Process And Ayurvedic Aspect of Hemapheresis
Abstract
Blood is the main component of our body. It contains living cells like Red blood cells, White blood cells, and Platelets. Blood is responsible for the transport of oxygen and other substances in the whole body. But many causes can lead to blood infections and ultimately several diseases. Infection in the blood can be of any single blood component from plasma, lymphocytes, RBCs, WBCs, or a mixture of many of these blood components. Infected blood will cause infection in the whole body, and each organ, in short wherever the infected blood will reach the body, the area gets prone to infection and other diseases. To deal with such conditions Hemapheresis is performed to collect specific components for transfusion and remove pathogens from the infected blood or blood components. In the following article, we will discuss all aspects of Hemapheresis and similar aspects of blood cleansing in Ayurveda.
Introduction
Hemapheresis is the therapeutic elimination of blood components by passing the blood through automated equipment. Hemapheresis is a combined term used for various types of pheresis. Like plasmapheresis is the removal and replacement of a patient’s blood plasma, erythropoiesis is the removal and replacement of a patient’s Red blood cells, leucopheresis is the removal and replacement of a patient’s leukocytes, plateletpheresis is removal and replacement of patient’s of platelets, lymphopoiesis is removal and replacement of patient’s lymphocytes. These all are nonsurgical therapies for the removal and replacement of a particular blood component.
Process of Hemapheresis
Hemapheresis works on the centrifugal principle. The blood from the patient’s body is processed in the equipment where the components of blood are separated, the infected/target blood component is removed from the blood. After the removal of a particular component rest of the blood is returned to the patient’s body.
Indicators of Hemapheresis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Aplastic anemia
- Acute liver failure
- ABO-incompatible disorders
- Macular degeneration
- Multiple myeloma
- Blood clotting disorders
- Hyperviscous syndrome
- Leukapheresis is performed when the number of leucocytes exceeds – in leukemia
- Polycythemia
- Liver, kidney, and lung transplantation
- Hemochromatosis
- Hemosiderosis etc
Ayurvedic Aspect
Blood is called Rakta in Ayurveda. The disorders of Rakta are known as Rakta Pradoshaj Vikar, which occur due to an imbalance of tridosha in the body. The Rakta disorders described in texts vary from skin, liver, and anas to the whole body.
Skin disorders such as Rakta Pradoshaj Vikar – Kotha [urticaria], Dadru [tinea], Charamdal [dermatitis]. Kushth [leprosy, psoriasis], Shavitr [leucoderma], etc.
Some other body diseases listed in Rakta Pradoshaj Vikar are – kamala [jaundice], vidridhi [abscess], arbud [tumors], indralupt [alopecia], raktpitta [bleeding disorder], arsh [hemorrhoids], pleeha vikar [splenomegaly], vatashonit [gout], etc.
In Ayurveda practice, 2 methods are practically used to purify the blood
- Raktshodhana (Blood cleaning/purification)
- Raktmokshana (Bloodletting)
Let us have a detailed look at the procedure of these two methods and know how successful these methods are working in blood purification
1. Raktshodhana [Blood purification]
Cleaning the blood is known as Raktshodhana. This is a commonest practiced method for cleaning blood in Ayurveda. Various herbal medication combinations are used to clean the blood. Likewise hemapheresis these herbs clean the blood, but inside the body itself. Blood-purifying herbs include – Haridra (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia).
2. Haridra (Curcuma longa)
The antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties of Haridra acts as a blood purifier. It also helps in increasing the Red blood cell count in the blood. This herb is used internally as well as externally on wounds, and skin disorders due to blood toxicity. This herb cleans the blood internally by removing the infection (bacteria, protozoa) and also alleviates the pain.
3. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Neem is the most known herb for skin cleansing and blood purification. It pacifies Pitta dosha due to its cooling properties. As this herb will clean the blood thus, will help in the recovery of diseases due to blood toxicity – syphilis, and diabetes. In addition, it recovers skin conditions like acne, dadru, skin rash with itching, etc.
4. Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)
These herbs have various uses, and due to their blood-cleansing properties it is used in skin-related problems. It is a Rasayana and is used for digestive issues and increasing body metabolism. It also has anti-inflammatory properties thus used accordingly for various related disorders.
5. Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia)
Manjishtha is commonly used as a Blood purifier. It is used in the treatment of several skin problems. It has anti-cancerous properties and helps to reduce any lumps in the body. Anti-diabetic and anti-stress properties of manjistha aid in healing the body. Along with it, manjishtha also has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant properties.
6. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
It is an anti-inflammatory herb. It is used in the management of leprosy and other blood disorders. Guduchi enhances memory and activates the immune system. Guduchi is a wonderful herb and helps to improve various diseases such as chronic fever, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and respiratory problems.
7. Raktamokshana [Bloodletting]
Along with Raktshodhana, in some conditions, the Raktmokshana is also performed for better and faster results. Raktmokshana is stated as the fifth procedure of panchakarma therapy by some acharyas. The best season/ time to perform raktamokshan is Sharad ritu (Autumn). Likewise Hemapheresis can also be done with the help of certain instruments, but it includes natural things to be used as an instrument, not electric ones as in Hemapheresis. Various natural instruments/ methods have been described in the ayurvedic texts according to the patient’s condition and age.
Non-Instrumental Methods – Jaloka [leech Therapy]
- Shringa [cow horn method]
- Alabu [pitcher gourd]
- Ghantiyantra
Instrumental Methods
- Prachaan
- Siravedh [Vein puncture]
Jaloka [Leech Therapy]
Bloodletting with the use of a leech known as Jaloka in Ayurveda, blood cleansing is done. Jaloka is used in Pitta dosha dushti diseases and is considered the best Anushashtra. These jalokas are used in various skin wounds to facilitate early recovery and get rid of infections. cleanses the blood up to Ek hast (one hand) deep. This method is used in soft-hearted patients who cannot tolerate vein puncturing and other methods. Fresh leeches are used for impure blood-sucking. Hirudin present in the saliva of leeches has anti-coagulating effects that prevent blood from coagulating. Whereas, Hyaluronidase increases the blood flow to the affected area. Leeches suck impure blood in the beginning and maybe pure blood after that. Also, some leeches are poisonous so the collection should be done carefully. This therapy is done under the observation of an Ayurveda expert.
Shringa [Cow Horn Method]
Shringa is used in Vata dosha dushti disorders because of its Ushan (hot), Madhur (sweet), and Sanigdh (glossy) properties. It cleanses the blood up to 10 angul deep. The basic shringa is of length 7 angul with a hole on both of its endings, with a larger hole at one side and a small hole at another end. After a small incision is made on the site of bloodletting, the shringa is placed on it with the larger hole end on the skin and the other end away from it. Due to the pressure created by the vacuum, the blood is sucked out of the area.
Alabu [Bitter Gourd]
It is used in Kapha dosha dushti vikaras (disorders) because of its katu (bitter), rooksh (dry), teekshan (sharp) properties. It cleanses the blood up to 12 angul depths. An incision is made on the skin and the area is made slightly rough to keep a diya (lighted lamp) on it and alabu is kept on it, the negative pressure created in it will do bloodletting. This is done generally for 10-15 minutes. After that jatyadi tel or any other medicated oil is massaged very light-handed on the area.
Ghantiyantra
Ghantiyantra or Ghatika is used in Kapha and Vata dosha dushti rogas. Aacharya Charak used this method in Gulam disease (collection of impure blood in the stomach). The ghada is used in the form of cups on the surface of the skin which will create pressure on the skin for bloodletting. This is correlated to Couping Glass Therapy done nowadays.
Prachaan and Siravyadh
Incision is made on the body surface/sira (vein), that causes bloodletting. This is a very delicate process and must be performed by a specialist under the guidance of an ayurvedic expert. Written consent is required to perform this procedure. The Vitals of the patient is recorded before and after the procedure. Any dramatic changes in the patient’s condition and vitals should be managed immediately. Temporary diet and lifestyle changes are done for the patient after raktmokshan.
Contraindications for siravedh
Shloka
Siravedh is not recommended for people with
- Vrish awastha (Old age patient)
- Darpok (Coward)
- Kas (cough)
- Shwas (Asthma)
- Pakshaghat (paralysis)
- Garbhini (pregnant)
- Krish (a very lean person)
- Murshit (unconscious)
- After panchakarma
Conclusion
It is important to clean blood according to the patient’s disease and age. Traditional medicine is a combination of skills, knowledge, and practices based on theories. Various natural methods are used in Ayurveda for this processing. Bloodletting with leeches and the Couping glass method is being widely practiced these days. For the treatment of any blood disorders mentioned above, do visit our doctors for natural and effective management. For more queries visit us at www.planetayurveda.com