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.