Agnihotra in the treatment of alcoholism

Abstract

Agnihotra is a Vedic ritual of litting fire in a copper pyramid pot with use of Mantras at sunrise and sunset time. It is found to have neurophysiological effect on human body and brain. Clinically it produces mental tranquility and reported to have useful adjunct effect on deaddiction. In our present study effect of Agnihotra was studied on 18 cases of alcoholism. It is found that it leads to total abstinence without other restrain after 2 weeks of continuous Agnihotra practice. An obsessive compliance to perform Agnihotra develops. After discontinuing, its effect last for another few weeks. Though relapse may develop on discontinuing Agnihotra, a sizeable number of cases i.e. 55%, continued to remain abstinent for more than 8 weeks. Agnihotra is not a total cure for alcoholism, but it may serve as an useful adjunct.