Agnikarma shalaka A probe is needed to perform the Agnikarma Chikitsa. Various conditions require use of different types of probes. The temperature of the probe too is decided depending on the type of probe and condition of disease in the patient.
Types: Suvarna shalaka i.e. gold probe. 70% gold, 30% silver and copper in traces. Dimensions: Length- 7cm, Weight- 3-4g,
Loha shalaka i.e. iron probe. Dimensions: Length- 25cm.
Panchaloha shalaka i.e. probe made out of 5 metals. Description: Panchaloha used are- iron, copper, silver, gold and brass.
Jambavaushtha shalaka. Shara shalaka. Asthi. Godanta. Aja shakrut. Madhu. Guda. Mrittika shalaka i.e. mud probe. Sneha. Bhallatak i.e. Semicarpus anacardium. Pippali i.e. Pipper longum. Halkunda.
Temperatures: To perform Agnikarma, the probe should be heated. The following temperatures were used by Vd. R. B. Gogate sir in his practice- Pippali- 57°C, heated directly. Halkunda- 80°C, heated directly. Suvarna shalaka- 98°C-100°C, heated indirectly. Loha shalaka- 228°C, heated directly. Guda- 60°C, heated directly. Bhallatak- 54°C, heated directly. Mrittika shalaka- 80°C- 100°C, heated directly.
Use of various shalakas: Pippali, aja shakrut, godanta, shara shalaka can be used with respect to skin. Pippali and halkunda can be used in conditions related to yakrit and pleeha and kamala as well as skin. Panchaloha shalaka can be used in mamsa vrana. Jambavaushtha shalaka can be used in mamsa vrana. Use of guda can be seen in Avabahuk. Use of madhu, ghrita and sneha is seen in sira, snayu, asthiand sandhivrana. Use of mrittika shalaka can be seen in calcaneal spur and kurchashoola.