Prakaara Paribhaasha:

• Cauterisation or scorching with the help of a directly heated instrument.

Description:Kaala/Vaya/Ahoratra/Ritu/Bhukta

• This procedure should not be done during S`harada and Greeshma Ritu.

Poorvakarma (Prerequisites):

Patient preparation:

• Diet having Pichchhila (slimy which is Pittaghna) property should be administered beforehand except in cases of As`hmaree, Ars`ha, Bhagandara, Udara andMukharoga.

Pradhaanakarma:

• For the cauterisation at the level of skin Pippalee, Ajaa S`hakrit, Godanta, S`hara and S`halaakaa should be used.
• For the cauterisation at the level of Maamsa Dhaatu, Jaambvausht`haadi Loha S`halaakaa should be used.
• For the cauterisation at the level of Siraa, Snaayu and Asthi; Kshaudra, Gud`a and Sneha should be used. The cauterisation at this level should be done only to stop bleeding and not for any disease at that level, as the diseases involving Siraa, Snaayu and Asthi get cured by cauterisation at the level of Maamsa Dhaatu.
• The patient should sit facing east or sleep with his/her head towards east.
• The cauterisation should be done with a heated instrument.
• A suitable type of the cauterisation should be done depending upon the site. Following are the types Valaya, Ardhachandra, Svastika, Asht`apada, Bindu, Rekhaa, Pratisaaran`a.
• The cauterisation should be done till the signs and symptoms of Samyak Dagdha appear.
• Boiling oil should be used if the limb gets separated as in thunder burns or electrical burns.
• The cauterisation should be done after the Chhedana of big piles in strong patients.

Pas`hchaatkarma:

• Application of honey and cows ghee as general application if patient gets accidental burn.
• For Sneha Dagdha, Rooksha application should be done and for Rooksha Dagdha, Sneha application should be done.

Benefits of Agni Karma:

• If there is no relief from pain by Snehana and Svedana, Raktamokshan`a should be carried out followed by cauterisation.
• S`hoola Pras`hamana

• Gives relief from intense pain due to Vaata situated in Tvak, Maamsa, Siraa, Snaayu, Sandhi and Asthi.
• The procedure should be repeated till one gets complete relief from pain.
• Kshaarat Agni Gareeyasi Cauterisation is more effective than the application of Pratisaaran`eeya Kshaara.
• Apunarbhava Chikitsaa
• S`hon`ita Aasthaapana

Samyak Dagdha Lakshan`a:

• Adequate Tvak Dagdha Lakshan`a Sound like Chur, bad smell and contraction of skin.
• Adequate Maamsa Dagdha Lakshan`a Appearance of grey colour, mild pain and mild oedema and wound dries and shrinks.
• Adequate Siraa and Snaayu Dagdha Lakshan`a Appearance of Krishn`a Varn`a and Unnata(Raised)wound, secretions decrease.
• Adequate Sandhi and Asthi Dagdha Lakshan`a Wound dries and turns S`hyaama Varn`a, Karkas`ha and Sthira.

Other Description:

• The depth of cauterisation is important. Cauterisation at the depth of skin is for pain in Tvak and Maamsa. Deep cauterisation at the level of Maamsa is for pain inSiraa, Snaayu, Sandhi and Asthi. It can be done even at the level of Siraa, Snaayu, Sandhi and Asthi.
• Knowledge of Marma sites is very important for the physician who wants to perform cauterisation.
• In Kritamoola, Mahaavaastu, Kat`hina, Stimita and Guru Kaphaja Gulma cauterisation should be done after blood letting.
• After S`hastrakarma, cauterisation should be done over Vartmaars`ha, S`hushkaars`ha (Netra Roga) and Arbuda Netra Roga.
• Cauterisation should be done at the place of Paarshn`i in Atipravriddha Avasthaa of Visoochikaa.

Classification of Agnikarma:

1. According toVran`avastu:

· Tvak Dagdha

· Maamsa Dagdha

· Siraa Snaayu Sandhi Dagdha

· Asthi Dagdha

2. According to the shape:

• Valaya
• Bindu
• Vilekhaa
• Pratisaaran`a
• Ardhachandra
• Asht`apaada
• Svastika

3. According to the material used

• Sneha Dagdha
• Rooksha Dagdha