Panchakarma

Panchakarma therapies and treatments in Goa, India

Panchakarma comprises of two words pancha meaning five and karma meaning therapy. This age-old science of purifying the body is an ancient branch of Ayurveda.

The treatment in Ayurveda consists of two main types. One is Shaman Chikitsa, used to subdue the vitiated Doshas, due to which any ailments may be produced. It is administered by using various medicinal herbo-mineral preparations. However, if the Doshas are vitiated beyond a particular level, they give rise to various endotoxins, which have a tendency to be accumulated in the minute channels. These are beyond the level of pacification and hence need to be eliminated or removed from the body.

In such cases, the second type of treatment, which is Shodhan Chikitsa or cleansing therapy, is indicated. Since it consists of the five types of main therapies, it is known as the Panchakarma Chikitsa.

Panchakarma has been given a special place in all the ancient Ayurvedic texts. Aacharya Charak, the author of the most important ancient text on internal medicine, has described a wide use of Panchakarma therapy for almost all the major diseases. Two separate sections, Kalpa Sthanam and Siddhi Sthanam in Charak Samhita describe the details of special decoctions and other preparations used for Panchakarma therapy.

Panchakarma includes two main parts:

Poorva Karma Preparatory Methods

• Paachan (Digestion)
• Snehan (Internal and external oleation)
• Swedan (Fomentation)

Pradhan Karma Main Methods

• Vaman (Induced vomiting)
• Virechan (Induced purgation)
• Basti (Medicated enema)
• Nasya (Nasal medicine)
• Rakta Mokshan (Artificial bloodletting)

Pashchat Karma Post-Therapeutic Measures

• Includes Sansarjan Krama (specific dietetics), Dhumapana (smoking of medicinal cigars) and a set of rules to follow for specific activities.

Basic Principal

Ayurveda Panchakarma treatment in Goa, India.

Basic Principals Poorva Karma. ‘Poorvakarma’ includes procedures required to prepare the body for deep cleansing. The details of each step are individually tailored by the physician on the basis of the patient's constitution.

First, the Digestion Therapy (Pachana) cleans the digestive system of the patient. The cleansing is achieved by the ingestion of various herbs, which stimulate the metabolism, improve the blood circulation and enhance the mental concentration.

Next, the Oleation Therapy (Snehana) treats the patient's internal as well as the external organs. Fats and sesame oil are ingested over a period of 3–7 days. Simultaneously, oil is applied to the skin by a variety of massage techniques. The oleation therapy safeguards the healthy tissues of the body, loosens toxins within the system, and flushes the skin's pores.

Finally, the Fomentation Therapy (Swedana) applies heat through a variety of methods including the use of hot poultices, vapor and steam baths, hot showers and baths, saunas, as well as the inhalation of smoke produced by burning herbs, animal dung, or wood kindling. Swedana relieves stiffness, heaviness and cold in the body.

Poorva Karma पूर्व कर्म

Basic Principles Poorva Karma

‘Poorvakarma’ includes procedures required to prepare the body for deep cleansing. The details of each step are individually tailored by the physician on the basis of the patient's constitution.

First, the Digestion Therapy (Pachana) cleans the digestive system of the patient. The cleansing is achieved by the ingestion of various herbs, which stimulate the metabolism, improve the blood circulation and enhance the mental concentration.

Next, the Oleation Therapy (Snehana) treats the patient's internal as well as the external organs. Fats and sesame oil are ingested over a period of 3–7 days. Simultaneously, oil is applied to the skin by a variety of massage techniques. The oleation therapy safeguards the healthy tissues of the body, loosens toxins within the system, and flushes the skin's pores.

Finally, the Fomentation Therapy (Swedana) applies heat through a variety of methods including the use of hot poultices, vapor and steam baths, hot showers and baths, saunas, as well as the inhalation of smoke produced by burning herbs, animal dung, or wood kindling. Swedana relieves stiffness, heaviness and cold in the body.

Pradhan Karma प्रधान कर्म

Ayurveda Panchakarma treatment in Goa, India.

Once the three steps of Poorvakarma are completed, the Pradhankarma commences. The procedures of Pradhankarma are given here in the order that they are typically performed. However, every patient may not need to undergo each of the procedures listed here.

The Herbal Purification (Vamana) is the process of controlled vomiting induced by herbs or drugs. It is the first main purification therapy and is of functional importance to the entire scheme of Panchakarma. The patient is given warm milk, licorice tea, sugar water or butter milk to drink, after which an emetic is administered to induce vomiting. Vamana purges excess mucus (Kapha) from the body, purifies the body fluids and helps to cure asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, skin diseases, and obesity.

The Drug Induced Purgation (Virechana) is the controlled process of excreting solid wastes from the body. Bowel movements are induced by a herbal or drug laxative. Virechana eradicates disease of the blood, rejuvenates the tissues and organs of the abdomen, improves skin condition and increases immunity.

The Medicated Enema (Basti) is universally regarded as the most important Panchakarma procedure. The liquid used for the Basti is either water-based (Niruha and Asthapan Bastis) or oil-based (Anuvasana and Sneha Bastis). Additional elements include herbs, salts, wines, yogurt, and honey. Enemas are applied to the rectum, vagina, urethra, or to the cavity of a wound. Basti serves to lubricate the system and alleviate dryness caused by an excess of Vata (air).

The Nasal Cleansing (Nasya Karma) involves the cleansing of the nasal passage by the administration of oils, pastes, powders, plant juices, infusions or smoke. In case of liquids, the head is tilted back and the liquid is put into the nostrils. Powders and pastes are applied by hand or with a special apparatus, while smoke is inhaled. Nasya can prevent diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and head, as well as strengthen hair and improve mental functions.

Blood Letting (Rakta Mokshana) must be performed and controlled by a licensed physician. Blood-letting stimulates the production of anti-oxidants and pro-immune substances that deactivate or destroy toxins. Blood-letting can assuage eye diseases, headaches, tumors, depression, tremors, gout, and other ailments.

Paschat Karma पश्चात् कर्म

Ayurveda Panchakarma treatment Goa, India.

Sansarjan Krama

Post cleansing regimen for emesis and purgation. Since Vaman (emesis) and Virechan (purgation) tend to leave an impact on the internal lining of some parts of the digestive tract, a special dietary regimen is advised for seven days after completion of the main procedures. This specific diet is known as Sansarjan Krama.

In this regimen

• For the first three meals, it is advisable to take a liquid diet of bland warm porridge of rice with salt. The quantity of the porridge should be as per one's appetite.
• For the next three meals, a semisolid paste of rice with small amounts of Ghrita, ghee or oil is usually recommended.
• For the seventh, eighth and ninth meal, a Khichari (spiced lentils and rice) is given along with a bland soup of green grams.
• For the tenth, eleventh and twelfth meal, bland meat soup cooked by adding a little amount of fats and salt is given along with fresh rice.

During these days, warm water should be drunk along with food. From the seventh day onwards, or from the thirteenth meal onwards, the patient is gradually allowed to resume his normal diet. However, overeating and consumption of spicy and fried food should be avoided for at least one month after completion of the cleansing therapies.

Paschat Karma Treatments Panchakarma Kur

Post cleansing regimen for nasal therapy and bloodletting

For the remaining two therapies Nasya Karma (nasal therapy) and Rakta Mokshan (bloodletting) after proper completion of these two procedures, medicated cigars prepared from medicinal powders are usually smoked; this procedure is known as Dhuma Pana.

Post cleansing regimen for medicated enema

Basti Karma (medicated enema) is advocated in various regimens such as Niruha Basti or Anuvasan Basti or different permutations and combinations of both depending upon the type, duration, and severity of the ailment. Generally Basti Karma is a long-term therapy; therefore, the rules of diet are not as rigidly applied. However, all the spicy, pungent, fried, oily, stale foods, and excessive eating should consciously be avoided during medicated enema therapy.

Immediately after taking Niruha Basti, the patient should take a warm bath and rest. A light diet of boiled lentils and grams should be eaten and a routine for a specific period, known as Parihara Kaala, should be followed. During this period it is advisable to avoid all physical as well as emotional tensions. Sunbathing should be strictly avoided.

Anuvasan Basti is given in order to retain the enema material in the body. Therefore, sleeping for 7–8 hours in lateral position is advised, so as to allow the medicated oil or Ghrita to be absorbed in the body channels which is why Anuvasan Basti is generally employed at night, before sleeping.

Preliminary Therapy

In Ayurveda Panchakarma the treatments are done in three stages, and the preliminary therapy includes Pachana (digestion), Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (fomentation). With the help of these three procedures the body is taken through an intense cleansing procedure. All the ailments which seem incurable using modern medicine can be mostly cured by the use of Panchakaram therapy.

The preliminary therapy includes

• Pachana (digestion)
• Snehana (oleation)
• Swedana (fomentation)

Digestion पाचन

The Digestive Therapy (Pachana) digests and liquefies toxins in various tissues and channels of the body. This is accomplished by increasing the digestive fire of the body by means of ingesting specific herbs. The herbs are generally pungent and bitter in taste and hot in potency. They increase the internal heat of the body, stimulate the metabolism, activate the digestive enzymes, increase the peristalsis and improve the circulation.

Many of these herbs have anti-parasitic or antibacterial properties and some even enhance the immune system.

The herbs used for this therapy are generally in the form of powders, pastes or decoctions.

Oleation स्नेहन

It is employed in order to liquefy the vitiated Doshas and to bring and collect these in the main body channels such as the digestive tract and respiratory tract. The natural material available for oleation is oils and Ghrita (clarified butter).

Indications

• All persons who require any of the five cleansing procedures must be given oleation therapy.
• Persons suffering from vitiation of Vata Dosha, which increases the dryness in the body.
• Persons suffering from arthritic conditions, or nervous disorders.
• Persons who undergo regular physical strain.
• Persons prone to psychological symptoms such as emotional stress and anxiety.

Contraindications

Persons whose Kapha Dosha and Medo Dhatu (body fats) are augmented and corrupted; pregnant women; persons suffering from ascites, indigestion, anorexia, and nausea; and persons who are taking the treatment of Basti Karma and Nasya Karma should not be given oleation therapy.

Procedure

When employed as a preparatory procedure before starting with any of the five cleansing methods, a certain amount of pure Ghrita or sesame oil should be given every night for seven nights two hours after dinner, either with some food or in pure form, according to the status of the individual's health or status of disease. Persons with weak bowels are administered with oleation therapy for three days.

Special precautions

Very mild diaphoresis should be employed to the delicate parts like testes, eyes or heart, for a very short time. Also, blood pressure, pulse and respiration chart is maintained. Precautionary measures should be taken to overcome any dehydration caused by excessive perspiration.

Signs and symptoms of a properly oleated person

• It works as an appetizer.
• Internal smoothness and external oily complexion.
• Smooth passage of stools and gases.

Complications of improper oleation

When oleation therapy is either incomplete or in excess, various complications occur. These are fever, heaviness in body, edema, diarrhoea and dysentery, and excessive thirst.

Instant Oleation

In some diseases when cleansing procedures are required to be employed at the earliest, the process of instant oleation is described. In this, all the four important Snehan Dravyas Ghrita, Taila (oil), Vasa (animal fats) and Majja (marrow) are taken in equal quantities and are cooked with one part of rice. This preparation is called Pancha Prasutiki Peya. It is given for instant oleation. Also, use of salt along with oleation material is advised, as salt is absorbed by the minutest part of the body and in the process carries along with it the oleation material, which is distributed throughout the body.

External Oleation Abhyanga

It is nothing but oil massage or local application of medicated Ghrita. It is given either as a treatment for various diseases, or as a preparatory procedure before starting the five cleansing procedures.

Fomentation स्वेदन

Swedan Karma (fomentation therapy) is one of the three preparatory procedures employed before starting any of the five cleansing procedures. Swedan Karma or diaphoresis is advocated only after employing proper oleation. A person undergoing this therapy is given heat either by using a decoction of medicinal herbs or by applying indirect heat to the body in the form of warm clothing or keeping the patient in a warm cabin or partially open box. Properly employed, fomentation softens and melts the body toxins so as to efficiently expel these with the assistance of the main purification procedures.

Types of Diaphoresis

• Thermal (Saagni) and non-thermal (Niragni)
• Smooth (Singdha) and dry (Ruksha)
• Mild (Mrudu), moderate (Madhyam) and strong (Tikshna)
• Local (Ekanga) and whole body (Sarvanga)

Indications

Persons who suffer from coryza, asthma, cough, hiccoughs, earache, headache, pharyngitis, paraplegia, hemiplegia, arthritis, facial paralysis, sciatica, backache, joint disorders, edema, constipation, urinary obstruction, and spasmodic pains, etc., are given hot fomentation.

Contraindications

Alcoholics, pregnant women, malnourished persons, diabetics, persons suffering from liver diseases, persons having cataract, and very young or very old patients should not be given diaphoresis.

Procedure

As per the severity and site of the disease, the type of diaphoresis is advocated. External oleation therapy or massage is mandatory before a patient is given diaphoresis. Diaphoresis is given by various methods. Local diaphoresis is given by applying a poultice (paste) of medicinal herbs or by kettle steam diaphoresis. In chronic diseases, whole body diaphoresis is given either by giving steam bath of medicated decoctions, or by making the patient lie down on a specially designed table.

Special precautions

Very mild diaphoresis should be employed to the delicate parts like testes, eyes or heart, for a very short time. Also, blood pressure, pulse and respiration chart is maintained. Precautionary measures should be taken to overcome any dehydration caused by excessive perspiration.

Signs and symptoms of patient having proper diaphoresis

• Patient feels cool due to excessive perspiration.
• Pain is subsided.
• Joints and body stiffness is reduced, making all the body movements more flexible.

Complications of improper diaphoresis

• Coma, giddiness and weakness.
• Excessive thirst and dehydration.
• Burning sensation of the body.

Functions of Diaphoresis

Body flexibility is increased after oleation and diaphoresis treatment, and helps in eliminating the toxins completely. Swedan benefits the patient by relieving him of stiffness and pain.

Post Fomentation Regimen

Immediately after completing fomentation therapy, it is advisable to rest, avoid exposure to the cold, bathe in warm water, and rest in adequate fresh air. Liquids and easily digestible food should be consumed in moderate amount. If induced emesis has been recommended, it should be done the following morning. If purgation is required, it should be done two days after the fomentation is completed. Nasal cleansing, medicated colon therapy or bloodletting can be done immediately after fomentation.

Main & Follow-up Therapy

Ayurveda Panchakarma treatments Goa, India.

Ayurveda Panchakarma treatments have main and follow-up therapies as part of its procedure and all the treatments and therapies are available at our Ayurveda treatment center at SWAN Ayurveda Retreat, Goa. These therapies include the following:

• Vamana
• Virechan
• Basti
• Nasya
• Rakta Mokshan

For more details on each of the procedures please use the links above to jump to the section.

Vamana वमन

Vaman or induced emesis is one of the five cleansing methods of Panchakarma Chikitsa. It is performed to subdue augmented Kapha Dosha. Giving decoction of medicinal herbs for ingestion in large amounts induces emesis. For this purpose, either liquorice decoction or decoction of emetic nut (Madanphal kwath) is used. Sometimes warm salt water is also used to induce emesis. Before Vaman is given, there are three procedures which are to be employed, namely Paachan (Digestion), Snehan (Oleation therapy) and Swedan (diaphoresis).

Indications

Induced emesis should be employed if the person is suffering from diseases like coryza, asthma, cough and other respiratory diseases; hyperacidity, indigestion, dysentery, diarrhoea and other digestive disorders; psychosomatic illnesses, anemia, filariasis, dermatoses and acute poisoning.

Contra-indications

Obese and malnourished persons, pregnant women, persons with heart complaints, earache, eye diseases; persons who are treated with induced enema; persons having gastric or duodenal ulcer and persons having hepatic diseases are not given induced emesis.

Procedure

• Completion of the preparatory procedures is mandatory before employment of induced emesis.
• A general examination is carried out to rule out cardiac diseases, and high or low blood pressure.
• Vaman is given in the morning, to eliminate diseased Kapha as much as possible. For this, decoction of emetic nut or liquorice is given depending upon the patient's constitution and state of disease. The main signs are nausea, excessive salivation and excessive perspiration.
• During the process of emesis, temperature, pulse and respiration chart is maintained. An assistant is present with the patient to take care of any probable complications.

Signs and symptoms of proper emesis

Exhaustion is an apparent sign, and vitiated Doshas are eliminated in a proper sequence i.e. mucus, bile and gases. The bouts of emesis subside naturally, after the proper elimination of the toxins.

Complications of improper emesis therapy

When emesis is incomplete, one may not get the required bouts of vomiting to eliminate toxins, or does not get emesis. However, when done in excess, it could cause severe hyperacidity which could lead to bleeding from throat; severe pain in stomach, giddiness, and gaseous distention.

Post Emesis procedures

After a properly given emesis therapy, the patient is asked to inhale the smoke of medicinal cigarettes. For diet, Sansarjan Krama is followed. Also, overeating and consumption of fried and spicy food should be avoided.

Virechan विरेचन

Virechan, commonly known as induced purgation, is one of the five major cleansing therapies of Panchakarma. It is advocated predominantly for elimination and purification of Pitta Dosha. Medicines prepared from purgative plants, such as common milk hedge (Snuhi) or purging croton (Jaiphal), are used for this purpose. Before Virechan is administered, there are three procedures which are employed, namely Paachan (Digestion), Snehan (Oleation therapy) and Swedan (diaphoresis).

Indications

Purgation is employed for people suffering from chronic skin disorders, diabetes, fistula, hemorrhoids, ascites, anemia, migraine, asthma, cough, jaundice, edema, gout and liver diseases.

Contra-indications

Persons having anal fissure, anorectal bleeding, anorexia, indigestion, fever; persons suffering from alcoholism; weak persons; pregnant women and persons above the age of 65 years or below age of 15 years should not be given induced purgation.

Procedure

• After the oleation therapy and diaphoresis are properly administered, a light diet at night and next morning is advised. The purgative medicine powder of Indian Jalap is given in the dose of 1–3 gm., along with honey.
• After this, purgation or the elimination of toxins through stools begins. The frequency, quantity, and physical examination of stools i.e., color and consistency is observed. Blood pressure, pulse, respiration chart is maintained to keep a check on dehydration.

Signs and Symptoms

Ideally, fecal matter excretion is followed by Pitta Dosha, Kapha Dosha and Vata Dosha respectively. Lightness of the body and an increase in appetite is noticed. The intestinal spasms to expel the fecal matter subside naturally, after the complete elimination of the accumulated toxins.

Complications of improper purgation

Incomplete purgation could cause the intestinal spasms to subside prematurely. A feeling of heaviness or fullness of stomach, vomiting and blockage of passage of flatus is likely. Excessive purgation causes giddiness, dehydration, weakness, restlessness and muscular cramps.

Post Purgation procedures

Diet should be on the lines of Sansarjan Krama.

Basti बस्ति

Basti Karma is one of the main procedures of Panchakarma Chikitsa. Various medicated enemas are introduced into the large intestine through the rectum with the help of an enema pot or special bag made for this purpose. “Basti” literally means the urinary bladder. In ancient times, sterilized urinary bladders of animals were used to instill the enema hence the name of the procedure is Basti Karma.

The extent of Ayurvedic Basti is very significant and hence cannot be compared with contemporary enema, which is used for bowel cleansing or nutritive therapies. As per Ayurveda, treatment of Vata Dosha is mandatory in treating any disease, since Vata Dosha is known to be the main cause in initiating ailments. Basti chikitsa is the most important treatment to subdue the elevated Vata Dosha hence it is considered the most important procedure in Panchakarma Chikitsa. If administered properly this therapy can cure most health complaints and promote good health.

Basti Karma is of two types

• Aasthapan Basti / Niruha Basti: Decoctions of medicinal herbs are used for enema in this type.
• Anuvasan Basti: This comprises of enemas given with medicated oils. It also works as rejuvenator (Balya and Brihan) and body bulk promoter.

Indications for Niruha Basti

All arthritic conditions and nervous disorders, obstruction of urine, stools and flatus; amenorrhoea, infertility, etc. are the diseases which can be treated with Niruha Basti.

Contra-indications for Niruha Basti

Malnourished, weak persons, or those suffering from tuberculosis, ascites, peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, dysentery, diabetes, skin diseases, asthma, etc., should not be employed with Niruha Basti.

Indications for Anuvasan Basti

All persons in whom Niruha Basti is contra-indicated should be treated with Anuvasan Basti.

Contra-indications for Anuvasan Basti

Persons in whom Niruha Basti is advised; persons suffering from anaemia, jaundice, obesity, piles, intestinal worms, etc., should not be treated with Anuvasan Basti.

Procedure

It is given like any other enema. The only difference is that Anuvasan Basti should be retained in the body, therefore the patient has to lie down in the lateral position for 6–8 hours; therefore it is employed at bedtime.

Complications of Basti therapy

• When Basti therapy is incomplete, spasmodic pains, burning sensation, anorectal itching and pain, anorexia, blockage of stools and flatus are noticed. If given in excess, it causes anorectal inflammation and ulceration, fissure, weakness, and muscular cramps.
• Uttar Basti: The vaginal douche, given with medicinal decoctions for various gynaecological complaints, such as uterine prolapse, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, urinary obstruction, habitual abortions, infertility, etc.
• Matra Basti: Here, enema is given with 50 cc of medicated oils. It is recommended for otherwise healthy persons who undergo daily excessive physical exertion, and who are weak and malnourished. Matra Basti also works as rejuvenator, immuno-modulator and nutrient, and it also subdues elevated Vata Dosha.

Nasya नस्य

Administration of medicines through the nose, either to subside congestion or to expel vitiated Doshas out of the body systems, is known as Nasya Karma or Shirovirechan. The word Shirovirechan literally means method of purification of the systems above the clavicular region. The medicines used for this procedure include oil, pastes, powders, plant juices, decoctions, infusions, as well as inhalation of medicinal smoke. Since the nose is the main orifice connected directly to the brain, nasal cleansing is considered very effective for ailments of the head including the five sense organs (Indriyas). In this procedure, the aggravated Doshas above the region of clavicle (in the head and neck) are eliminated through the nose. Before beginning with the nasal therapy, the preparatory procedures such as localized Snehan (Oleation therapy) and Swedan (diaphoresis) should be applied on the affected area.

Indications

This therapy is specially advised for head and neck diseases such as dental disorders, tonsillitis, diseases of eye, facial paralysis, baldness, graying of hair, etc.

Contraindications

Persons suffering from digestive disorders, fever, coryza; immediately after physical exertion; pregnant women; and persons who have recently undergone oleation therapy should not take Nasya therapy.

Procedure

If medicinal powders are used, these should be used as insufflation. Nasal drops are put in the dose of 2–3 drops in each nostril after making the patient lie down. The medicine which enters the throat should be spat out along with cough.

Post Nasya procedure

After Nasya Karma, smoking of medicinal cigarettes (Dhuma Pana) is advised. The patient is advised to drink warm water and eat a light diet; and to remain in a place which is not very breezy.

Complications of improper Nasya Karma

When nasal therapy is not given properly, it causes heaviness of head, coryza, rhinitis, headache and other diseases of eye, ear and head.

Pratimarsha Nasya

It is given with medicated oils and is given every day to healthy individuals. It works as nutrient for eyes, ears and nose. Nasal insufflation is given for purification of Doshas which are accumulated above the clavicular region.

Rakta Mokshan रक्तमोक्षण

Rakta Mokshan or artificial bloodletting was included in the Panchakarma therapy by Aacharya Sushrut. Rakta Mokshan is essentially extracting blood from specific blood vessels (veins), mentioned for specific chronic diseases. In the past, it was done by using purified and sterilized horns of animals, gourd, by applying leeches or by puncturing veins (Phlebotomy). At present only the latter two methods are followed. However, since it is an invasive procedure, it should be administered by a licensed physician only. Before beginning with the bloodletting therapy, the preparatory procedures such as Abhyanga (external oleation therapy) and Swedan (local fomentation) are usually carried out on the affected area.

Indications

Patients suffering from chronic edema and inflammations, skin disorders, gout, tumors, boils, abscesses, disorders of liver and spleen, etc., are advised to undergo the bloodletting therapy. All the diseases caused by vitiated Pitta Dosha or impurities of blood are advised treatment of bloodletting.

Contra-indications

It should not be carried out in patients suffering from anaemia, malnourishment, ascites, piles, tuberculosis, and during pregnancy.

Procedure

Before starting Raktamokshan, local fomentation is given. After that, leeches are applied at the desired site of bloodletting. (Sometimes, blood is simply extracted out through syringe and needle.) When the procedure is carried out properly, the leeches leave the site naturally after sucking out all the impure blood, and bleeding ceases spontaneously. There is a significant decrease in the symptoms of pain and inflammation, and the severity of the disease is minimized.

Complications of improper bloodletting

Signs of incomplete bloodletting are: itching, inflammation, cellulitis and pain at the site of bloodletting. When done in excess, one could be subjected to weakness and headache. To stop excessive bleeding in such cases, ice or astringent medicines should be applied on the area of bleeding.

Post Raktamokshan Process

After completion of the process of Raktamokshan, turmeric powder is applied on the site of bloodletting. This acts as hemostyptic, antiseptic and blood purifier.