Jalaukavacharana (Leech Therapy) – A Review Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2025.80407Keywords:
Anushastra, Jalauka, Leech, RaktamokshanaAbstract
In the Sushruta Samhita, Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) is first described. Numerous inflammatory, ischemic, and viral disorders may be effectively treated using leech therapy, also known as Jalaukavacharana, an age-old Ayurvedic bloodletting method. Raktamokshana by means of “leech” falls under the Ashastra category and is thought to be the most effective and distinctive way because it removes vitiated Doshas from the body without the need for any cutting tools. Jalaukavacharana refers to the use of leeches in treatment.
Downloads
References
1. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/4: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha
Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 57.
2. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/9: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 58.
3. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/10: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 58.
4. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/13: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 59.
5. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/19: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 60.
6. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/20: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 60.
7. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/21: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 60.
8. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/22–23: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 60.
9. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/3: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 57.
10. Wittke-Michalsen E. The history of leech therapy. In: Michaelsen A, Roth M, Dobos G, editors. Medicinal leech therapy. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2007. p. 4-12.
11. Abdelgabar AM, Bhowmick BK. The return of the leech. Int J Clin Pract. 2003;57(2):103-5.
12. Frodel JL Jr., Barth P, Wagner J. Salvage of partial facial soft tissue avulsions with medicinal leeches. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004;131(6):934-9.
13. Conforti ML, Connor NP, Heisey DM, Hartig GK. Evaluation of performance characteristics of the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) for the treatment of venous congestion. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;109:228-35.
14. Shastri AD, editor. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan Vol-1. Shonit varnaniya adhyaya-14/28. Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi. Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2001.
15. Mory RN, Mindell D, Bloom DA. The leech and the physician: Biology, etymology, and medical practice with Hirudinea medicinalis. World J Surg. 2000;24(7):878-83.
16. Baskova IP, Zavalova LL, Basanova AV, Moshkovskii SA, ZgodaVG. Protein profiling of the medicinal leech salivary gland secretion by proteomic analytical methods. Biochemistry (Mosc). 2004;69(7):770-5.
