Panchakarma (“Pancha” means five) is basically carried out to eliminate toxic materials deposited in the body and to restore equilibrium. It is one of the most important treatment procedures in Ayurveda and is essentially a three step process:
- Poorva Karma (Poorva = Pre)
- Pradhana Karma (Pradhana = Main)
- Pashchat Karma (Pashchat = Post)
Several toxic bi-products are formed regularly inside our body as a result of the metabolic processes. Even though the body’s excretory system eliminates them naturally, some toxic elements may get deposited in the body. This could affect the normal functioning of the various organs and systems in our body.
The Pradhanakarma or the main part of Panchakarma involves five procedures and Rakthamoksham is one of them. It refers to the purification of blood by blood letting. This process helps to eliminate toxins that are absorbed into the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract.
This therapy is undertaken by various means such as needle-pricking, venesection, leeching etc., the stagnant impure blood from the body is let out to bring the body functions to the normal tone. It is the best remedy for all ailments caused by impure blood.
It is mainly used in all cases of chronic ailments like rheumatic arthritis, neuralgia, swelling, unhealed wounds, abscess etc. It also helps in relieving skin diseases, gout, and treat spleen or liver enlargements.