Background & Aims

Raktadushti is considered as main cause of diseases like kushtha, shoth, shwitra, etc .
Different methods are mentioned in Ayurveda for this. One of them is Raktamokshan.
Gatiyantra developed over time from the original use of ghati , alabu and shrunga to perform raktamokshan.
Shrung ,ghati, alabu evolved into bamboo cups , which were eventually replaced by glass cups.
Although the methods are mentiond for raktamokshana, it also used to treat muscle and nerve pain in which incisions on the skin are not needed.
Ghatiyantra or alabu works on a principle of local suction of particular area by creating vacuum and applying it on the affected area. In this therapy a ghati (hollow vassal) is used and vacuum is created by heating or by mechanical withdrawal of air inside the ghati. A suction effect is seen on the skin, resulting in rubor and heat with increased perfusion.
Cupping helps to stimulate muscle and Thus cupping carries the the potential to enhance the quality of life.

Methods

The glass cups are directly applied on painful muscular part after creating the vacuum inside the glass.
The vacuum in the glass is created by burning cotton swab which is held by forceps and moved vigorously inside the glass and the glass is immediately placed on affected area.
The glass cups are to be kept till they detach themselves or maximum up to 5 minutes.

Results

Many conditions occur in our day to day life which results in damage and pain in body.
Chronic pain is condition where the pain stays for longer period and in which there is damage of tissue and nerves.
Acute type of pain is sudden and intensity is also more.In this, there can be damage of tissue, muscles etc.
Muscle tissue damage can be a result of Sports injuries, Muscle strain, Overstretching, Long driving session, household work, Use of mobile and other gadgets(improper posture).
For all these cases ghatiyantra Prayoga can be performed.
Various regions of the body on which cupping is effectively applied are:
Back and neck, intra scapular region, Lateral side of neck, Middle, Thighs, folds of thighs, Knee, Hips, Breasts, Buttocks, Shoulder, Inguinal region, popliteal area, etc. which are the areas of abundant muscular structures.
In Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and Research Center most of such cases are treated successfully using modified ghatiyantra.

Conclusions

Ghatiyantra prayog is an effective therapy for various types of muscular pain in different parts of the body.

Patient feels immediate relief in muscle pain and spasm.

Repeated use (once a day) of cupping on the same sight can provide long-term relief.

References

1. Gupta K.A, Ashtangahridaya, vidyodini Hindi commentary, sutra sthana, Chaukhamba prakashan, reprint edition 2019, chapter 25/26, P 198.
2. Gupta K.A, Ashtangahridaya, vidyodini Hindi commentary, sutra sthana, Chaukhamba prakashan, reprint edition 2019, chapter 26/49, P 201.
3. Brahmananda Tripathy, Chaukhamba surbharati prakashan, Varanasi, Charaka Samhita, chikitsa

Presenting Author

Vd.Rijuta Vasudev Patil

Poster Authors

Rijuta Patil

MD (Ayurveda)

Gomantaka Ayurveda Mahavidyala and research center

Lead Author

E-mail

Topics

  • Specific Pain Conditions/Pain in Specific Populations: Low Back Pain