A Review of Jalukavacharana (Leech Therapy) in the Management of Thrombosed Haemorrhoids - Case Reports

Abstract

Haemorrhoids are dilated veins within the anal canal in the subepithelial region formed by radicles of superior, middle and inferior rectal veins. It is a common ano-rectal disease. Thrombosed hemorrhoid is a painful swelling in the anal tissues caused by a clot in one or more small veins in the anal canal. According to modern science, there are many operative and non-operative procedures for the management of haemorrhoids. Most of the operative pro- cedures are not patient friendly, cause high economic burden and associated with complications like pain, bleeding and recurrence. Acharya Vagbhata defines Arsas (haemorrhoids) as an abnormal growth which obstructs the anal canal and troubles continuously like an enemy. Shalyatantra deals with Sastra karma (surgical procedures), Anusas- tra karma (parasurgical procedures) and conservative management in the different types of diseases. Jaluka is con- sidered as best among Anusastra. Acharya Vagbhata indicates Jalukavacharana in haemorrhoids when they are hard and swollen. The present article deals with Jalukavacharana in two patients having thrombosed haemorrhoids attended in outpatient department of VPSV Ayurveda College Kottakkal. Application of Jaluka (leech) provided improvement in features like pain, edema, tenderness and discoloration of mass. Keywords: Thrombosed haemorrhoids, Arsha, Raktamokshana, Jalukavacharana.