Abstract

A CASE STUDY OF EFFICACY OF JALAUKAVACHARAN (LEECH THERAPY) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KRAUSHTUKSHIRSH

Vd. Sunil A. Bhaskare (MD. PhD) and *Vd. Sonali C. Telange

Abstract

According to ayurveda 'Kraushtukshirsh' is a disease which is related with mainly 'Vata' and 'Rakta' dosha. The vitiated vata dosha affects rakta dosha and get localized in one of the knee joint and causes severe pain, swelling, redness and painful movements of that affected joint. 'Kraushtukshirsh' is the disease which occurs only in knee joint. The name has been given to this disease because 'kraushtruk' means wolf and 'shirsha' means head. The affected swollen knee joint looks like the head of wolf so, it is called 'Kraushtukshirsh'. Jalaukavacharan (leech therapy) is a type of 'Raktamokshan'. Accordingto acharyas, 'Raktamokshan' is said to be best treatment for rakta dosha. 'Raktamokshan' is a type of shodhan (purification) treatment which relieves pain. 'Raktamokshan' can be done with the help of 'Jalauka' (leech) which is called jalaukavacharan. Along with that local application of 'Latakaranja lepa' and shaman chikitsa (internal medicine) was given, which showed significant improvement to reduced inflammatory condition i.e pain, temperature, redness, tenderness, and swelling of particular knee joint. Patient was admitted for 2 weeks, 2 settings of Jalaukavacharan was performed. Patient was able to walk confidently after the treatment.

Keywords: 'Kraushtukshirsh', Jalaukavacharan, 'Raktamokshan’, Leech therapy.