Study of efficacy of Jalaukavacharan in comparison to Agnikarma in management of Vatakantak

Abstract

ABSTRACT newlineAbstract newlineIntroduction: Ayurveda, an ancient medical system rooted in the Atharva Veda, newlineprovides a holistic approach to health and wellness. Among its various branches, Shalya newlineTantra emphasizes surgical and parasurgical interventions, newlineincluding Agnikarma (thermal cauterization) and Jalaukavacharan (leech therapy). newlineVatakantaka, a condition characterized by heel pain due to Vata imbalance, correlates newlineclosely with the modern diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. This newlinestudy explores the comparative efficacy of Agnikarma and Jalaukavacharan in newlinemanaging Vatakantaka (plantar fasciitis). Aim and Objectives: The study aims to newlineevaluate and compare the effectiveness of Agnikarma and Jalaukavacharan in newlinealleviating symptoms of Vatakantaka, focusing on pain relief, inflammation reduction, newlineand improvement in the Foot Function Index (FFI). Methodology: A total of 200 patients newlineaged 40 60 years diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were enrolled and divided equally into newlinetwo groups. Group A underwent Jalaukavacharan, while Group B received Agnikarma. newlineInterventions were administered on Day 0, 7, and 14, with assessments on Days 0, 7, 14, newlineand 30. The study included follow-up to evaluate recurrence and sustained symptom newlinerelief. Results: Preliminary findings indicate that both therapies effectively alleviate heel newlinepain and improve FFI. However, Jalaukavacharan demonstrated superior outcomes in newlinepatients with Pitta-dominant constitutions due to its cooling and anti-inflammatory newlineproperties. Furthermore, it was observed to have fewer complications and required less newlinespecialized expertise compared to Agnikarma. Socioeconomic analysis revealed a higher newlineprevalence of plantar fasciitis among middle-class housewives, with right heel pain being newlinemore common. Conclusion: Both Agnikarma and Jalaukavacharan are effective in newlinemanaging Vatakantaka (plantar fasciitis). However, Jalaukavacharan offers a safer, newlinesimpler, and more accessible alternative, particularly for Pitta-dominant individuals. The newlinestudy underscores the relevan