24 Jul, 2025
Dr. Kaustubh Bathe0 commentsJuly 24, 2025Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Raktamokshana

Importance of Raktamokshana in Ayurveda: An Ancient Blood Purification Therapy

Raktamokshana, one of the five key therapies of Panchakarma in Ayurveda, is a powerful and time-tested method of blood purification. Literally meaning “bloodletting” (Rakta = blood, Mokshana = to release), this therapy is based on the Ayurvedic principle that impure blood (dosha-dushta rakta) is the root cause of many skin, muscular, and systemic diseases. By eliminating vitiated blood from the body, Raktamokshana restores balance, promotes healing, and rejuvenates the system naturally.

 Ayurvedic Concept of Raktamokshana

In Ayurveda, Rakta dhatu (blood tissue) is considered a vital carrier of life force. When it becomes impure due to an imbalance in doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha)—especially Pitta—it leads to various disorders like skin problems, inflammation, infections, and chronic diseases.

Raktamokshana helps in:

  • Removing toxins and impurities from the blood

  • Reducing inflammation, swelling, and heat from the affected areas

  • Balancing Pitta dosha

  • Enhancing the circulation and oxygenation of tissues

Methods of Raktamokshana

In Ayurveda four different methods of Raktamokshana are described. Which are as follows.

  1. Siravedha (Venesection) – Controlled removal of blood through veins

  2. Jalaukavacharana (Leech therapy) – Application of medicinal leeches to suck impure blood

  3. Prachchanna Karma – Superficial scarification and scraping

  4. Alabu and Shringa – Use of special tools like horn or gourds to create suction

Among the above four methods Jalaukavacharana is most commonly used in treatments due to its benefits and therapeutic properties.

Indications of Raktamokshana (When is it Recommended?)

Raktamokshana is especially useful in Pitta-dominant disorders or diseases caused by impure blood. It is indicated in the following conditions:

  • Skin diseases: Psoriasis, eczema, acne, urticaria

  • Chronic wounds and ulcers

  • Localized pain and inflammation (arthritis, sciatica)

  • Varicose veins and pigmentation issues

  • Hypertension

  • Gout (Vatarakta)

  • Hair fall, premature greying, and dandruff

  • Frequent boils and abscesses

  • Acne or Pimples

 Health Benefits of Raktamokshana:

  1. Detoxifies Blood: Clears impurities, improving overall circulation and immunity.

  2. Skin Health: Improves skin texture, reduces rashes, itching, and blemishes.

  3. Pain Relief: Reduces chronic pain, joint inflammation, and muscular tension.

  4. Balances Doshas: Especially effective in calming excess Pitta and Rakta disorders.

  5. Rejuvenates Organs: Enhances the function of liver, skin, and other blood-related organs.

  6. Boosts Healing: Accelerates wound healing and reduces the chance of infection.

  7. Improves Energy: Helps the body feel lighter, refreshed, and revitalized.

Who Should Do Raktamokshana?

Raktamokshana is recommended for:

  • Individuals with chronic skin issues

  • People suffering from recurring infections or inflammations

  • Those experiencing Pitta-dominant symptoms like burning sensation, bleeding disorders, or anger issues

  • Individuals with autoimmune conditions, after consultation

  • People with lifestyle-related toxins or heavy exposure to chemicals, pollutants, or a non-vegetarian diet.

 

However, not everyone is a candidate for Raktamokshana. It is not advised for:

  • Pregnant women

  • Extremely weak or anemic individuals

  • Children and elderly (in most cases)

  • Those with bleeding disorders or low platelet count

 Precautions and Guidance

Raktamokshana should only be performed under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician, in a proper clinical setting. Pre- and post-procedural care is important to ensure safe detoxification and recovery. Proper diet (Pathya & Apathya) and rest are crucial for the success of the therapy.

 Conclusion

Raktamokshana is a powerful, natural, and holistic approach to cleanse the body from within. As a form of preventive and curative therapy, it stands as a testament to the wisdom of Ayurveda in dealing with chronic and lifestyle-induced diseases. In today’s era of rising toxins and stress, this ancient therapy offers a time-tested solution to restore balance and purity in the body—both inside and out.

Thinking of Raktamokshana? Consult your Ayurvedic expert Dr. Bathe at Ayurvidhi Clinic – Ayurvedic Clinic & Panchakarma Treatment Centre to check if you are suitable for this transformative therapy.

“Let your blood flow clean, your body feel light, and your health glow with Ayurveda.”

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26 Mar, 2024
Dr. Kaustubh BatheMarch 26, 2024Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Raktamokshana, Vamana, Virechan

Unlock Clear Skin: Ayurvedic Secrets for Treating Acne Pimples

The face is the most important part of our body. It is not because of only cosmetics purpose but also because it reflects your inner health and confidence. Thus patients suffering from acne or other skin problems related face could experience in loss of confidence and other psychological disturbances. Acne is one of them which affects most or every other person somewhere in their life.

Acne commonly known as pimples is very common during adolescence.  But due to some unhealthy lifestyles acne is seen in middle-aged or adults too as a sign of skin disorder. The common treatment in allopathic is some antibiotics and local ointment etc. While treating acne with Ayurveda has a holistic approach. In this blog, we will see Ayurvedic medication, panchakarma treatment & some diet recommendations for acne treatment with Ayurveda.

Introduction & general review:

Acne is commonly seen occurring during puberty as a sign of hormonal changes in the body. Then it gradually subsides without much effort. But sometimes it does not subside that easily, it has to take the help of some medication.

In some people, acne does not easily with a period. This is due to some skin problems which are mostly not related to adolescent acne. In mid-age, this is mostly due to some skin issues along with some hormonal changes and some psychological disturbance.

Ayurvedic view for acne:

Face is a reflection of inner health many diseases are diagnosed by just observing it. As per Ayurveda face is the seat of Rasa Dhatu, Rakta Dhatu, Mansa Dhatu & Shukra Dhatu also. And acne is caused by vitiation of doshas in this dhatu. The most common doshas responsible for acne are kapha and vaata doshas. These accumulate in the above-mentioned dhatu to create acne.

Causes of acne:

  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Gut disturbance
  • Poor digestion
  • Prolonged acidity
  • Improper sleep
  • Junk food
  • Lack of proper skincare

Diagnosis for acne in ayurveda:

  • Yuvan-pedika
  • Mukha Dushika
  • Kshudra Kustha
  • Rakta Dushti

Above mentioned are some of the diagnoses for acne or pimples in Ayurveda. These all come under the umbrella term named Kushtha a skin disorder.

Ayurvedic  treatment for acne & pimples:

Ayurveda has a holistic approach to treating every disease same as it is with acne. While treating acne with Ayurveda it is most important to focus on all aspects of treatment which are Ayurvedic medication, the use of panchakarma procedure at the right time as well as correcting lifestyle.

So the treatment for treating acne with Ayurveda consists of Ayurvedic medicine, local application or lepa (face mask), panchakarma procedures, and an Ayurvedic healthy diet. So let’s look deep into it.

Ayurvedic medicine for acne or pimples:

  1. Laghu Manjishthadi Kadha approximately 10 ml with an equal amount of water after the meal
  2. Syrup Saafi (Hamdard Co.) 10 ml twice a day
  3. Sarivadi Vati 250 mg twice a day
  4. Triphala churna ( dose according to your gut health) at night with warm water

External application for acne:

  1. Home-made lepa: turmeric powder+ Neen leaves powder+ Rose petals powder + Multani mitti Half a spoon of each ingredient mixed with rose water once a day.
  2. Rajni lepa
  3. Raktachandanadi Lepa

Above mentioned are some lepa or face that can be used while treating acne & pimples.

Panchakarma treatment for acne and pimple:

Vamana helps to clear the toxins from the upper gastric tract i.e. stomach, liver, etc. It helps to promote for creation of Rasa dhatu and removes excessive kapha from the digestive tract. The kapha doshas accumulated in this area are one reason for creating acne-prone skin.

Virechana the purgation treatment in Ayurveda removes the toxins from the lower gastric tract i.e. intestine, rectum, spleen, etc. It helps to expel pitta dosha from the body which is responsible for pimples too. It also helps to purify the Rakta dhatu (purifies blood). The impure or vitiated blood causes acne.

Raktamokshana is a bloodletting and purifying treatment of panchakarma. For this, a leech a worm-type creature is used to suck the impure blood from the skin. The leech or jalauka helps to expel the impure blood from the system and allows it to replace it with pure blood.

Ayurvedic Diet recommendation for acne patients:

To promote clear acne-free skin one should consume fresh vegetables and fruits regularly. One should have a proper wholesome meal with all the natural organic food. The meal should be consumed as per once Prakriti, Agni, and age. It should also contain a good amount of ghee to balance the three doshas.

For more details please read our series on simple Ayurvedic diets parts 1 to 4.

The link is given below:

  1. https://www.ayurvidhiclinic.com/a-simple-ayurvedic-diet-plan-for-every-person-to-be-healthy-part-1/
  2. https://www.ayurvidhiclinic.com/a-simple-ayurvedic-diet-plan-for-every-person-to-be-healthy-part-2/
  3. https://www.ayurvidhiclinic.com/a-simple-ayurvedic-diet-plan-for-every-person-to-be-healthy-part-3/
  4. https://www.ayurvidhiclinic.com/a-simple-ayurvedic-diet-plan-for-every-person-to-be-healthy-part-4/

Things to avoid while suffering from acne & pimples are fermented and deep-fried food, extremely sour food, stale and dry food, etc.

 

Conclusion:

Treating acne or pimples with Ayurveda has very good results due to its holistic approach. The ayurvedic remedies along with panchakarma and a good ayurvedic diet and lifestyle modification as per the ayurvedic regimen will help you in restoring skin health naturally from inside.

At Ayurvidhi clinic we have successfully cured acne & pimples with pure ayurvedic and panchakarma treatment.

Address: Dr. Bathe’s Ayurvidhi Clinic – Ayurveda & Panchakarma clinic. Office no. 309, Park Plaza Business Centre, Porwal Road, Lohegaon, Pune – 411047

 

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