Abstract

ROLE OF JALAUKAVCHARANA IN NETRAROGAS

Dr. Vaishnavi L. Silamwar*, Dr. Pallavi Jagtap and Dr. Vikas Kumbhar

Abstract

Rakthamokshana (bloodletting) is the parasurgical procedures of Panchakarma which helps to eliminate vitiated dosha that accumulate in the body. Jalaukavcharana is the types of Rakthamokshana which is practiced globally in India since ancient times. A detailed description on Jalaukavcharana is available in Ayurveda. It is used in management of various diseases in all the systems of the body including ears, nose, throat, eyes and head. It is safely indicated in all mankind including the patients having poor threshold to pain. Now a day‟s Leeches are also used by ophthalmologists to treat inflammatory, traumatic processes and various diseases of eyes. According to Ayurveda, the diseases of eyes were caused due to vitiation of tridoshas. Jalaukavcharana i.e. leech application is a type of bloodletting therapy. It removes some of these toxins and vitiated doshas which are accumulated in the body. Various bioactive substances are present in saliva of leech. Along with that, it also exerts a therapeutic effect in several diseases. Now a days environment is being highly polluted, due to which there is increased chances of infections in the eyes. Prevalence of eye diseases is very high but medical science has limited number of drugs. Mast cell stabilizers, NSAIDs and topical corticosteroids are the treatment options, but only symptomatic relief is the outcome. There is no curative treatment but only palliative treatment. On the other hand, drug sensitivity, increasing resistance, preservative-induced dry eye as well as the complications of the corticosteroids, for example, cataract, glaucoma, and increased risk of bacterial and fungal infections restrict the long-term use of these medicines. In view of magnitude of problem, the discomfort it causes to the patient and the cost of treatment, there is a need of develop of a treatment which is free of side effects, cheaper and has a significant effect in relieving the symptoms of the patients.

Keywords: Rakthamokshana, Jalaukavcharana, netraroga, hirudin.