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Corresponding Author: Dr.Nandana Hanswal
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Article Info: Article Received on : 06/05/2026 Article Reviewed on: 05/07/2026 Article Published on : 15/07/2026
Cite this article as: - Hanswal, N.& Charurvedi, P. (2026). Therapeutic Potential Of Agnikarma And Viddhakarma In Life Style
Disorders. International Journal of Diagnostics And Research, 3(4), 66–71. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21372454
Abstract
Lifestyle disorders emerged as a global health crisis driven primarily by sedentary behaviour, poor dietary habits,
and stress. It encompasses conditions such as obesity, chronic pain syndrome like plantar fasciitis, sciatica,
musculoskeletal disorders including osteoarthritis, lumbar and cervical spondylitis, frozen shoulder, as well as
neuromuscular conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Approximately 1 in 5 adults globally experiences chronic
pain. In India, around 19.3% of adults report chronic pain—equating to roughly 180–200 million individuals. In
urban India, up to 50–60% of adults may suffer from at least one lifestyle disorder amidst the growing prevalence of
these lifestyle-related disorders. Traditional therapeutic modalities like Agnikarma (therapeutic cauterisation) and
Viddhakarma (therapeutic needling) are promising, evidence-based approaches. Agnikarma utilises controlled
thermal energy to alleviate localised pain, inflammation, and neuromuscular imbalance by evacuating metabolic
waste, increasing local blood circulation through vasodilatation, and deactivating myofascial trigger points.
Viddhakarma involves precise needling at specific anatomical points (Marma). Both Agnikarma and Viddhakarma
stimulate peripheral nerves and mechanoreceptors, leading to the blockage of pain receptors and promoting the
release of endorphins, thereby ultimately reducing pain and enhancing local mobility. Both therapies offer cost-
effective, minimally invasive options and have a low recurrence rate when performed properly. As para-surgical
techniques, which are safe, sustainable alternatives or complements to conventional surgical interventions,
particularly in chronic pain management associated with lifestyle disorders. The main aim of this The article
emphasises the integrative potential of Agnikarma and Viddhakarma in mitigating clinical and economic burdens.
burden of lifestyle disorders as well as facilitating a paradigm shift in the therapeutic outcomes for lifestyle-induced
pain syndromes
Keywords- Agnikarma, Vidhakarma, pain, lifestyle disorder.
.
Therapeutic Potential Of Agnikarma And Viddhakarma In Life Style Disorders
Dr Nandana Hanswal
1
, Dr Preeti Chaturvedi
2
1
First year MD scholar, PG Department of Panchakarma, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Govt. (auto) Ayurveda College
and Institute, Bhopal (MP)
2
Reader, Department of Panchakarma, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Govt (auto) Ayurveda Auto College and Institute,
Bhopal (MP)
G
A
R
V
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Introduction :
Lifestyle disorders emerged as a global health crisis
driven primarily by sedentary behaviour, poor
dietary habits, and stress. It encompasses conditions
such as obesity, chronic pain syndrome like plantar
fasciitis, sciatica, musculoskeletal disorders
including osteoarthritis, lumbar and cervical
spondylitis, frozen shoulder, as well as
neuromuscular conditions such as carpal tunnel
syndrome. Approximately 1 in 5 adults globally
experience chronic pain. In India, around 19.3% of
adults report chronic pain—equating to roughly
180–200 million individuals.
[1]
In urban India, up to
50–60% of adults may suffer from at least one
lifestyle disorder amidst the growing prevalence of
these lifestyle-related disorders.
[2]
Agnikarma is
one of the prominent para-surgical procedures in
Ayurveda, especially significant in the works of
Acharya Sushruta. It is traditionally believed that
ailments treated through Agnikarma do not recur.
[3]
Agnikarma, also known as therapeutic
cauterisation, which involves the controlled
application of heat to the affected body part, is
mainly done using specially designed metabolic
instruments called Shlakas. Acharya Sushruta has
mentioned that Agnikarma is indicated in cases of
intense pain affecting the Twaka (skin), Mamsa
(muscles), Sira (veins), Snayu (ligaments), Sandhi
(joints), and Asthi (bones). Such pain mainly arises
due to the aggravation of Vata dosha.
[4]
Viddhakarma means therapeutic needling or
puncturing, also called Vedhana karma. It is a
precise puncturing or piercing of selected
anatomical points (Marma) using needles.
Lifestyle disorders ultimately cause the pain, and a
patient having pain often reports a continuous
sensation of discomfort, which adversely affects
their quality of life. Patients frequently expect a
fast-acting solution for pain relief. For this,
conventional treatment modalities for these
disorders often include NSAIDs, physiotherapy,
corticosteroid injection, local application of
steroidal creams & gel and surgical interventions.
Each with Limitations such as side effects,
temporary relief, and high cost, Agnikarma and
Viddhakarma therapies offer cost-effective,
minimally invasive options with a low recurrence
rate if performed properly. It is a safe, sustainable
alternative or complement to conventional surgical
interventions, particularly in chronic pain
management associated with lifestyle disorders.
Material And Method:
This article is based on a narrative review of
classical Ayurvedic literature, clinical case studies,
and contemporary evidence-based publications that
evaluate the therapeutic potential of Agnikarma and
Viddhakarma in lifestyle disorders.
Discussion:
Probable mode of action of Agnikarma and
Viddhakarma in general:
Agnikarma -
Vata dosha predominantly contributes to painful
conditions. Agnikarma, through its inherent Ushna
(hot), Tikshna (sharp), and Snigdha (unctuous)
qualities, helps pacify aggravated Vata, thereby
relieving pain and stiffness. According to the Gate
Control Theory of pain, thermal and tactile stimuli
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activate large-diameter nerve fibres, which inhibit
the transmission of pain signals at the spinal cord.
Additionally, thermal burns or heat-induced
stimulation activate multiple nerve pathways,
influencing the hypothalamo-pituitary axis to
release endorphins. These endorphins act directly
on pain receptors to suppress pain perception.
[5]
Agnikarma utilises controlled thermal energy to
alleviate localised pain, inflammation, and
neuromuscular imbalance by evacuating metabolic
waste, increasing local blood circulation through
vasodilatation, and also deactivating myofascial
trigger points.
Viddhakarma-
Viddhakarma exerts its therapeutic action by
addressing the imbalance of Tridosha-Vata, Pitta,
and Kapha, as well as regulating Rakta (blood). It
facilitates the clearance of Srotas (body channels),
thereby releasing the entrapped Vayu and allowing
it to circulate freely throughout the body. By
removing vascular obstructions, it restores normal
blood flow and stimulates sensory nerve fibres
through peripheral receptors, effectively reducing
the transmission of pain signals from the affected
area. This stimulation activates large sensory fibres,
particularly those associated with tactile receptors
and nerve endings, helping to modulate pain signals
not only from localised regions but also from
broader, segmentally connected areas. The
procedure also induces an immune response,
prompting the release of endorphins and opioid-like
substances, which further alleviate pain. Overall,
Viddhakarma helps restore the homeostatic balance
of the doshas and enhances the body's natural
healing mechanisms.
[6]
Probable mode of action of
Agnikarma and Viddhakarma in different lifestyle
disorders:
Obesity (Sthaulya)-
Although Agnikarma is not directly associated with
the management of obesity, it plays a supportive
role in alleviating its complications. In cases of
obesity, it helps reduce stiffness, discomfort, and
mechanical joint pain caused by excess body
weight, especially in conditions such as knee pain
and musculoskeletal strain resulting from obesity-
related biomechanical stress.
Osteoarthritis (Sandhivata)-
Agnikarma is indicated as the best treatment for
pain occurring in Asthi (bones) and Sandhi (joints)
due to aggravation of Vata dosha. In Sandhivata,
the Ushna Guna (hot property) of Agni counteracts
the Shita Guna (cold property) of Vata Dosha,
thereby reducing joint pain. From a modern
perspective, localised heat therapy enhances blood
circulation in the joint, ensuring better tissue
nourishment and facilitating the removal of
inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing local
swelling and inflammation. However, structural
changes such as osteophyte formation remain
unaffected by Agnikarma, as they are anatomical
alterations. Still, due to Agni's Ashukari (rapid-
acting) nature, noticeable improvements in joint
mobility and a reduction in crepitus are observed.
[7]
Sciatica (Gridhasi)- According to Acharya
Sushruta, Viddha Karma in Gridhrasi should be
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performed 4 aṅgula (finger‑ breadths) above and
below the Jānu Saṃdhi (knee joint) on the lateral
aspect of the leg.
[8]
In Viddhakarma, when a
needle is inserted at the site of pain, it helps in
alleviating the obstruction of Vata (Aavrutta Vata),
promoting its normal flow (Vatanulomana), which
results in immediate pain relief. During this
process, a small amount of blood may also be
released, providing a Raktamokshana (bloodletting)
effect. The penetration of the needle is believed to
stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as
endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers by
inhibiting the transmission of pain signals.
[9]
Agnikarma acts through its inherent properties-
Ushna (heat), Tikshna (sharpness), Sukshma
(subtlety), and Ashukari (quick action)-to clear
blockages in the body's channels (Srotas), which
helps balance the disturbed Vata and Kapha
doshas. This intervention improves blood flow
(Rasa-Rakta Samvahana) to the affected area,
helping remove pain-inducing substances and
providing symptom relief. Additionally, the heat
from Agnikarma stimulates tissue-level metabolism
(Dhatvagni), aiding in the digestion of local Ama
(toxins) and enhancing nutrient assimilation from
earlier tissues (Purva Dhatu). This process
ultimately nourishes and stabilises the Asthi (bone)
and Majja (marrow) dhatus, leading to significant
improvement in the symptoms of Gridhrasi
(sciatica).
[10]
Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)-Acharya Sushruta
equates its therapeutic significance to that of Basti
in the context of Kayachikitsa, referring to it as
"half of the treatment." He recommends its use in
various disorders such as Vatakantaka, Padadaha,
Padaharsha, Vatasonita, Chippa, Visarpa,
Vicharchika, and Padadari. For these conditions,
Vedhana is advised at a vein located approximately
two Angulas (around 4 cm) above the Kshipra
Marma.
[11]
Carpal tunnel syndrome and other
neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders like
lumbar and cervical spondylitis-
Although Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and
other disorders are not directly mentioned in the
classical Ayurvedic texts, their clinical features can
be correlated with Vata-dominant conditions
involving Snayu, Sandhi, and Marmasthana. The
symptoms, such as pain, tingling, numbness, and
weakness in the affected region, resemble those of
Vata vyadhi. Acharya Charaka described that Agni
is the best treatment for Shoola (pain).
[12]
Acharya
Sushruta has emphasised the use of Agnikarma in
incurable conditions, particularly those associated
with intense pain in the bones (Asthi) and joints
(Sandhi Pradesh)
[13,14]
. He highlights that such
painful conditions, which are often resistant to
other forms of treatment, respond effectively to
therapeutic heat delivered through Agnikarma. This
procedure not only provides immediate pain relief
but also addresses the underlying pathology by
removing it. Srotovaigunya (channel obstructions)
and pacifying vitiated Vata dosha, which is
commonly involved in such disorders. Importantly,
Acharya states that Agnikarma offers long-term
relief with a low risk of recurrence, making it a
reliable and sustainable approach for chronic and
stubborn musculoskeletal conditions.
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Result:
After reviewing multiple cases and
reports, significant pain relief was seen
within 1-4 sessions.
Low recurrence rates when some
Shamana medicine and lifestyle
modifications were followed during
treatment.
No major side effects in properly
administered procedures.
Conclusion:
Agnikarma and Viddhakarma emerge as cost-
effective, minimal invasive, para-surgical
interventions for lifestyle-related disorders,
especially in the domain of chronic pain
management. By addressing both the symptoms
and the root causes, these therapies hold immense
potential to reduce the clinical and economic
burden of lifestyle disorders. Their integration can
offer a paradigm shift, making healthcare more
holistic, sustainable, and accessible. They offer a
holistic and sustainable model of pain management
that aligns with the growing demand; however, to
realise their full potential in clinical practice, there
is an urgent need to standardise techniques and
therapeutic protocols. Furthermore, randomised
controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal cohort
studies are essential to establish their efficacy,
safety, and long-term benefits on a broader
evidence-based platform.
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Declaration :
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ISSN: 2584-2757
DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.21372454
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