Agnikarma and its Role in Pain Management: A Narrative Review on Exploring Ayurvedic Interventions for Musculoskeletal Disorders

Pain management, particularly in chronic musculoskeletal disorders, remains a challenge to modern medicine and relies considerably on drug interventions full of multiple side-effects. Ayurveda (ancient system of medicine) has non-surgical and holistic interventions such as Agnikarma (application of therapeutic heat) that induce equilibrium in the body’s energies. Agnikarma is of specific utility in managing Vata (movement) related disorders characterised by joint pain, stiffness of muscles, inflammation, and limitation of movement. This narrative review aimed to discuss the application of Agnikarma in pain management, explicitly referring to musculoskeletal disorders such as sciatica and osteoarthritis, by correlating Ayurveda’s concepts with present-day pain management modalities. This review consolidates data from clinical trials and case reports of recent decades that confirm the efficacy of Agnikarma in pain management. Other Ayurvedic interventions, such as Siravedha (venepuncture), Basti (medicated enema), and swedana (fomentation), are also outlined in the context of how they add to the efficacy of Agnikarma in managing Vatarelated musculoskeletal disorders. The review demonstrates that Agnikarma effectively reduces pain, inflammation, and stiffness of muscles, resulting in long-term relief and enhanced mobility in Sciatica, Osteoarthritis, and allied disorders. It enhances blood supply, heals tissues, and reduces inflammation. Along with other Ayurvedic treatments such as siravedha, Agnikarma is even more effective in relieving pain in the short term and curing in the long term. Agnikarma is a practical, non-surgical intervention that targets the cause of pain, particularly in Vata-related disorders. By providing long-term relief from pain with minimal side-effects, Agnikarma is a valuable alternative to drug interventions.