Venesection

🩸 Sira Vedham (Venesection): Full-Body Blood Purification

Sira Vedham (venesection) is an advanced Ayurvedic bloodletting technique that purifies blood throughout the entire body by precisely cutting a vein with sterile glass. This technique requires expert practitioners only, as it involves controlling blood flow with tourniquets and monitoring extraction levels (stopping at 500ml).

📋 Overview

Venesection, also known as Sira Vedham, is an advanced bloodletting technique that removes impure blood from the entire body by cutting open a vein. This procedure must be performed only by highly skilled therapists due to its complexity and potential risks.

⚠️ Critical Warning

This technique requires specialized training and expertise. Never attempt without proper medical supervision.

🩺 Procedure Steps (To Be Followed by the Therapist)

1️⃣ Preparation

• Apply a tight tourniquet around the target vein
• Position the patient comfortably and securely

2️⃣ Vein Incision

• Make a longitudinal cut using a piece of sterile glass
• The cut should be made with a single, precise tap
• Technique requires exceptional skill and precision

3️⃣ Blood Flow Management

• If bleeding is insufficient:
  • Gently tap or massage the vein
  • For stubborn cases, apply oil mixed with slaked lime to promote bleeding
• Warning signs of excessive cutting:
  • Blood flowing with an audible sound
  • Difficulty stopping the flow
  • These indicate the cut is too deep or too large

4️⃣ Monitoring

• Blood typically stops flowing automatically
• If more than 500 ml has been extracted but bleeding continues:
  • Intervention by the therapist is required to stop the flow
• Patient monitoring:
  • If patient faints during the procedure:
    • Release the tourniquet immediately
    • Fan the patient to restore consciousness
    • Resume procedure only after recovery and based on patient's strength

5️⃣ Completion & Aftercare

• Slowly remove the tourniquet
• Wash the incision site with cold water
• Cover the cut with cotton soaked in oil
• Apply a tight bandage to ensure proper healing

❌ Contraindications

This procedure should NOT be performed on:

Age-Related Factors

• Children (younger than 16 years)
• Elderly (over 70 years)

Physiological Conditions

• Pregnant or postpartum women
• Patients with low blood volume
• Those with quick blood clotting (increased Kapha)
• People with excessive body heat
• Anemic patients
• Patients with breathing difficulties
• Individuals with cough

Prior Treatments

• Those who haven't undergone oleation and sudation therapy
• Patients who received excessive sudation
• Individuals undergoing other Panchkarma therapies

Psychological Factors

• Hemophobic people (fear of blood)

Consumption Factors

• After alcohol consumption
• After excessive intake of acidic or sour foods
• Patients on blood thinners

Active Conditions

• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Any bleeding conditions (including menstruation)
• Full-body swelling

Environmental & Technical Factors

• Extreme weather conditions (very cold, hot, windy, or cloudy)
• Horizontal veins (procedure should only be done on vertical veins)

💡 Patient Comfort Tip

Covering the patient's eyes with a cotton cloth during the procedure is recommended to reduce anxiety and improve comfort.

🔍 Clinical Applications

• Systemic blood purification
• Treatment of blood-borne diseases
• Conditions requiring full-body detoxification
• Severe cases of blood vitiation

✅ Key Benefits

• Comprehensive purification of blood throughout the body
• Rapid removal of toxins from the bloodstream
• Addresses systemic imbalances
• Can provide relief in cases where localized treatments are insufficient

References:

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