Tag: What are the indicators of Hemapheresis?

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.

Hemapheresis

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

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

What are the indicators of Hemapheresis? How Ayurveda can be of help Relate with Rakta Shodhana in Ayurveda

Abstract

Hemapheresis is a process in which blood parts or blood components are removed by automated equipment. This process is very safe, in which plasma and platelets are removed from blood and the left part is sent back to the donor’s body. The donor should be ABO and Rh typing and must meet the criteria applicable as the donor for normal donation. All the process is based on the centrifugation principle. The Whole process takes two hours to complete.  In this article we will discuss this process in detail and its alternative in Ayurveda.

Hemapheresis

Introduction

This process has been used widely in clinical practice for removal of toxins from the blood. It includes cell depletion in which removal of platelets, red cells and leukocytes from the patient’s circulation. This process is also called therapeutic plasma exchange. It can be used in various diseases such as thrombocytosis, malaria, leukocytosis, aplastic anaemia and many other blood related disorders.  In ayurveda it can be correlated with raktamokshan and raktshodhan in which toxins from the blood are removed. Various methods used in this therapy are leech therapy, shrunga, alabu and sirovedha. In case of raktshodhan various herbs used in the purification of blood are manjistha, sariva, haridra, guduchi and neem. Let’s discuss in detail.

Process of Hemapheresis

Therapeutic plasma exchange is a process in which toxins are removed from blood by automated equipment. This is a highly advanced technique in which exchange, replace, or at least manipulate particular cellular or blood constituents in a broad panel of different diseases. Firstly blood is taken from donors through a needle after that it is mixed with anticoagulants and separated in separators. All this activity works on the centrifugation method.

The Components of Blood Which Involves in this Process are:-

  1. Plasmapheresis
  2. Plateletpheresis
  3. Leukapheresis
  4. Stem cell harvesting
  5. Donors hemapheresis

1. Plasmapheresis

In this plasma is removed from the blood that helps to reduce circulating antibodies and other complexes.

2. Plateletpheresis

In this condition platelet count is very high so platelets can be removed to avoid complications of thrombosis and bleeding.

3. Leukapheresis

If the patient is suffering from thrombosis then WBC are removed from the patient’s body.

4. Stem Cell Harvesting

In this stem cells can be harvested using the transplantation procedures.

5. Donors Hemapheresis

The process of hemapheresis is becoming popular day by day because in this process a person can donate blood to others.

Indicators of Hemapheresis

  • Wilson disease
  • Thrombocytosis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Malaria
  • Lung transplantation
  • Liver transplantation
  • Kidney transplantation
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Immune thrombocytopenic purpura
  • Leukocytosis
  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome
  • Hemolytic disease of foetus
  • Familial cholesterolemia
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Coagulation factor inhibitors
  • Burn with circulatory shock
  • Aplastic anaemia
  • Autoimmune hemolytic anaemia
  • Age related macular degeneration
  • Systemic amyloidosis
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Acute liver failure

Ayurvedic Overview

According to ayurveda this process can be correlated with raktamokshan because in this procedure just like hemapheresis toxins are removed from the blood. According to acharya sushruta, rakta is considered as a fourth dosha. When the doshas are in normal limits maintain well being but when they aggravate or lower then causes many health problems. According to ayurveda when doshas are aggravated in blood then they cause blood disorders. In ayurveda these can be correlated with rakta pradoshaj vikara. Various rakt pradosha vikara are as follows:-

  • Pleeha
  • Mashaka
  • Asya paka
  • Vidradhi
  • Kamala
  • Neelika
  • Charamdala
  • Shvitra
  • Pama
  • Dadru
  • Visarpa
  • Vyanga
  • Tilkalka
  • Kotha
  • Vatashonita
  • Arsha
  • Angamarda
  • Indralupta
  • Arbuda
  • Medhra paka
  • Guda paka
  • Asru Dhara
  • Kushth
  • raktapitta

Now, we will discuss raktamokshan in detail.

Raktmokshan

It is a procedure in which toxins are removed from the blood by various methods. It is of two types:-

1. Shastra

It is a procedure in which sharp instruments are used. Prachana and siravedha are its types.

2. Anushastra

It is a procedure in which blood is let out without any instruments. In this jalauka, shrunga and alabu are mainly used

Indications

  • Swelling
  • Gonorrhea
  • Headache
  • Burning sensation
  • Sinusitis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Heaviness of body
  • Debility
  • Mastitis
  • Tumour
  • Fibroid
  • Elephantiasis
  • Skin disease
  • Rashes
  • Swelling

Contraindications

  • Haemorrhoids
  • Anaemia
  • Pregnancy
  • Emaciated persson
  • Anasarca

Samyak Lakshan

  • Cheerfulness of mind
  • Severity of disease
  • Subsiding of pain
  • Feeling of lightness of body

Atiyog Lakshans

  • Deep puncturing
  • Puncturing in hot season
  • During excess sweating

Season for Raktmokshan

Autumn season is the best season for raktmokshan

Various methods of raktamokshan are as follows:-

1. Leech Therapy (Jalokavcharana)

Leeches are mainly found in water and in cold places. This therapy is considered very easy for removal of toxins from the blood. In this therapy non poisonous leeches are mainly used.

Types of Leech

There are two types of leech

  1. Poisonous leech
  2. Non-poisonous leech

1.Poisonous Leech

They are called savish jaloka and is of six types

  1. Krishna
  2. Karbura
  3. Alagarda
  4. Saamudrika
  5. Indra-yudha
  6. Go chandana

2. Non – Poisonous Leech

They are called nirvish jaloka and of six types

  1. Kapila
  2. Pingala
  3. shankh – mukhi
  4. Mushika
  5. Pundarika- mukhi
  6. Saavarika

Method of Application of Jaloka

First of all, the affected part is washed properly with an antiseptic solution. Then leech is applied to the affected area. When leech starts sucking the blood then it is covered with moist cloth. When it completes sucking the blood then turmeric powder is used to stop the bleeding.

1. Shrunga

This is the best method for removal of toxins from the blood and mainly used in vata dushti. In this method cow’s horn is used for blood letting. Cow’s horn should be open at both ends. In this method small incisions are made over the affected part. The larger part of the cow’s horn is kept over the incised area.

2. Alabu

In this method pitcher guard is used for bloodletting and this process is mainly used in kapha dushti. In this method firstly the pitcher is opened at the top. All the seeds and pulp are removed from the top of the pitcher guard. The length of alabu should be 12 angul.  After that it is dried under the sun till it is hard. In this affected part should be cleared with antiseptic solution and multiple incisions made over the site.

3. Siravedha

In this procedure a tourniquet is applied above the selected area. When the vein is prominent then it is punctured using a sharp needle. After the complete blood flow, the affected area is tightly bandaged to stop bleeding.

Raktashodhana

In this therapy blood can be purified by herbal medications. As we have studied that hemapheresis separates toxins and other unwanted components from the blood. Just like hemapheresis there are some herbs that purifies the blood such as manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), haridra (Curcuma longa), neem (Azadirachta indica) and guduchi (Tinospora  cordifolia). Let’s discuss in detail

1. Manjishtha

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is a natural herb that is found in  India. It shows various properties such as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiprotozoal, leprosy healing and wound healing etc. As we know leprosy is caused by vitiated blood and can be managed by raktshodhan. It works on the brain and is helpful in the management of  stress and anxiety. Herb paste can be applied directly to the affected parts in case of skin disorders, ulcers and inflammation. It is also useful in increasing menstrual flow and purifies breast milk. So we can say that it is the best herb for purification of blood.

2. Sariva

Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) is a herb that grows everywhere in india. It mainly balances the three doshas. It is very helpful in increasing fertility. It shows antiinflammatory properties and also purifies the blood. So it can be used in blood related disorders such as soft chancre, chronic rheumatoid arthritis and gout etc. This herb is also useful for rejuvenating the skin.

3. Haridra

Haridra (Curcuma longa) is a herb that is usually grown all over India but mainly in Tamil naidu, Mumbai and Bengal. It balances the three doshas and is helpful in the management of various disorders such as syphilis and herpes. This herb is mainly used to  boost immunity and fight against various disorders. It has antioxidant properties which is very helpful in the proper functioning of blood elements.  It is also helpful in pittaja disorders.

4. Guduchi

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is found everywhere in India. This herb is very useful in boosting the immunity and also purifying the blood. It is also useful in the management of skin related disorders. This herb is used to maintain the health of the skin, lungs and immune system. Respiratory tract disorders are also manageable by this herb. Guduchi is also helpful in the management of dysentry, diarrhoea, skin disorders, urine disorders, dyspepsia, jaundice and diabetes.

5. Neem

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a wonderful herb used in the purification of blood. The main property of this herb is to remove toxins from the blood. It shows amazing results in skin related diseases such as acne, itching etc. it also regulates blood circulation and shows best results in all blood related disorders.

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Conclusion

Hemapheresis is a process in which blood parts or blood components are removed by automated equipment. It is also called therapeutic plasma exchange. This process is very safe, in which plasma and platelets are removed by blood and the left part is sent back to the donor’s body. All the process is based on the centrifugation principle. In ayurveda it can be correlated with raktamokshan and raktshodhan in which toxins from the blood are removed. Various methods used in this therapy are leech therapy, shrunga, alabu and sirovedha. In case of raktshodhan various herbs used in the purification of blood are manjistha, sariva, haridra, guduchi and neem. Here in this article we have discussed hemapheresis in detail and its ayurvedic correlation also.