SIRAVEDHA - A LITERARY REVIEW

Abstract

Father of ancient surgery, Acharya Sushruta has mentioned various methods of Raktamokshana (blood –letting) in his treatise Sushrut Samhita. Siravedha is one of the method of Raktamokshana. Importance of Siravedha is glorified by stating it as Ardhachikitsa in Shalyatantra.Siravedha is nothing but venepuncture. Difference is that Siravedha is employed as single therapeutic procedure in order to treat a diseased condition whereas venepuncture may be diagnostic or a part of therapeutic procedure rather than being an independent treatment procedure. In eighth chapter of Sharira Sthana of Sushrut Samhita, the detailed description of Siravedha is given which includes appropriate time, method as well as indication and contra-indications of Siravedha.Siravedha is helpful in providing relief in symptoms like pain, stiffness in Gridhrasi (sciatica) and Vatrakta (gout). The procedure is believed to be helpful in curing disorders like varicose veins, skin disorders etc. The present study focuses on literary review of Siravedha with a brief explanation on probable mode of action of procedure under consideration.