In this specialized Panchakarma treatment, little amount of blood is removed from the body. Vitiated "Pitta" creates various diseases through blood.
Because Blood (Rakta Dhatu) is the main carrier of pitta dosha.Raktamokshan relieves the severity of the disease which further can be treated with Ayurvedic medicines.
Raktamokshan is done mainly in different methods / ways like "Leech therapy", Blood letting with disposable needle with syringe.
Indication -
- skin diseases like Leucoderma, Psoriasis, Acne, Urticaria, and Leprosy.
- Jaundice, herpes Zoster, Varicose Veins.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia, Migraine.
- Enlargement of Liver, Spleen.
- Varicose Veins.
- Acute Appendicitis.
Pre-Procedure :
Snehana and svedana may be done for 3 days or more as per requirements. The patient is advised to take some food which will aggravate the dosha little bit e.g. curds (Yogurts) preparations from black grams, buttermilk etc.
Main Procedure :
The bloodletting is now generally done by a prick with a needle. Cubital vein is most suitable to puncture; however the nearest possible vein of the side of the disease is the proper vein. It is punctured and then blood is allowed to flow out using a scalp vein set or is removed by using an injection syringe. When the color of the blood changes and pure blood starts coming out, the procedure is stopped.
Post procedure
Very light diet is advised on the day of the procedure.
Use Of Leaches – Leaches can also be used for bloodletting and are advantageous if the blood is vitiated by Pitta dosha. If the disease manifestation is local e.g. eczema, then leaches are the best option.
They suck the impure blood selectively and shed off from the site on their own. Dressing is required to be done afterwards. The Snehana and Swedana are not required if leaches are to be used.
Indications of Leech Therapy are :
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cellulites
- Sciatica
- Inflammatory Reactions
- Blood purification
- Varicose Veins
- Rheumatic Diseases
- Diabetic Wounds
- Boils and abscesses
- Hypertension
- Thrombosis (blood clot)
- Alopecia
- Herpes zoster