Abstract

A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF JALAUKA

Pandey Nilima*, Singh Balendra, Nirmal Satrupa and Sahu Vandana

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Abstract

The term Jalauka (Leech) means, a creature whose life expectancy completely depending on water. They are water borne organisms which resides in water (jala), hence called Jalayuka or jalauka.[1] Acharya Sushruta has given the first and detailed description of Jalauka in Sushruta Samhita. Other literatures including Charaka Samhita, Rigveda, Kaushik sutra, Vinay pitak also provides detailed knowledge about Jalauka. Basically there are two types of chikitsa mentioned in Ayurveda they are: 1) Shodhana chikitsa (Purification therapy) –used when the doshas are highly increased and aggravated. 2) Shamana chikitsa (Internal medication)- used when the doshas are less.[2] According to Acharya Vagbhata shodhana chikitsa includes Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya and Raktmokshana. Jalauka avacharana is a kind of Raktmokshana.[3] Jalaukas are used to detoxify the body by letting the impure blood. It is useful in the treatment of vitiated pitta and rakta doshas due to its dwelling in cold water and dominance of Madhur rasa in it.[4] In Sushruta Samhita it is advised to apply jalauka for blood letting in children, old, ladies weak, fearful, rich, affluent and delicate persons.[5] Modern scientists and physicians also describes the presence of anti coagulant, anti inflammatory, antibiotic and antiseptic properties in the saliva of Leech.

Keywords: Jalauka, Jalauka avcharana, Blood letting, Leech, Rakta, Pitta dosha.