). Traditionally made from iron rods, gold rods - for delicate areas, copper rods, panchadhatu.
| Sanskrit name | Agnikarma Shalaka |
|---|---|
| Ayurvedic category | Massage and External Therapy Tools |
Metal rods of various shapes (Suchi/needle-shaped, Bindu/dot, Valaya/ring, Vilekha/line) heated in fire and applied to specific body points for therapeutic thermal cauterization (Agnikarma).
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Sushruta Samhita Sutrasthana Chapter 12 (Agnikarma Vidhi Adhyaya). Sushruta describes Agnikarma as superior to Shastra Karma, Kshara Karma, and medicine for certain conditions, as diseases treated by fire do not recur.
How is it used traditionally?
Chronic pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, heel spur, warts, hemorrhoids, fistula, non-healing ulcers, and conditions unresponsive to medicine.
Traditional materials
- Iron rods (Loha Shalaka)
- Gold rods (Suvarna Shalaka) - for delicate areas
- Copper rods (Tamra)
- Panchadhatu (five-metal alloy)
Modern variants
- Electrocautery devices
- Stainless steel Agnikarma rods
- Temperature-controlled cautery units
Regulatory status
- India Cdsco: Electrocautery devices classified as Class B/C medical devices under CDSCO MDR 2017. Traditional Agnikarma rods not separately classified.
- Us Fda: Electrosurgical/cautery devices are Class II medical devices requiring 510(k) clearance.
- Eu Mdr: Electrocautery classified as Class IIa/IIb under EU MDR.
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