Raktamoksham
Raktamokshana (Sanskrit: rakta = blood, mokshana = letting out) is a classic Ayurvedic para-surgical therapy and one of the five Panchakarma Shodhana procedures. It involves carefully controlled removal of vitiated blood (dushta rakta), primarily to pacify aggravated Pitta and detoxify the circulatory system. Treatment commences with preparatory procedures (Poorvakarma) such as internal oleation (Snehapana), external oleation (Abhyanga), and fomentation (Swedana) to mobilize toxins :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. The primary bloodletting methods are: • **Shastra Visravana (Surgical)**: – *Pracchana*: multiple superficial incisions allowing localized blood release. – *Siravyadha*: precise venous puncture to withdraw blood :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. • **Anushastra Visravana (Non-surgical)**: – *Jalaukavacharana*: medicinal leech application for bioactive anticoagulant-assisted detoxification. – *Shrungavacharana*: suction using cow-horn vacuum for stagnant blood. – *Alabu*: cupping with bottle-gourd to draw out impurities :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. After bloodletting, Paschatkarma includes wound care, rest, light diet, and monitoring to restore Agni and ensure recovery :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. The therapy is customized in volume and frequency based on the patient’s condition and conducted strictly under professional supervision.
Benefits:
- Purifies blood by removing toxins and vitiated Pitta
- Detoxifies circulatory system, enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery
- Reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain in skin and joints
- Effective for skin diseases: eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria
- Helps in musculoskeletal conditions: arthritis, gout, low back pain
- Improves circulation, relieves varicose veins, hemorrhoids, DVT
- Supports hypertension and cardiovascular health
- Aids in metabolic and immunologic disorders including obesity and allergies
- Assists in healing of abscesses, non-healing ulcers, and toxins in spleen/liver regions
- Calms the system, improves vitality, mental clarity, and Agni balance