Treatment of burn scar contracture with agnikarma: a case report
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Treatment of burn scar contracture with agnikarma: a case report
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Mahesh Kumar
Assistant Professor, Department of Shalya Tantra, Ch.Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar, New Delhi
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Treatment of burn scar contracture with agnikarma: a case report
Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v7i2.524
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Burn scars and contractures are prevalent complications arising from burns, restricting movement and leading to functional and aesthetic challenges. Despite various treatment methods such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and surgical interventions, effective solutions for burn contracture are limited. Ayurveda offers a unique approach to the management of such complications through a therapeutic technique known as Agnikarma, which is an intentional heat burn therapy. This case report outlines the application of Agnikarma in treating a patient with burn scar contracture, illustrating its potential benefits in restoring movement and alleviating discomfort.
Agnikarma as a Treatment Modality
Agnikarma, a traditional Ayurvedic method, utilizes the application of therapeutic heat to address stiffness and contractures resulting from burns. The procedure involves using a copper rod (Tamra shalaka) to perform localized thermal therapy on the affected area. The heat generated helps to soften the contracted tissue, ultimately promoting increased flexibility and movement. In this case report, a 26-year-old female patient with a burn contracture on her right hand underwent a series of eight Agnikarma sessions over seven weeks. Following treatment, the patient experienced significant improvements, including the restoration of painless hand movement and a reduction in itching and discomfort.
The Role of Ayurvedic Medications
In conjunction with Agnikarma, Ayurvedic medications were utilized for enhanced healing and recovery. Kaishore Guggulu, an herbal remedy known for its wound healing properties, was administered to assist in recovery, while Jaatyadi tail, an oil, was applied topically to soothe the affected area. After each Agnikarma session, a paste made from Ghritkumari (Aloe vera) and Yastimadhu (Licorice) was applied to the skin to promote healing and provide cooling relief. The combined approach of Agnikarma and these herbal treatments contributed to the successful management of the patient’s burn scar contracture, emphasizing the efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions.
Conclusion
The case report demonstrates the effectiveness of Agnikarma as a traditional Ayurvedic treatment for burn scar contractures. The patient achieved favorable outcomes, including the restoration of normal hand function and significant alleviation of symptoms following a structured treatment regimen. This indicates that Ayurvedic parasurgical techniques, paired with appropriate medications, can provide significant benefits in managing burn complications. The results not only highlight the potential of Agnikarma but also reinforce the value of integrating traditional healing practices into modern therapeutic approaches for burn injuries.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Agnikarma and how is it used in Ayurveda?
Agnikarma is a therapeutic heat burn therapy mentioned in Ayurveda. It helps treat conditions caused by Vata and Kapha doshas, particularly effective for loosening scar tissue and easing movement restrictions in burn contractures.
What were the results of Agnikarma treatment for burn contracture?
The treatment led to painless, unrestricted hand movement. The patient's symptoms, including pain and itching, resolved, though the burn scar remained. The therapy was effective in releasing the contracture through repeated sessions of Agnikarma.
What Ayurvedic medicines were used alongside Agnikarma therapy?
The treatment plan included Kaishore Guggulu for wound healing and Jaatyadi tail for local application. Aloe vera paste and Glycyrrhiza glabra powder were also applied post-Agnikarma to soothe and promote healing.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Treatment of burn scar contracture with agnikarma: a case report�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Agnikarma (Agni-karma):
Agnikarma is an Ayurvedic parasurgical procedure that involves intentional therapeutic heat burn therapy. It helps in treating conditions caused by Vataja and Kaphaja doshas, such as stiffness and stricture. The heat from Agnikarma aids in loosening contractures, allowing for better movement and pain relief.
2) Pain:
In the context of this case report, pain refers to the discomfort experienced by the patient due to the burn scar contracture. After numerous sessions of Agnikarma, the patient reported that their pain was alleviated, highlighting the therapeutic effectiveness of Agnikarma.
3) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
Yastimadhu, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is an Ayurvedic herb used in wound healing. In the case report, it was applied in powder form on the affected site after Agnikarma to aid in soothing burn wounds due to its unctuous, sweet, and cold qualities.
4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that encompasses various preventive, conservative, surgical, and parasurgical methods for health promotion and disease treatment. Agnikarma is one such Ayurvedic parasurgical method described extensively in classical texts.
5) Disease:
[see source text or glossary: Disease]
6) Drug:
In the treatment described in the case report, Ayurvedic drugs like Kaishore Guggulu and Jaatyadi Tail were used. These drugs contributed to the overall therapy by promoting wound healing and lubrication, easing hand movements after Agnikarma.
7) Salaka (Shalaka):
Shalaka refers to the tool used in Agnikarma. In this case, a copper rod, known as Tamra Shalaka, was used to perform the Bindu type Agnikarma on the burn contracture site, facilitating the therapeutic heat treatment.
8) Shalya (Salya):
Shalya relates to Shalya Tantra, the branch of Ayurveda focused on surgery. The case report involves a Shalya Tantra expert utilizing Agnikarma to treat burn scar contracture, demonstrating the surgical and parasurgical practices within Ayurveda.
9) Vrana:
Vrana in Ayurveda indicates a wound. In the context of the case report, the burn injury is considered a type of Vrana. Ayurvedic medications like Jaatyadi Tail and Yastimadhu powder are applied to promote vrana-ropana, or wound healing, after Agnikarma.
10) Kumar:
Kumar is the surname of Dr. Mahesh Kumar, the Assistant Professor who authored the case report on treating burn scar contracture with Agnikarma.
11) Glycirrhiza glabra:
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as Yastimadhu, is used in Ayurveda for its wound-healing properties. In the case report, it was applied after Agnikarma to soothe the treated area due to its cooling and moisturizing effects.
12) New Delhi:
New Delhi is the capital city of India where the Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan is located. This institution is where the case report study of Agnikarma treatment for burn scar contracture was conducted.
13) Shalyatantra (Salyatantra, Shalya-tantra, Shalyatamtra):
Shalya-tantra is a branch of Ayurveda focusing on surgical techniques. Agnikarma, discussed in the case report, falls under this specialty and is employed to treat conditions like burn scar contractures that involve surgical precision and parasurgical methods.
14) Stiffness:
Stiffness refers to the rigidity experienced in the burn contracture area. Agnikarma aims to alleviate this stiffness by loosening the contractured tissue through therapeutic heat application, resulting in improved movement.
15) Guggulu:
Guggulu is a resinous substance used in many Ayurvedic formulations. In the case report, Kaishore Guggulu tablets were administered for their properties in promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation post-Agnikarma.
16) Stambha:
Stambha denotes stiffness or rigidness in tissues. In the case report, Agnikarma was effective in treating Stambha caused by burn scar contracture, allowing for improved flexibility and movement.
17) Snigdha:
Snigdha means unctuous or oily. The Ghritkumari (Aloe vera) and Yastimadhu applied post-Agnikarma possess Snigdha qualities, providing soothing and moistening effects to the burn area, promoting healing and reducing dryness.
18) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
[see source text or glossary: Tantra]
19) Dagdha:
Dagdha refers to burns. In the case report, Agnikarma is applied to treat Dagdha vrana (burn wounds), emphasizing how controlled burns can facilitate the healing of burn-induced contractures.
20) Powder:
Powder applications, like Yastimadhu powder, are used in Ayurvedic treatments for their healing properties. In the case report, Yastimadhu powder was applied post-Agnikarma to soothe and heal the affected area.
21) Bindu (Bimdu):
Bindu type Agnikarma involves applying heat in small, precise points. This technique was used in the case report with the Tamra Shalaka to treat burn scar contracture, facilitating controlled and effective therapeutic burns.
22) Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: Delhi]
23) India:
India is the country where the case study was conducted, at the Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan in New Delhi. The study exemplifies the traditional Ayurvedic practices prevalent in Indian medical systems.
24) Dabar:
[see source text or glossary: Dabar]
25) Khera:
[see source text or glossary: Khera]
26) Guru:
Guru indicates heaviness. Both Ghritkumari and Yastimadhu have Guru properties, making them effective in soothing and healing tissues post-Agnikarma by providing a heavy, unctuous layer that aids in wound repair.
27) Glycyrrhiza glabra:
Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as Yastimadhu, is used in the case report for its therapeutic properties as a wound healer. It is applied after Agnikarma to help soothe and heal the treated burn contracture area.
28) Dagdhavrana (Dagdha-vrana):
Dagdha-vrana refers to burn wounds. The case report on Agnikarma discusses its application in treating Dagdha-vrana by using heat to improve tissue flexibility and facilitate wound healing.
29) Tuberculosis:
[see source text or glossary: Tuberculosis]
30) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-dosha is one of the three fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda. Conditions involving excess Kapha, characterized by heaviness and stiffness, can be treated with Agnikarma, as highlighted in the case report.
31) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
32) Picchila:
Picchila denotes sliminess or stickiness. Ghritkumari and Yastimadhu, used in post-Agnikarma applications, have Picchila qualities that help in providing a soothing, protective layer over the treated burn area.
33) Medicine:
In the case report, Ayurvedic medicines like Kaishore Guggulu and Jaatyadi Tail were integral to the Agnikarma treatment process. These medicines supported wound healing and alleviation of symptoms associated with the burn contracture.
34) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. The patient in the case report had a history of epilepsy, but it was not directly related to the treatment of burn scar contracture with Agnikarma.
35) Kaphaja:
Kaphaja refers to conditions caused by the Kapha dosha. Agnikarma is employed to treat Kaphaja diseases, such as burn scar contractures, due to Kapha's association with stiffness and immobility. The therapeutic heat helps to balance Kapha dosha.
36) Prithu (Prthu):
[see source text or glossary: Prithu]
37) Varṇya (Varnya):
Varnya refers to complexion-promoting properties in Ayurveda. Yastimadhu, used in the case report post-Agnikarma, possesses Varnya qualities that help improve skin appearance and heal burn wounds.
38) Vataja (Vata-ja):
Vataja conditions are disorders caused by the Vata dosha. Agnikarma is effective for Vataja diseases due to its capability to heat and relieve stiffness and pain, as evident in the burn scar contracture case.
39) Bitter:
Bitter taste correlates with Tikta rasa in Ayurveda. Ghritkumari (Aloe vera), used in the Agnikarma treatment, has a Tikta rasa, contributing to its cooling and healing properties.
40) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
41) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas are the three fundamental humors in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The case report highlights how Agnikarma balances Vata and Kapha doshas, which are often involved in conditions like burn scar contractures.
42) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with qualities like heaviness and stability. Disorders like stiffness and contractures, which involve Kapha, can be alleviated using therapies like Agnikarma.
43) Tamra:
Tamra refers to copper. In the case report, a copper rod or Tamra Shalaka was used to perform Agnikarma, providing the necessary heat for treating the burn contracture.
44) Tikta:
Tikta implies bitterness. Ingredients like Ghritkumari (Aloe vera), used after Agnikarma, possess a Tikta rasa, helpful in cooling and healing the affected area.
45) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
46) Arshas (Arsa, Arsha, Arsas):
Arsha or piles are a condition mentioned in Ayurveda where Agnikarma is used to treat symptoms. The principles of Agnikarma in treating rough, firm, thick, and hard conditions can also be applied to burn scar contractures.
47) Agni:
Agni means fire or heat. In Agnikarma, controlled Agni is used therapeutically to treat conditions like burn scar contractures by loosening stiff and tight tissues.
48) Katu:
Katu denotes pungent taste and has post-digestive action in Ayurveda. After Agnikarma, Ghritkumari and Yastimadhu are used, which have Katu properties that facilitate healing.
49) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to taste. Ingredients used post-Agnikarma, like Ghritkumari and Yastimadhu, have specific Rasas (bitter and sweet) that contribute to their cooling and healing effects.
50) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas, related to movement and dryness. Agnikarma is effective in treating Vata-related disorders such as burn scar contractures by applying heat to reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
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