Article: A REVIEW ON THE MODE OF ACTION OF AGNIKARMA IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.1106193

Pages: 95-97

Author: Anoop Sachi *, T. Thomas

Abstract: Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder which commonly affects the weight bearing joints, especially during old age. It is said to be caused due to wear and tear of joints. In the Asian population, Knee Osteoarthritis is the most common. The clinical presentation includes pain, particularly after prolonged activity and weight-bearing, whereas stiffness is experienced after inactivity. Agnikarma is widely practiced as a quick pain-relieving panacea in this condition. Agnikarma, the most powerful parasurgical procedure in Ayurveda, was first explained by Acharya Sushruta. Sushruta mentions the use of Agnikarma in the diseases affecting Sira (vessels), Snayu (ligaments), Sandhi (joints) and Asthi (bones). Sushruta also mentioned Agnikarma as a treatment modality of Sandhigata Vata. Osteoarthritis can be correlated with Sandhigata vata in Ayurveda. Several studies were conducted to analyze the efficacy of Agnikarma in Knee Osteoarthritis which yielded positive results. The actual mechanism of action of Agnikarma in the management of Knee Osteoarthritis is not yet fully understood, though several theories such as that based on gate control theory, vasodilatation theory etc were put forward by researchers to explain the mode of action. The present work analyses the prominent hypotheses that explain the mode of action of Agnikarma in Knee Osteoarthritis and also explores other possible explanations.

Keyword: Osteoarthritis, Agnikarma, Sandhigata Vata