LEECH THERPY: A MULTI FACETED TREATMENT 

Jalaukavacharana is the Sanskrit name of leech therapy. It is defined as the application of living medicinal leeches to the skin for therapeutic purposes in an endeavour to draw blood from a particular area of the body.

Using leech for treatment in Ayurveda

A leech or a jalauka is used, according to Ayurveda, to evacuate impure blood that contains dosha. The AstanghrudyamSushruta Samhita is one of the classic ayurvedic texts that thoroughly describes leech therapy. According to Acharya Sushruta's practical advice on bloodletting, it is the most effective therapy for half of all body diseases. Leeches are of two types. Medicinal and non-medicinal briefly referred to as non - poisonous and poisonous leech in Ayurveda texts. Those leeches which are non-poisonous are either cultured or are available in area having the fresh water reserve.  Jalaukavacharana Karma, Prachhanna Karma, and Siravedhana Karma are a few examples of bloodletting procedures. Leech therapy, also referred to as Jalaukaavacharna Karma, is considered to be the most efficient, quick, and secure method of removing vitiated blood. A medical leech is said to stimulate blood flow both directly (via active bleeding) and indirectly (by passive bleeding from leech bite offer separation) within congested tissue.Both active and passive bleeding is made possible by the actions of the numerous leech salivary secretions, such as the anticoagulant hirudin.

Benefits of the therapy 

• Treats skin disorders – acne, psoriasis, and eczema
• Useful in Diabetic ulcers
• Joint Pain, ligament injury, joint stiffness
• Varicose veins
• Haemorrhoids
• Neck and eyes diseases
• Gout 
• Sciatica, lumbar spondylosis,
• Abscess
• Herpes zoster infection

Therapeutic actions:

• Improves blood circulation
• Thrombolytic (dissolves blood clot)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic (reduces pain)
• Removes congestion. 

Due to such diverse use and benefits, of this therapy it is used by almost all the Ayurveda practitioners.