Tag: Process of Hemapheresis

January 19, 2023

What are the indicators of Hemapheresis? How Ayurveda can be of help Relate with Rakta Shodhana in Ayurveda

Abstract

Hemapheresis is a process in which blood parts or blood components are removed by automated equipment. This process is very safe, in which plasma and platelets are removed from blood and the left part is sent back to the donor’s body. The donor should be ABO and Rh typing and must meet the criteria applicable as the donor for normal donation. All the process is based on the centrifugation principle. The Whole process takes two hours to complete.  In this article we will discuss this process in detail and its alternative in Ayurveda.

Hemapheresis

Introduction

This process has been used widely in clinical practice for removal of toxins from the blood. It includes cell depletion in which removal of platelets, red cells and leukocytes from the patient’s circulation. This process is also called therapeutic plasma exchange. It can be used in various diseases such as thrombocytosis, malaria, leukocytosis, aplastic anaemia and many other blood related disorders.  In ayurveda it can be correlated with raktamokshan and raktshodhan in which toxins from the blood are removed. Various methods used in this therapy are leech therapy, shrunga, alabu and sirovedha. In case of raktshodhan various herbs used in the purification of blood are manjistha, sariva, haridra, guduchi and neem. Let’s discuss in detail.

Process of Hemapheresis

Therapeutic plasma exchange is a process in which toxins are removed from blood by automated equipment. This is a highly advanced technique in which exchange, replace, or at least manipulate particular cellular or blood constituents in a broad panel of different diseases. Firstly blood is taken from donors through a needle after that it is mixed with anticoagulants and separated in separators. All this activity works on the centrifugation method.

The Components of Blood Which Involves in this Process are:-

  1. Plasmapheresis
  2. Plateletpheresis
  3. Leukapheresis
  4. Stem cell harvesting
  5. Donors hemapheresis

1. Plasmapheresis

In this plasma is removed from the blood that helps to reduce circulating antibodies and other complexes.

2. Plateletpheresis

In this condition platelet count is very high so platelets can be removed to avoid complications of thrombosis and bleeding.

3. Leukapheresis

If the patient is suffering from thrombosis then WBC are removed from the patient’s body.

4. Stem Cell Harvesting

In this stem cells can be harvested using the transplantation procedures.

5. Donors Hemapheresis

The process of hemapheresis is becoming popular day by day because in this process a person can donate blood to others.

Indicators of Hemapheresis

  • Wilson disease
  • Thrombocytosis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Malaria
  • Lung transplantation
  • Liver transplantation
  • Kidney transplantation
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Immune thrombocytopenic purpura
  • Leukocytosis
  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome
  • Hemolytic disease of foetus
  • Familial cholesterolemia
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Coagulation factor inhibitors
  • Burn with circulatory shock
  • Aplastic anaemia
  • Autoimmune hemolytic anaemia
  • Age related macular degeneration
  • Systemic amyloidosis
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Acute liver failure

Ayurvedic Overview

According to ayurveda this process can be correlated with raktamokshan because in this procedure just like hemapheresis toxins are removed from the blood. According to acharya sushruta, rakta is considered as a fourth dosha. When the doshas are in normal limits maintain well being but when they aggravate or lower then causes many health problems. According to ayurveda when doshas are aggravated in blood then they cause blood disorders. In ayurveda these can be correlated with rakta pradoshaj vikara. Various rakt pradosha vikara are as follows:-

  • Pleeha
  • Mashaka
  • Asya paka
  • Vidradhi
  • Kamala
  • Neelika
  • Charamdala
  • Shvitra
  • Pama
  • Dadru
  • Visarpa
  • Vyanga
  • Tilkalka
  • Kotha
  • Vatashonita
  • Arsha
  • Angamarda
  • Indralupta
  • Arbuda
  • Medhra paka
  • Guda paka
  • Asru Dhara
  • Kushth
  • raktapitta

Now, we will discuss raktamokshan in detail.

Raktmokshan

It is a procedure in which toxins are removed from the blood by various methods. It is of two types:-

1. Shastra

It is a procedure in which sharp instruments are used. Prachana and siravedha are its types.

2. Anushastra

It is a procedure in which blood is let out without any instruments. In this jalauka, shrunga and alabu are mainly used

Indications

  • Swelling
  • Gonorrhea
  • Headache
  • Burning sensation
  • Sinusitis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Heaviness of body
  • Debility
  • Mastitis
  • Tumour
  • Fibroid
  • Elephantiasis
  • Skin disease
  • Rashes
  • Swelling

Contraindications

  • Haemorrhoids
  • Anaemia
  • Pregnancy
  • Emaciated persson
  • Anasarca

Samyak Lakshan

  • Cheerfulness of mind
  • Severity of disease
  • Subsiding of pain
  • Feeling of lightness of body

Atiyog Lakshans

  • Deep puncturing
  • Puncturing in hot season
  • During excess sweating

Season for Raktmokshan

Autumn season is the best season for raktmokshan

Various methods of raktamokshan are as follows:-

1. Leech Therapy (Jalokavcharana)

Leeches are mainly found in water and in cold places. This therapy is considered very easy for removal of toxins from the blood. In this therapy non poisonous leeches are mainly used.

Types of Leech

There are two types of leech

  1. Poisonous leech
  2. Non-poisonous leech

1.Poisonous Leech

They are called savish jaloka and is of six types

  1. Krishna
  2. Karbura
  3. Alagarda
  4. Saamudrika
  5. Indra-yudha
  6. Go chandana

2. Non – Poisonous Leech

They are called nirvish jaloka and of six types

  1. Kapila
  2. Pingala
  3. shankh – mukhi
  4. Mushika
  5. Pundarika- mukhi
  6. Saavarika

Method of Application of Jaloka

First of all, the affected part is washed properly with an antiseptic solution. Then leech is applied to the affected area. When leech starts sucking the blood then it is covered with moist cloth. When it completes sucking the blood then turmeric powder is used to stop the bleeding.

1. Shrunga

This is the best method for removal of toxins from the blood and mainly used in vata dushti. In this method cow’s horn is used for blood letting. Cow’s horn should be open at both ends. In this method small incisions are made over the affected part. The larger part of the cow’s horn is kept over the incised area.

2. Alabu

In this method pitcher guard is used for bloodletting and this process is mainly used in kapha dushti. In this method firstly the pitcher is opened at the top. All the seeds and pulp are removed from the top of the pitcher guard. The length of alabu should be 12 angul.  After that it is dried under the sun till it is hard. In this affected part should be cleared with antiseptic solution and multiple incisions made over the site.

3. Siravedha

In this procedure a tourniquet is applied above the selected area. When the vein is prominent then it is punctured using a sharp needle. After the complete blood flow, the affected area is tightly bandaged to stop bleeding.

Raktashodhana

In this therapy blood can be purified by herbal medications. As we have studied that hemapheresis separates toxins and other unwanted components from the blood. Just like hemapheresis there are some herbs that purifies the blood such as manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), haridra (Curcuma longa), neem (Azadirachta indica) and guduchi (Tinospora  cordifolia). Let’s discuss in detail

1. Manjishtha

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is a natural herb that is found in  India. It shows various properties such as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiprotozoal, leprosy healing and wound healing etc. As we know leprosy is caused by vitiated blood and can be managed by raktshodhan. It works on the brain and is helpful in the management of  stress and anxiety. Herb paste can be applied directly to the affected parts in case of skin disorders, ulcers and inflammation. It is also useful in increasing menstrual flow and purifies breast milk. So we can say that it is the best herb for purification of blood.

2. Sariva

Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) is a herb that grows everywhere in india. It mainly balances the three doshas. It is very helpful in increasing fertility. It shows antiinflammatory properties and also purifies the blood. So it can be used in blood related disorders such as soft chancre, chronic rheumatoid arthritis and gout etc. This herb is also useful for rejuvenating the skin.

3. Haridra

Haridra (Curcuma longa) is a herb that is usually grown all over India but mainly in Tamil naidu, Mumbai and Bengal. It balances the three doshas and is helpful in the management of various disorders such as syphilis and herpes. This herb is mainly used to  boost immunity and fight against various disorders. It has antioxidant properties which is very helpful in the proper functioning of blood elements.  It is also helpful in pittaja disorders.

4. Guduchi

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is found everywhere in India. This herb is very useful in boosting the immunity and also purifying the blood. It is also useful in the management of skin related disorders. This herb is used to maintain the health of the skin, lungs and immune system. Respiratory tract disorders are also manageable by this herb. Guduchi is also helpful in the management of dysentry, diarrhoea, skin disorders, urine disorders, dyspepsia, jaundice and diabetes.

5. Neem

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a wonderful herb used in the purification of blood. The main property of this herb is to remove toxins from the blood. It shows amazing results in skin related diseases such as acne, itching etc. it also regulates blood circulation and shows best results in all blood related disorders.

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Conclusion

Hemapheresis is a process in which blood parts or blood components are removed by automated equipment. It is also called therapeutic plasma exchange. This process is very safe, in which plasma and platelets are removed by blood and the left part is sent back to the donor’s body. All the process is based on the centrifugation principle. In ayurveda it can be correlated with raktamokshan and raktshodhan in which toxins from the blood are removed. Various methods used in this therapy are leech therapy, shrunga, alabu and sirovedha. In case of raktshodhan various herbs used in the purification of blood are manjistha, sariva, haridra, guduchi and neem. Here in this article we have discussed hemapheresis in detail and its ayurvedic correlation also.

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July 7, 2022

Relation of Hemapheresis with Raktashodhana in Ayurveda

Abstract

Hemapheresis is the collection of blood components or the removal of the parts of blood using automated equipment. We will tell about the process, indications and how this is related to ayurveda and certain medications of this disease. In this method rakt shodan is done to detoxify the impurities. And certain other procedures of panchkarma are done to remove the impurities and  herbs are also provided that we will discuss further.

Hemapheresis

Introduction

Hemapheresis is the therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) which involves removing blood from the donor. In this particular part of blood such as plasma and platelet is removed, and removing part then it is returned to the bloodstream of the patient and donor. TpE is a safe procedure and well tolerated. Death is rare 0.1% of all procedures. It is the unilateral paresis , the weakness of the one side of the body. In this various processes are done like erythrocytapheresis , plasmapheresis, plateletpheresis.

Process of Hemapheresis

Hemapheresis involves the direct blood into the donor veins through tubing to a machine which separates blood and its components. This procedure is generally centrifugation. After this separation the desired component is removed and the other is reinfused into the patient. This is a painless procedure and 2 hour time is required for this process. There are four centrifugation variables- the first variable is the speed and bowl diameter, the second is sit time, in the third solutes are added and the fourth is plasma volume and cellular content.

There are various categories of collection of component

  • Plasmapheresis– is useful in ABO blood group patients, in this procedure fresh frozen plasma is collected.
  • Erythrocytapheresis-Is the removal of erythrocytes from whole blood and is mainly done in sickle cell anaemia patients.
  • Plateletpheresis – It is a blood platelet in which a collection of the platelets is done by apheresis using various components.
  • Leukapheresis– removal of the basophils, or the patients who are ineffective for traditional therapy.
  • Stem cell harvesting– They are circulating bone cells into bone marrow transplants.

Indications

  • Guillain barre syndrome -is the rare disorder which attacks the nerves  of the immune system.
  • Myasthenia gravis(acute short term treatment) is characterised by weakness and fatigueness of the muscles.
  • Good posture syndrome – is an acute illness which affects the lungs and kidneys.
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy- is the neurological disorder progressively weakness and sensory functions in arms and legs

Relation of Hemapheresis with Raktashodhana

Raktshodhana is the process where the detoxification is done by many various methods. It cleanses the body and removes the impurities out of it . These procedures are performed by the ayurveda doctors. It is the purification of blood which can be done by two methods

  • Local purification which can be done of the localised area of the hand legs which is not spreading.
  • Systemic purification- This is further explained in panchkarma. This is done by four methods :
  • Shrings (by the use of horns)
  • Jaloukavacharna (leech therapy)
  • Siravedan (multiple punctures)
  • Alabu (gourds)

A siravedann process is also done, that is venesection. In the systemic purification there is the whole body involved. Certain herbs are also provided such as tikta kashaya katu ras that are beneficial in blood purifications.

Raktamokshan

1. Jaloka Avacharan

This is ashastrakrita. Jaloka mainly live in cold places and are mainly found in water. There are 12 types of jaloka found, in which 6 are savish jaloka and 6 are nirvish jaloka. Mainly known as leech therapy. Leech therapy (hirudotherapy) – has 34 components. Leech has 32 brains and has an olive colured background. Leech is stored in non chlorinated water, and stored in a tight fit box, change of water is needed twice a week.

  • Chemical constituents of saliva of leech
    • Hirudin- It is an anticoagulant
    • Hyaluronidase-  Foster the flow of blood
  • Hirudotherapy Properties -act as bloodletting, anticoagulant, thrombolytic, immunostimulating.

2. Alabu

This process is done in kapha dushti. Alabu is ruksha, katu, tikshna gunayukt. Alabu has a length of 12 angula. In this bitter gourd is used for this procedure. The affected site is cleaned with all aseptic procedures and fire is extinguished at the affected site and one end of bitter gourd is opened and let drink of blood. After this the gourd is taken out and certain ayurveda thailam ghrita are used for healing.

3. Shringi

This process is done for vat dushti. Shringi is madhur, ushan, snigdha gunyukt. Shring is a cow horn for expelling blood out. In this fluid and pus are coming out of the orifice, on one side hand is kept and from other side blood is drawn out. This is hot in potency and is viable for letting blood out which is caused by vata dushti. But when the dushti is due to kapha dosha then the use of shrings are not used as thickness of blood is more.The horn used in this process should be conical shape.

4. Siravedan

Siravedan is a bloodletting procedure by puncturing. Not more than 768ml of blood should not be expelled out.Different types of instruments are used for blood letting such as kuthari instrument, vrihimukha instrument. Siravedan is mainly done in varsha kaal, grishm ritu, hemant ritu. Siravedan is contraindicated in extreme cold, and hot climates. In siravedan the physician should tap the vein and by holding a sharp instrument must puncture the vein without shaking the hand. After the procedure the site must be washed. Patients who undergo venesection must avoid heat, fear, prolonged sitting because this increases pitta dosha. Ideal siravedan brings lightness in the body.

Herbs Used As Raktashodhak

  1. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): It is a famous herb for blood detoxification. Manjistha has guru guna, rooksha (dry), tikta rasa ( bitter) madhura (sweet) and ushana (hot). It balances kapha and pitta. It cleanses the blood and boosts immunity. It provides clear skin.Manjistha is thick and long which has coloured bark.The flowers are small and green in colour. This herb is mainly found in many parts of the world which is called by many different names in every part. It has detoxifying properties, anti-inflammatory  and antimicrobial properties.
  2. Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus): has madhur ( sweet) and tikta (bitter) rasa, has guru guna ( heavy) and snigdha (oily) and is coolant. Sariva is widely used in treatment of anorexia, mennorrhagia.This herb undergoes sweet taste after digestion. Sariva is very helpful in low digestion strength and balances kapha and vata. The root part is used.
  3. Haridra (Curcuma longa): Haridra increases agni as it has ushna virya (hot)  katu tikta ras, haridra cleanses and detoxifies ras (digestive juice) Haridra enables the free moving of vata which is blocked by contaminated kapha and pitta. Haridra has antioxidant property which enable the free circulation of oxygen as many nutrients to the cells.
  4. Neem– (Azadirachta indus): known as margosa tree. It has tikta (bitter) and kashaya ras (astringent) laghu guna (light) and katu vipaka.It balances vata dosha and removes ama, purifies the blood and it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is a natural detoxifier. It has cold potency, easily digestible and relieves excessive thirst and cures cough. Neem is very useful in healing wounds and in many skin diseases.It balances the pitta dosha, helps in diabetes.
  5. Guduchi-(Tinospora cordifolia): has kshaya(astringent) and tikta ras (bitter) ,has laghu guna (light) with ushna veerya (hot). Used in treatment of many diseases like fever, diabetes, urinary tract infection. It balances tridoshas (vata ,pitta, kapha). It rejuvenates the body and relieves aama digestion. It is hot in potency so it works well in a burning sensation. The main part used is the stem. Guduchi along with jaggery is used to relieve constipation, and is good in anaemic patients.

Conclusion

Hemaphersis is the therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) which involves removing blood from the donor. It involves the direct blood into the donor veins through tubing to a machine which separates blood and its components. Hemapheresis is related to ayurveda by raktshodana and process of raktamokshana is done by jaloka, alabu, shring and siravedan,which helps in expelling of blood and its toxins from the body.Certain ayurveda herbs are also indicated in hemapheresis such as manjistha, neem, sariva,guduchi are explained as above. If you have any query you may contact us on www.PlanetAyurveda.com.

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