Raktamokshana through Siravedha: A Critical Review of Mechanism, Utility, and Clinical Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.742Keywords:
Raktamokshana, Bloodletting, Siravedha, Parasurgical procedure.Abstract
Raktamokshana is a key procedure in Ayurvedic parasurgery, involving therapeutic bloodletting for Raktaja roga (blood-born disorders) and other disorders with impaired Rakta Dhatu and Pitta Dosha. Of the Raktamokshana methods, Siravedha (venepuncture) is defined as "Ardhachikitsa" (half the treatment) in Shalyatantra due to its efficiency and specificity. This review article summarizes the action, clinical uses and examination of Siravedha using Ayurvedic classical texts such as Sushruta Samhita, and contemporary scientific studies. The review examines physiological and biochemical processes relative to Siravedha use, clinical outcomes of the procedure for various conditions, contemporary scientific implications of these conditions, and obstacles to integration of the Siravedha procedure into contemporary clinical health practice. Additionally, this review proposes future research directions to help modernize the practice of Siravedha, especially in integrating Siravedha into clinical practice and further validating its clinical use.
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