Abstract

LEECH THERAPY (HIRUDOTHERAPY)

*Dr. Rajeev Kumar, Dr. Pooja Sinha, Dr. Neelam Sajwan and Dr. Devesh Shukla

Abstract

Leech therapy is a wonderful gift of Ayurveda to the modern world. Modern medical science is most acceptable and well known medical science across the world but still it is difficult to treat various chronic ailments like chronic eczema, rheumatic diseases, psoriasis, varicose veins, osteoarthritis, Ischemic heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, sciatica, inflammatory reactions, acne vulgaris, complicated wounds, boils and abscesses, thrombosis (blood clot), alopecia etc. Leech therapy is the safe and better therapy to manage such diseases. Medicinal leech therapy also known as Jalaukavacharana in Ayurveda is used in inflammatory conditions. It works by inject own saliva into patient's tissues during the process of blood sucking. Leech saliva contains numerous bioactive constituent which possesses anti-coagulant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, thrombolytic, vasodilator, and blood circulation enhancing properties. In this present era, leech therapy (Jalaukavacharana) in ancient ayurvedic therapy has been discussed in the light of modern science.

Keywords: Leech therapy, Jalaukavacharana.