Agnikarma is a classical para-surgical procedure that uses precisely controlled therapeutic heat – a heated metal probe (shalaka) or medium is briefly applied to carefully chosen points to relieve deep, chronic, localised pain. It is one of Ayurveda’s recognised minimally invasive techniques for pain that has not settled with softer measures.
At ACTYMED it is offered selectively, by a doctor, for well-defined conditions such as plantar fasciitis and heel-spur pain, chronic tendinopathies and localised osteoarthritic pain. It is done under hygienic conditions with informed consent, and it is not a first-line treatment – it is considered when conservative care has been genuinely tried.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it performed?
Preparation (purva karma): the point is identified and the area cleaned. Main procedure (pradhana karma): controlled heat is applied to the point very briefly to produce a small, precise therapeutic mark (samyak dagdha), avoiding deeper tissues. Aftercare (paschat karma): a soothing medium such as honey or aloe, or a suitable ointment, is applied, the site is kept clean and dry, and aftercare instructions are given to allow healing.
Which conditions is it used for?
Chronic localised pain – plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur, tennis and other tendinopathies, myofascial trigger points, localised osteoarthritis, and corns and some warts.
Is there a classification?
Yes – classically graded by the tissue reached (skin, muscle, vessel and tendon, or bone and joint) and by the pattern of application; at ACTYMED only superficial, controlled application is used for pain.
Who should avoid it?
People with bleeding disorders, uncontrolled diabetes or poor healing, pitta-predominant or inflamed conditions, pregnancy, and children or frail elderly patients. It is not used over deep visceral pain or widespread disease.
Does it have any modern evidence?
Small studies suggest agnikarma can relieve conditions such as plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritic pain, and it shares principles with thermal cautery and moxibustion. The evidence base is limited, so we present it honestly and use it selectively.
