Ayurvedic Correlation And Indicators Of Hemapheresis

Abstract

Hemapheresis also known as Apheresis. In this procedure, blood can be withdrawn from the donor. It is considered a supportive therapy for various blood disorders and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases produce antibodies that attack their own immune system and lead to many disorders. All autoimmune diseases do not have any particular treatment. This process only helps in symptomatic relief and enhances your life span. In this article, we are going to discuss, Indication of hemapheresis, raktamokshana, and ayurvedic drugs that help in blood disorders.

Introduction

Therapeutic hemapheresis is known as the separation of whole blood in the body and removing the toxin component from the blood. Hemaphersis includes Plasmapheresis, leukapheresis, lymphopheresis, and erythropheresis.

Indication

The following indications of hemapheresis are,

1. Myasthenia gravis
2. Lupus
3. Severe rheumatoid arthritis
4. Polymyositis
5. Vasculitis

1. Guillain-Barre Syndrome

It is known as an autoimmune disease. It mainly affects the brain cells. Due to this, muscle weakness, tingling sensations in the hands and feet, and rarely paralysis occurs.

2. Myasthenia Gravis

Due to this link between muscle and nerve is hampered. The common symptoms are rapid fatigue of muscles and generalized weakness.

3. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

This neurological disorder causes a sensory loss in limbs and also limb weakness.

4. Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Causes blood clots known as thrombosis in the blood vessels. This leads to serious health issues if vessels get blocked and blood flow to various organs is restricted such as the brain, kidneys, and heart.

5. Goodpasture Syndrome

It involves an autoimmune disorder. It is a group of acute illnesses that mainly affects the organs (liver and kidney). In general, the immune system makes antibodies to fight off germs. But with Goodpasture syndrome, the immune system attacks the cells of the body.

Process Of Hemapheresis

Therapeutic hemapheresis is done through blood processing equipment. This is a highly advanced technique to deplete, exchange, replace, or at least manipulate particular cellular or blood constituents in a broad panel of different diseases. At first, blood is taken from donors through a needle after that blood drawn is mixed with an anticoagulant and separated in separators which work through the centrifugation method.

The components which are separated and withdrawn include:

1. Plasmapheresis
2. Plateletpheresis
3. Leukapheresis

1. Plasmapheresis

The plasma contains the antibodies that contribute to the effects of autoimmune disorders. Removal of the plasma will help to reduce circulating antibodies and other complexes.

2. Plateletpheresis

In this type, the platelet count can be very high. Removal of platelets can help to avoid complications of thrombosis and bleeding.

3. Leukapheresis

WBC (White blood cells) are removed from the patient’s body if the patient suffers from diseases like thrombosis.

4. Stem Cell Harvesting

The small number of circulating stem cells can be harvested using the transplantation procedures.

5. Donors Hemapheresis

The process of hemapheresis is becoming essential day by day where a person can donate his/her blood to the affected person.

Raktashodhana Therapy In Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, hemapheresis is related to raktashodhana. As in Hemapheresis we deplete, exchange, replace, or at least manipulate particular cellular or blood constituents in a broad panel of different diseases, so in Raktashodhana we do blood purification and extract the impuried blood according to the disease. So let’s see how ayurveda helps in blood purification!

Some Amazing Natural Herbs To Purify Blood

1. Manjishtha

Manjistha is the best herb to purify the blood. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory herb. It heals wounds faster and helps in various skin disorders. This herb paste is applied to the affected part of the body mainly in inflammation, ulcers and skin disorders. It also gives relief to the brain and nerves impairment. Manjistha acts as a good appetizer and it has a good digestive capacity and due to its hemostatic properties, it is used in many blood disorders (Raktapitta Vikar), skin disorders, ulcers, erysipelas and many others. It helps to stimulate the uterus and increases menstrual flow and purifies breast milk.

2. Sariva

It’s the best anti-inflammatory drug that is used for burning sensation and inflammation. Its juice is used in various disorders such as conjunctivitis etc. It also acts as a good appetizer, digestive, and laxative. Also a blood purifier, that’s why it is the best medicine for blood related disorders such as gout, soft chancre, second stage of syphilis, and chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Sariva is the best herb for rejuvenating the skin.

3. Haridra

The latin name for Curcumin is (Curcuma longa). This is the best herb for immunity boost and to fight against various disorders. Haridra belongs to the ginger family. It is best known for their properties like anti-oxidant which regulates the proper functioning of blood elements. It enhances the biological activities in the body and shows the best changes in physiological functions of the body. The best property of curcumin is to purify the blood and remove the excess toxin from the body. It also helps to stop the infections. It boosts immunity and it has the best wound healing properties.

4. Neem

The latin name of neem is (Azadirachta indica). It is a long tree. The main properties for neem is to purify the blood and remove the excess toxins from the blood. This herb is rich in several properties such as tikta (bitter) and kshaya (astringent) Rasa (Taste) and sheeta (cold) potency. It is given with many other herbalcombnation. It regulates blood circulation and hence it gives very good results in various blood disorders.

5. Guduchi

It is the best immune booster. Guduchi is a well-known herb for its medicinal properties. This herb is used to maintain the health of the lungs, immune system, skin, normal blood pressure, body temperature, sugar level and various other disorders. It also helps those patients who are suffering from respiratory tract disorders. This powder is very beneficial and shows very positive effects on the patient. Guduchi satva is used in the management of diabetes, jaundice, dyspepsia, urine disorders, skin disorders, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also has various properties such as antipyretics, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-cancer, antioxidants, and immune-modulator properties. Giloy is considered as one of the Medhya Rasayana.

In ayurveda, the above mentioned herbs are considered as best Blood purifies but our ancient sages have also explained some procedures for blood purification i.e.

Raktmokshan

It is a method of bloodletting from the affected part of the body. Raktmokshan is considered to be one of the best panchakarma procedures to balance all three doshas (Mainly eliminates pitta dosha). Diseases due to raktaj and pitta dosha can’t get relief through other medicinal procedures then they get relief through raktamokshan.

In ayurveda, there are two methods of Raktamokshan,

1. Shastra karma

In this process an instrument is needed for Siravedhan (vein puncture) to remove the impure blood.

2. Ashastra karma

Ashastra karma is performed by three procedures

1. Shring (horn) in Vata disorders
2. Jaloka (leech) in pitta and raktaj disorders
3. Alabu in kaphaja disorders

Jaloka (leech) is the commonest and easiest method for bloodletting nowadays. In this process, impure blood is let out through medicinal leech. Leech saliva contains various chemical components (Enzymes) like hirudin, hyaluronidase, eglins, and bedellines. Egllins and bedellins have various properties such as antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which are excellent for various skin disorders.

• Jaloka: The most common method for bloodletting is leech therapy. It is also known as Hirudotherapy and in Ayurveda, it is called jaloka avcharna. It is best for pitta dosha and various other problems like diabetic ulcers, wounds, acne, herpes, abscess, poison, and hemorrhoids.
• Alabu: Also known as (Cucurbita Lagenaria or Lagenaria Vulgaris). It is mainly used in aggravated Kapha-related blood disorders. Alabu has the Ruksha(dry), Kattu(Pungent), and Tikshna (Penetrating) properties.
• Shringi: It is used in Vata disorders. It has the Ushna(Hot), Madhur(sweet), and Snigdha(smooth) properties. it is approx 31cm long.
• Siravedhan: It is mainly indicated in rakt vikar (Blood disorders). The procedure is carried out to eliminate the blood toxins. It is considered that half of the treatment is done through Siravedha.

Indication Of Raktamokshana

• Skin disease
• Elephantiasis
• Toxic condition of blood
• Fibroids
• Tumor
• Mastitis
• Liver abscess
• Swelling
• Wound
• Herpes
• Conjunctivitis
• Bleeding disorders

Contraindication Of Raktamokshana

In the following condition Raktmokshana are contraindicated,

• Ascites
• Anemia
• Hemorrhoids
• Emaciated people also avoid raktamokshana
• In pregnancy

Best Season For Raktamokshana

Sharada ritu (Autumn season) because pitta dosha is aggravated in this season.

Conclusion

Raktmokshana procedure is the best method to remove the excess toxins from the body and also help to heal the wound faster. In this article we have discuss about the raktmokshana, by using this we are able to avoid many side effects of synthetic molecules prevalent in the medical system these days also this is the simplest and fastest process to purifies the blood. For more info you can visit our website www.PlanetAyurveda.com and for any health related queries, you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com