Role of Raktamokshana (Siravedhana) in pain management

Acharya Sushruta considered Siravedhana as half of all the therapeutic measures (Ardhachikitsa) in Shalya Tantra like Basti Karma in KayaChikitsa. Siravedha is mentioned as a surgical procedure of puncturing the vein and accomplishing the Raktamokshana (Blood-letting). It is very prominent procedure used for the management of those diseases in which there is vitiation of Rakta dhatu. Conditions in which Rakta dhatu is predominantly vitiated along with other doshas are easily curable with the help of Raktamokshana. Acharya has emphasized that Siravedhana helps in the elimination of vitiated dosha from the veins. They clarified that in emergency if due to lack of the time one cannot be able to perform the fivefold purification procedures, Raktamokshana will serve the purpose. They specially mentioned about Siravedhana in surgical conditions with poor venous drainage. It leads immediate alleviation of symptoms along with pain in various diseases like Vatarakta, Gridhrasi etc. where ever Raktamokshana is indicated, Siravedhana is an important technique to do so. My paper is focused on effect of Siravedhana in the management of pain in certain disorders.