Blood Letting By Incisions

💉 Prachanam: Localized Blood Purification Therapy

Prachanam is a precise Ayurvedic bloodletting technique that purifies blood locally. This targeted therapy effectively addresses localized skin disorders and inflammatory conditions while improving circulation to affected areas.

📋 Overview

Prachanam is a specialized Ayurvedic technique for localized purification of blood through controlled bleeding from specific points on the body.

🩸 Step-by-Step Procedure

1️⃣ Preparation

• Disinfection:
  • Thoroughly disinfect the needle and treatment area
  • Use modern antiseptic or traditional turmeric water (1 tsp turmeric mixed in 2 liters of water)
• Drying:
  • Ensure both needle and area are completely dry before proceeding

2️⃣ Enhancing Blood Flow

• Massage:
  • Gently massage the surrounding region
  • This increases blood circulation to the affected area
• Tourniquet Application:
  • Apply a tight tourniquet just above the treatment area
  • This temporary restriction enhances blood flow to the target region

3️⃣ Blood Extraction

• Pricking Technique:
  • Quickly prick the area using a sterilized needle or blade
  • Only a very small amount of blood should be extracted
• Directional Considerations:
  • Always perform the treatment from top to bottom
  • For leg treatments, the patient should remain in a standing position
• Important Precautions:
  • Avoid making wide, deep, or sideways incisions
  • Never prick tendons or ligaments

4️⃣ Post-Procedure Care

• Immediate Care:
  • After bleeding stops, clean the area with antiseptic
  • Apply Jatyadi Gritham (medicated ghee) to the area
  • Cover with sterile gauze
• Inflammation Management:
  • If inflammation occurs, apply Shata Dhauta Ghrita instead
  • Then cover with sterile gauze
• Recovery Period:
  • Rest for a full week is recommended
  • The treatment can be repeated after 7-15 days if necessary

⚠️ Patient Comfort and Safety

• Hydration:
  • Offer water if the patient feels weak during the procedure
• Rest Periods:
  • Blood letting can be temporarily paused until strength is regained
• Comfort Measure:
  • It's beneficial to cover the patient's eyes with a cotton cloth during the procedure
  • This reduces anxiety and helps maintain calmness

🔍 Therapeutic Applications

• Localized skin disorders
• Areas with blood stagnation
• Targeted inflammatory conditions
• Specific points of pain or discomfort

✅ Key Benefits

• Removes impure blood from specific areas
• Reduces localized inflammation
• Improves circulation to the affected region
• Promotes healing in targeted tissues

References:

Primary Source: School of Ayurveda and Panchkarma - Lectures and Notes