Rakt mokshana is a process of drawing blood from the body by which the body is cleansed and purified.
It is a therapeutic cleaning process described in Ayurveda.
Rakt mokshana is used primarily for blood detoxification.
Ancient Aacharya Sushruta has included it among karmas of detoxification which are known as Panchkarma.
It is derived from two words “Rakt” which means blood and “mokshana” which means to leave.
Rakt mokshana is to let the blood out.
When the blood is expelled out of the body, the quantity and quality of blood are improved hence helping in blood bourne disorder.
Classification-
Rakt Moksh is mainly of the following two types
- Shastra Vistravan
- Anu Shastra Vistravan
Shastra Vistravan( use of sharp instruments for Rakt mokshana)
Metallic instruments are used to carry out this process.
It has two further categories
- Pracchana
- Shiravyadha
Pracchana is letting the blood pass through several incisions.
Shiravyada is Venepuncture.
Anushastra vistravan ( No instrument is used for Rakt mokshana)
It has 3 further categories-
- Jalaukaavcharan(Leech therapy)- In this therapy, leeches are applied to the body. This is mainly helpful in people with Pitta dosha disorders which means people who have higher and deranged heat content in the body. “Hirudo medicinalis” is the species of leech that is mainly used because it is non-poisonous.
- Alabu (pitcher gourd)-Blood is extracted through a vacuum using a vegetable, which may be bottle gourd or Alabu.
- Shrungavacharan (Animal horn)- This is used for blood-letting mainly in Vata disorders.
Out of all these classifications, Jalaukaavcharan (Leech therapy) and Siravyadha are the most popularly used.
Benefits of Raktmokshan- Bloodletting is very helpful in conditions of toxicity, and unbalance between blood(rakt) and Pitta dosha(Heat content of body).
It is used mainly in Skin disorders like allergic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.
Other benefits are Pains in various parts of the body like sciatica, Tennis elbow, Varicose veins, Piles, inflammations, uremia, etc.
This procedure is also useful in the proper functioning of the liver, heart, and other essential organs of the body.
Procedure of Raktmokshan-
The specialized Detoxification process known as raktmokshan comprises the following steps:
- Purva Karma- Local or full body Abhyang & Swed is done before raktmokshan. A person is properly examined to decide the need and benefits of this therapy. A suitable type of raktmokshan is decided. The patient is offered normal-temperature water and liquid gruel and allowed to rest before raktmokshan.
- Pradhan Karma- Bloodletting is done using a suitable method. The patient lies on the bed comfortably and blood is drawn either by siravyedh or by applying leeches.
- Pashchaat karma- The patient is allowed to rest and observed for some time. Some specific diet is prescribed according to the condition of doshas.
Benefits of Raktamokshana-
If a person performs Raktamokshana timely, he never suffers from Raktaja Vyadhis and skin diseases.
Leave A Comment