Viddhakarma (विद्धकर्म) - Ayurvedic Puncture Therapy
What is Viddhakarma?
Viddhakarma (also called Vedhana Karma or Suchi Viddha) is one of the Ashta Vidha Shastra Karmas (eight surgical procedures) described by Acharya Sushruta in the Sushruta Samhita (Sharira Sthana, Chapter 8). It is also mentioned in Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridayam.
The name comes from: Viddha = to pierce/puncture + Karma = procedure. It is a minimally invasive needle/puncture therapy targeting specific sites on the body to release obstructed Vata, drain impure blood (rakta), clear bodily channels (srotasas), and relieve pain.
It is considered the Ayurvedic counterpart of acupuncture and dry needling.
Viddhakarma in Practice (Clinical Photo)
Needles inserted at trigger points on the back (shoulder/scapular region):
Body Sites (Viddha Points / Marma Points Chart)
Viddhakarma is performed at the 107 Marma points described by Sushruta, as well as at trigger points and Sira (vessel) sites. The body map below shows all classical Marma/Viddha sites:
Marma Site Distribution by Region
| Body Region | No. of Sites | Key Points |
|---|
| Head & Neck | 37 | Adhipati, Sthapani, Shankha, Avarta, Phana, Apanga, Vidhura, Krikatika, Manya |
| Trunk (Chest/Abdomen) | 26 | Hridaya, Stanamula, Nabi, Basti, Apalapa, Apastambha, Brihati, Vrukka |
| Upper Limbs | 22 | Kurpara, Urvi, Ani, Indrabasti, Manibandha, Kurcha, Talahridaya, Kshipra |
| Lower Limbs | 22 | Lohitaksha, Urvi, Janu, Gulpha, Indrabasti, Kshipra, Pada Madhya |
| Back | Variable | Ansaphalaka, Kukundara, Nitamba, Parshva Sandhi, Trik |
Diseases Treated by Viddhakarma (Site-wise)
1. Musculoskeletal & Pain Conditions (Shoola / Vata Vyadhi)
Sites: Back marmas, limb marmas, Kurpara, Urvi, Janu, Gulpha
| Disease (Sanskrit) | Modern Equivalent | Needle Site |
|---|
| Gridhrasi | Sciatica | Lumbosacral + lower limb marmas |
| Katishool | Lower back pain | Kukundara, Nitamba, Trik |
| Avabahuka | Frozen shoulder | Amsa, Ansaphalaka, Kurpara |
| Vishwachi | Cervical radiculopathy | Ansaphalaka, Krikatika |
| Vatakantaka | Heel spur/heel pain | Parshni, Pada Kshipra |
| Bahu Shosha | Muscle wasting (upper limb) | Amsa, Urvi, Kurpara |
| Khanjata/Panguta | Limping/disability | Lower limb marmas |
| Gout (Vatarakta) | Gout | Finger/toe marmas, Kshipra |
| Cervical Spondylitis | Cervical spondylosis | Vidhura, Krikatika, Griva points |
2. Skin & Vascular Conditions
Sites: Local site of lesion, nearby Sira (vessel) and marma points
| Disease | Modern Equivalent | Notes |
|---|
| Vicharchika | Eczema | Local + immune marmas |
| Visharpa | Erysipelas/cellulitis | Local tissue puncture |
| Chippa | Inflammatory skin disorder | Local needling |
| Varicosities / Siraja Granthi | Varicose veins | Siravedha at vessel site |
| Paad Daha | Burning feet | Pada marmas (Kshipra, Pada Madhya) |
| Paadharsha/Paad-dari | Cracked heels | Parshni marma |
3. ENT, Eye, Head Conditions (Urdhwajatru Gata Roga)
Sites: Face marmas, head marmas, neck marmas
| Disease | Site |
|---|
| Netra Roga (eye diseases) | Apanga, Avarta marma |
| Karna Roga (ear diseases) | Vidhura, Karnamula marma |
| Nasa Roga (nasal diseases) | Phana marma |
| Shiroroga (headache/head disorders) | Adhipati, Sthapani, Shankha |
| Danta Roga (dental problems) | Shringataka, Manya |
| Jihwa Roga (tongue diseases) | Shringataka marma |
| Galganda (goitre/thyroid) | Griva 2 & 3 (neck marmas) |
4. Neurological & Mental Conditions (Manas Roga / Vata Vyadhi)
Sites: Head marmas, spinal marmas
| Disease | Modern Equivalent |
|---|
| Unmada | Psychosis / schizophrenia |
| Apasmar | Epilepsy |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder (modern application) | Neurological marmas |
| ADHD (modern application) | Head marmas |
| Pakshavadha | Hemiplegia |
5. Abdominal & Internal Conditions
Sites: Abdominal marmas - Nabi, Basti, Vankshana
| Disease (Sanskrit) | Modern Equivalent |
|---|
| Udakodara | Ascites |
| Pleehodara | Splenomegaly / splenic disorders |
| Yakrit Daludara | Hepatomegaly |
| Mutravriddhi | Hydrocele |
| Kaas | Chronic cough |
| Swasa | Breathlessness / asthma |
6. Urogenital Conditions
Sites: Basti, Bhaga, Guda, Medhra marmas
| Disease | Notes |
|---|
| Ling Vikar (including Peyronie's disease) | Medhra/Guda marmas |
| Shukra Roga | Spermatic disorders |
| Parivartika, Updansha | STI-related conditions |
Technique Summary
- Needle type: Suchi (needle) - classically gold, silver, or copper; modern practice uses sterile hypodermic/acupuncture needles
- Insertion angle: 90° (perpendicular) for most sites; adjusted based on anatomy
- Retention time: ~60 seconds; may be extended
- Frequency: Daily for up to 7 days with 24-hour intervals
- Pre-procedure: Clean and disinfect site with Ayurvedic antiseptic; mark the exact point
- Post-procedure: Sterile dressing, light oil massage (therapeutic oils like Mahanarayan taila), dietary guidelines (Pathya-Apathya)
Contraindications (Do NOT perform Viddhakarma on)
- Marma points (vital vulnerable points) - injury here can be fatal
- Active infections / sepsis at site
- Pregnancy
- Active fever
- Severe bleeding disorders
- High-grade cancer over the site
Summary Chart - Disease vs. Body Site
HEAD & NECK → Headache, eye, ear, nose, dental, thyroid, epilepsy
CHEST/BACK → Frozen shoulder, radiculopathy, respiratory disorders
LUMBAR/SACRAL → Sciatica, lower back pain, disc disorders
ABDOMEN → Ascites, liver/spleen disorders, cough, breathlessness
LOWER LIMBS → Sciatica, knee pain, heel pain, burning feet, gout
UPPER LIMBS → Shoulder pain, elbow disorders, muscle wasting
LOCAL SKIN → Eczema, erysipelas, varicose veins, cracked heels
GENITAL REGION → Urogenital disorders, hydrocele
Source: Ayushdhara - In-Depth Review of Viddhakarma, Sushruta Samhita (Sharira Sthana Ch.8), Charaka Samhita, classical Marma charts.