Abstract

LEECH THERAPY- AN AYURVEDIC PARASURGICAL PROCEDURE

*Dr. Anil Kumar

ABSTRACT

The first description about the use of Jalauka (Leech) in different diseases is mentioned in Sushruta samhita written by Sushruta. It is an easy and non-invasive method of bloodletting in which impure blood is sucked out by leech. In Ayurveda Panchkarma is one of the protocols to treat many disorders and Sushruta includes Raktmokshan as one of its part. Leech therapy is considered to be one of the shodhan chikitsa effective in eliminating raktpittaj dosha. Raktmokshan is of 2 types i.e Shashtrakrit (surgical) and Ashashtrakrit (non surgical). Leech therapy (Jalaukaavcharan) comes under later one. The therapy is widely accepted, tested and used in the field of modern medicine as well and finds a place in microsurgery. The following article presents a brief review on the Leech therapy.

Keywords: Leech, Raktamokshana, Pancha karma, Savisha, Nirvisha Jaluka.