External Therapy Protocol
Agnikarma (Thermal Micro-Cautery)
in Bengaluru
Agnikarma is a highly specialized para-surgical procedure where precise, controlled thermal micro-burns are applied to specific pain points (Marmas) using a heated metal instrument (Shalaka). It provides instantaneous, almost magical relief from severe, chronic pain.
Clinical Benefits
- Provides instantaneous and long-lasting relief from severe joint and tendon pain
- The gold standard treatment for Calcaneal Spur (Heel pain/Plantar Fasciitis) and Sciatica
- Permanently removes corns and warts without deep surgery
- Blocks pain pathways instantly (gate control theory of pain)
Clinical Procedure
1. Preparation (Purvakarma)
- • The point of maximum pain is precisely identified and marked.
- • A specialized metal rod (Shalaka—often made of Panchaloha/five metals) is heated to red hot over a flame.
2. Main Action (Pradhana Karma)
The physician touches the red-hot instrument to the skin for a fraction of a second, creating a tiny, superficial dot burn. This is repeated in a specific pattern over the painful area.
3. Post-Therapy (Paschatkarma)
- • Fresh Aloe Vera pulp or honey/ghee is immediately applied to the spots to soothe the burning sensation.
- • The micro-burns heal completely within 5-7 days like tiny scabs.
Patient FAQs
Does Agnikarma cause a lot of pain and big scars?
The procedure causes a sharp sting for a fraction of a second, which is instantly relieved by the cooling aloe vera. It creates tiny dot-like scabs that fall off in a week, rarely leaving permanent scars, while the relief from the underlying joint pain is immediate.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Abhiram SSBAMS (Reg No: 36991)
Chief Consultant, Ayurvedic Rheumatology & Dermatology • Updated: 2026-07-24
Protocol Details
Duration
The actual procedure takes 1-2 minutes.Frequency
Usually done once. Can be repeated after 7 days if required.Primary Indications
condition-sciaticacondition-plantar-fasciitiscondition-frozen-shouldercondition-cervical-spondylosis
Contraindications
- Pitta-dominant individuals or conditions with severe burning sensations
- Patients with uncontrolled Diabetes (due to delayed wound healing)
- Pregnancy, extreme fear/anxiety, and bleeding disorders