Abstract

ROLE OF ILAJ BI’ L ‘ALAQ (LEECH THERAPY) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THROMBOSED PILES - CASE STUDY

Minhaj Ahmad*

Abstract

Bawasir (Haemorrhoid) are very common problem in human being. Thrombosed piles are a complication of haemorrhoids. It is due to high venous pressure associated with severe anal pain. In current scenario peoples are so busy in their routine life and having no time for healthy food or to go to the suitable place to get healthy food, this changing food style and day today increasing mental stress may lead to haemorrhoids. The patients of haemorrhoids usually avoid to discuss the same to relatives and doctors, so that the disease progress and creates several complications and the most common complication is thrombosed piles. Bawasir is mentioned in ancient books and literature in detail. The etiological factors of haemorrhoids are still not well stablished, many factors are seeming to be responsible for this disease such as chronic constipation, straining on defecation, driving for long duration, low fibres diet, spicy food and sometime hereditary, weight lifting, pregnancy etc. As per Unani literature the haemorrhoids are known as Bawasir which means wart or polyp like swelling, and the causes of Bawasir are saudavi madda and viscous blood, which leads constipation. Haemorrhoids can be treated by several methods, such as by changing the lifestyle and dietary habits. In advance stages it should be treated by non-surgical and surgical methods e.g. sclerotherapy, rubber banding, infrared photocoagulation, cryotherapy and haemorrhoidectomy etc. In Unani system of medicine over all, the treatment is divided into four groups and Ilaj bi’ l ‘alaq (Leech Therapy) is one of them. The study was done to see the efficacy of leeching in the management of thrombosed pile, and it was observed that Ilaj bi’ l ‘alaq (Leech Therapy) is very good, safe and cost-effective treatment of thrombosed piles.

Keywords: Bawasir (Haemorrhoid) are very common problem in human being. Thrombosed piles are a complication of haemorrhoids. It is due to high venous pressure associated with severe anal pain. In current scenario peoples are so busy in their routine life and having