Literary review on Dhoopana Karma quoted in various ayurvedic classics for the management of pain and inflammation

Dhoopana Karma (fumigation therapy) is mentioned in various scriptures of Ayurveda as Rakshoghna Karma (protective action) to prevent and cure diseases. It is less practiced for pain management in Ayurveda, whereas it is widely practiced in the Chinese Medicine System. Dhoopana Karma can be used effectively when there is involvement of Kapha Dosha along with Vata Dosha, where Kleda (discharge) is more. But in Ayurvedic classics, we get very few references regarding Dhoopana Karma as Chikitsa for Shoola (pain). Sukshma Srotogamitva (subtle channel penetration) of Dhoopana Dravya (fumigating substance) is due to Akasha, Vayu, and Agni Mahabhoota. Hence, they possess properties like Kledaghna (reduces discharge), Shoolaghna (pain-alleviating), Vranaropaka (wound-healing), and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), etc. Dhoopana Karma also improves blood circulation, which helps to reduce pain and inflammation. In this article, an attempt is made to understand the anti-inflammatory action of Dhoopana Karma mentioned in various Ayurvedic treatises.