Abstract
Hemapheresis is the process by which the removal of parts of blood or collection of blood components is done by using automated equipment. Plasmapheresis is a therapeutic intervention that involves extracorporeal removal, return, or exchange of blood plasma or components. In the Ayurveda aspect, it is correlated to Rakta Mokshan which is done to detoxify impurities. Apart from this, there are other procedures mentioned in panchkarma that are also done to remove impurities from the body. Let’s discuss it in Detail!
Introduction
Hemapheresis is a therapeutic elimination procedure where we try to improve the patient’s condition by removing some components of the blood like cells or plasma. This is also known as Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE). This procedure is safe and well-tolerated. Particularly Plasma and Platelets are removed from the bloodstream and the rest of the blood is sent back to the bloodstream of the donor. In this procedure, the death rate is very rare, about 0.1 %. Erythrocytapheresis, Plasmapheresis, and Plateletpheresis procedures are done with this technique.
PROCESS OF HEMAPHERESIS
The process of Hemapheresis is totally based on the centrifugation principle. The collected blood is mixed with an anticoagulant and directed to the separator, where the requested component is separated and the rest of the blood is infused into the patient’s body. This whole procedure is painless and it takes around 2 hours to complete the whole procedure.
There are Four Types of Centrifugation Variables
- The first variable is speed and bowl diameter
- The second variable is sit time
- In the third one, solutes are added
- The fourth is plasma volume and cellular content
There are various categories of depletion interventions , They reduce the amount of multiplied blood elements.
1. Leukocytapheresis
It is done in both acute and chronic leukemias
2. Erythrocytapheresis
It is indicated for polycythemias, hemosiderosis, and hemochromatosis.
3. Platelet apheresis
It is indicated when the number of platelets increases above 4 lacs. The collection of platelets is done by apheresis using various components
4. Plasmapheresis
It is useful in ABO blood group patients. In this procedure, fresh frozen plasma is collected.
Stem Cell harvesting
INDICATION
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: It is a neurological disorder that leads to progressive weakness and sensory function in the arms and legs.
- Goodpasture syndrome: It is an acute illness that affects the kidneys and lungs.
- Guillain Barre syndrome: In this syndrome, the nerves of the immune system are attacked.
- Myasthenia Gravis: It is characterised by fatigue and weakness of muscles.
- Hyperviscous syndrome
- Blood clotting disorders
- Multiple myeloma
- Autoimmune diseases
RELATION OF HEMAPHERESIS WITH RAKTASHODHAN
Raktashodhan is a process by which the removal of toxins from the blood is done by various methods. It cleans up the body and impurities are removed. This procedure is done by Ayurveda experts. Raktashodhan is done by two methods:-
Local Purification
It can be done in the localized area (hands and legs)
Systemic Purification
It is categorized under Panchkarma treatment. This is done by four methods
- Shrings (By use of horns)
- Jalokavcharna (Leech therapy)
- Siravedan (Venepuncture)
- Alabu (Gourds)
The whole body is involved in systemic purification. Certain herbs are also provided that are enriched with tikta, kashaya, and katu rasa are beneficial in blood purification.
RAKTAMOKSHAN
1. Jalokavcharana (Leech Therapy)
Jaloka is mainly found in water and in cold places. There are 12 types of jalokas of which six are Savish and six are Nirvish. It is also known as Leech Therapy. Leach has stored in non-chlorinated water within a tight-fit box. There should be a change of water twice a week. The saliva of leeches constitutes Hirudin and Hyaluronidase. Hirudin is an anticoagulant where Hyaluronidase fasters the flow of blood. In this procedure, the patient is made to lie or sit down and the affected area is to be washed with antiseptic solutions. The selected leach is kept over the affected area to bite and suck the blood. Moist cotton is kept over it. It is removed by sprinkling the salt over the mouth of the leach.
2. Alabu (Gourds)
This process is done in Kapha dushti. Alabu has a length of 12 angul. It is composed of ruksha and tikshan gunas. In the whole process, bitter gourd is used. The affected site is cleaned by taking all the aseptic measures. The tourniquet is applied above the area. Multiple vertical incisions are made and the ignited wick is placed at the affected site with oil kept over. Fire extinguishes when the opening en d of the bottle gourd is held firmly over the site. It creates a vacuum which leads to a drain out of the blood. Blood gets collected at the margins of the bottle gourd.
3. Shringa (Horns)
This procedure is done in vata dosha dushti. Shringa is Madhur, snighad, and ushana guna yukta. Shringa is basically a cow horn for expelling blood out. This horn is opened from both ends. Superficial small incisions are made over the affected areas which are cleaned priorly with aseptic solutions. The larger open end is kept over the incised area and blood is sucked through another open end.
4. Siravedan (venepuncture)
Siravedan is a bloodletting procedure done by puncturing. Not more than 760 ml of blood is being let out by this procedure. In shalya tantra, venepuncture is considered as half complete therapy for numerous diseases as blood is a pathogenic factor in many diseases. A tourniquet is applied above the selected area. The vein is tapped to make it prominent which is then punctured with a sharp instrument. Once the vitiated blood flows out of the body then the punctured site is bandaged tightly to arrest bleeding.
HERBS USED IN RAKTASHODHANA
1. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)
Manjistha is one of the most valuable herbs in Ayurveda. It is famous for its blood detoxification properties. It cleans the blood and boosts immunity.
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya, Madhur
- Guna: Guru
- Viraya: Ushana
- Vipaak: Katu
Effect on Doshas
It helps to pacify the vitiated Kapha and Pitta dosha. Mainly it is Pittahara.
Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)
Sariva is known as Indian sarsaparilla. It helps in the detoxification of blood.
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Tikta and Madhur
- Guna: Guru and sanigadh
- Viraya: Sheeta
- Vipaak: Madhur
Effect on Doshas
Tridosha Hara. It balances all three doshas.
2. Haridra (Curcuma longa)
Haridra is used in many forms and through many routes of administration such as an oral, nasal, and local application on the skin. It is anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory.
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Tikta and Katu
- Guna: Rooksha and Laghu
- Viraya: Ushana
- Vipaak: Katu
Effect on Doshas
Because of its ushana guna, it balances vata and kapha. Due to tikta rasa, it balances pitta dosha. Hence it balances all three doshas.
3. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Neem has been extensively used in Ayurveda for many years. Due to its potent antimicrobial photo chemicals, it is used to cure fever and skin disorders. It removes ama and detoxifies the blood.
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Tikta and Kashaya
- Guna: Rooksha and Laghu
- Viraya: Sheeta
- Vipaak: Katu
Effect on Doshas
It balances the vata dosha.
4. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
It is a well-known immunomodulatory herb used in the correction of autoimmunity. It is used in all bleeding disorders. It helps in promoting vata dosha.
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Tikta and Kashaya
- Guna: Laghu
- Viraya: Ushana
- Vipaak: Madhur
Effect on Doshas
It balances all three doshas. 3wq
CONCLUSION
Hemapheresis is the Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) in which blood is drawn out from the body and after the separation of components, the remaining blood gets back into the bloodstream. Hemapheresis is correlated with Raktashodhan in Ayurveda and it is done with the process of raktamokshana. In this jalokas, alabu, shrings, etc are used to expel out the blood. Certain herbs like Manjistha, Neem, Guduchi, and Haridra are also indicated in Hemapheresis.
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD – Ayurveda) is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. He is Author of the Book “Ayurveda – God’s Manual For Healing”. He is an Ayurveda Expert Serving People worldwide through all the Possible Mediums, Operating from Main Branch in Mohali, India. With his Vast Experience in Herbs and their Applied Uses, he is successfully treating Numerous Patients suffering from Various Ailments. He is Serving the Society with Purest Herbal Supplements for One and only Purpose of Making People know and utilize the Wonderful Benefits of the Ayurvedic Diet, Lifestyle, and Natural Herbs. He Formulates Herbal Supplements himself and also Use Classical Ayurvedic Formulations for Helping People Get Rid of All Types of Health Issues, Restore their Health, Uses and Save themselves from the Worst Side-effects of Chemical Based Treatments. For More Details, visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com.
