Jalaukavacharana (Leech Therapy) Its Indications and Complications - A Brief Review

Abstract

Jalaukavacharana is the ancient technique used for Raktmokshana, here Jalauka means leeches and avacharana means application. Jalauka is one of the tools for Raktmokshana, among Shring, Alabu and Prachhana where Jalauka, Shring, Alabu are used for Pitta, Vata, Kahpa Doshaj Vyadhi respectively. Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) is a non-surgical type of Raktamokshana and considered as the most unique and effective method of bloodletting. A lot of research work has been carried out in Ayurveda and Modern medicine to prove efficacy of leech therapy in various disorders. Leeches are widely used in most of the disorders ranging from skin disease to Ischemic heart disease with evidence of successful results. In the present paper effort has been made to review various scientific studies which have been conducted in Ayurveda as well as Modern medicine and study the indications of Jalaukavacharana in various disorders as per Ayurveda and Modern medicine. This paper also studies the possible complications of Jalaukavacharana. Keywords: Jaloukavacharana, Raktmokshana, Leech therapy, Bloodletting, Hirudo therapy.

Fundamentals of Jalaukavacharan (Leech therapy) and its importance in clinical practice: A review article

“…Cover the leech with wet gauze/ Cotton. [23] Prolonged bleeding time, Bacterial infection, Allergic Reactions, Hypotension and Vasovagal attack, Fever, Local pain, Itching, ulcerative necrosis, local discomfort and itching etc.…”