A Comparative Experimental Study of Thermal Relaxation Time mmong Different Instruments (Dahanopakarna) used in Therapeutic Cauterization (Agnikarma)

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine utilizes diverse therapeutic modalities, among which Agnikarma is a specialized para-surgical procedure that involves the controlled application of heat using different materials (Dahanopakaranas). The materials used for transferring heat, vary in thermal characteristics. Agnikarma employs thermal energy for treating various disorders, but a key challenge lies in maintaining precise and consistent temperature control across different Dahanopakarana. Objective: This study compares the thermal relaxation time (TRT) of various Dahanopakaranas —Pippali (Dry fruit of piper longum), Aja shakrut (excreta of Goat), Godanta (Cow’s tooth), Tamra Shalaka (Copper rod), Loha Shalaka (Iron rod), Panchadhatu Shalaka (Five metal alloy rod) after heating them to red-hot condition and Guda (Jaggery) until it melts. Method: This research aimed to systematically measure the Thermal relaxation time and develop a standardized module for the temperature range of various classical instruments used for therapeutic cauterization( Dahanopakaranas), when heated on an open flame until they reach a red-hot state, followed by recording the temperature drop at one-minute intervals until the samples return to ambient temperature. Result: The temperature decay over time was analysed to determine that Pippali cools down rapidly, reaching near room temperature within 5-6 minutes, Aja shakrut and Godanta show a steep drop in temperature, stabilizing around 30-35°C within 10 minutes, Tamra, Loha, and Pancha Dhatu Shalaka retain heat significantly longer, with Guda having the highest heat retention among selected Dahanopakaranas. Conclusion: This study correlates classical indications of Dahanopakaranas with their thermal behaviour using Thermal Relaxation Time (TRT) values, providing a scientific basis for Acharya Sushruta’s site-specific Agnikarma recommendations and aiding in tool standardization.