Effect of Shodhana karma, Lekhana karma and Raktamokshana in the management of Luta vishajanya vrana: A case report

Abstract

Spider bites are commonly reported from many parts of the world. In classical literature, spider envenomation is coined as Luta visha (~spider bite poisoning). A 20-year-old male patient approached to outpatient department with the chief complaint of a wound over the calf muscle region of the right lower limb associated with watery discharge, itching, pain, and burning sensation for the past six months. There was a mild rise in temperature. On evaluation, the symptoms were identified to be spider-bite poisoning. The patient was given classical Ayurveda therapeutic measures, which include Virechana (~therapeutic purgation), followed by Lekhana karma (~therapeutic scrapping) over the site of the bite and Jalaukavacharana (~bloodletting using leech) for five days. At the time of discharge, Bilvadi gutika (860 mg) twice daily for one month was advised. A remarkable improvement was observed in the condition of the patient within 14 days of treatment. The treatment approach, including Virechana, Lekhana karma, and Raktamokshana, gave significant results with complete healing of Luta vishajanya vrana (~spider poison-induced ulcer) within the span of six months. After treatment, no recurrence of symptoms was observed when followed the patient up to two months.