Literally means therapeutic blood-letting. This technique is used to remove impure blood from the body for detoxification in a measured way. The panchakarma technique is used in the treatment of various skin disease, abscess, varicose vein etc. There are different ways to practice raktamokshana and as per the vitiated dosha, and the condition presented the bloodletting technique is decided upon.
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- Prachanana – A process where small incision or prick is made over the skin by suitable instruments. This procedure is applied in cases where the blood forms a thrombus or coagulates and the concentration is increased in that particular area. Used in the treatment of alopecia, eczema and other skin disorders.
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- Siravyadha – a process in which suitable vein is incised by appropriate instruments. This technique is said to purify the whole body is is thus used in removing vitiated blood from the body in cases of psoriasis, allergies, eczema and other blood related diseases.
- Leech therapy/ Jaloukavacharana – Usage of medicinal leeches for the purpose of blood-letting/ Raktamoshan has been an age old traditional practice of healing in Ayurveda. The accumulation of blood at a particular place forming a lesion or a clot can obstruct circulation and healing of that place. The blood letting practices help in releasing this bad blood, ensuring faster healing. Furthermore, the saliva from leeches are full of bioactive constituents which are anti-inflammatory, analgesic, thrombolytic, antioxidant, vaso dilator, blood enhancing properties.
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Used for the management of the following:
- Varicose veins
- Skin lesions – herpes, psoriasis, eczema
- Gangrene
- Wounds
- Painful joints
- Abscess
- Netra roga – eye infections
- Granthi – Nodular swelling