Abstract

SIGNIFICANCE OF JALAUKAVACHARNA (LEECH THERAPY) IN 21ST CENTURY

Dr. Nikhil*, Dr. Anamika and Prof. Dr. Ashish Mehta

.

Abstract

The disease burden on society has shifted in the twenty-first century, from infectious to metabolic disorders, and as a result, average global life expectancy has more than doubled from being 31 years earlier to 65 years of age now. Previously, the mortality rate was higher than the morbidity rate, but this has now been reversed due to recent advances in the medical field. The evolution of modern technology has led to the supersonic world we live in today, where everything is at our fingertips, but this advancement has come at a very high morbidity cost. Today's highly competitive lifestyle and adulterated food habits have inflicted greatest dent on the economy, breaking the backbone of our country. It has led to a variety of lifestyle and metabolic disorders, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cervical spondylosis and lumbago among others. For ages, Jalaukavacharana, also known as leech therapy, has been practiced to treat patients. Leech therapy's therapeutic efficacy has been documented in a variety of dermatological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal diseases, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, reconstructive surgeries, and other conditions. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of Jalaukavacharna can be used for preventative purposes in various lifestyle disorders, since prevention is always better than cure.

Keywords: Panchkarma, Jalaukavacharna, Metabolic Disorders, Leech Therapy.