ROLE OF PARASURGICAL PROCEDURES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SARPA VISHA

Agadatantra is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda. It is a branch in which treatment of various Sthavara(~plant origin) and Jangama(~animal origin)Visha(~poisons) are described with signs and symptoms. A general principle for the treatment of poisoning is explained in AyurvedicSamhithas like Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata. Snakebite is one among JangamaVisha(~animal origin poison), its mortality in India is approximately 1300annually.The snakebite management protocol is elaborately prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO). AcharyaCharaka has explained ChathurvimshathiUpakrama(~24 treatment procedures) for the management of all types of poison including snake bite.Agnikarma(~Cauterization), and Raktamokshana(~Blood letting), are the only two Para surgical procedures among 24 treatment modalities.Para surgical procedures help to get rid-off localized poison immediately thus preventing the spread and further complications.This article is an extensive review mainly focussed on the role of Para surgical procedures in the management of SarpaVisha(~Snakebite poison).KEYWORDS:Agnikarma,Ayurveda,Chaturvimshatiupakrama,Parasurgicalprocedures,Raktamokshana,Snakebite management.