Leech Therapy (Jaluka) in Ayurveda

Leech Therapy (Jaluka) in Ayurveda

Introduction:

Leech therapy, known as Jaluka in Ayurveda, is an ancient therapeutic practice involving the application of leeches to the body for medicinal purposes. It is based on the principle of using the natural properties of leech saliva to promote healing and relieve various ailments.

Types of Leeches:

1. Savisha (Poisonous Leeches):
   • Krishṇa: Black with a long head.
   • Karbura: Similar to the rohita fish.
   • Alagarda: Covered with hair and small tumors.
   • Indrayudha: Multicolored like a rainbow.
   • Samudrika: Yellow and black with many spots.
   • Gochandana: Resembles a cow’s male organ.
2. Nirvisha (Non-poisonous Leeches):
   • Kapila: Brown in color.
   • Pingala: Round and red.
   • Shankamukhi: Liver-colored, drinks blood quickly.
   • Mushika: Resembles rats in color and smell.
   • Pundarikamukhi: Face resembles a lotus.
   • Savarika: About 18 fingerbreadths in length.

Special Characteristics of Leeches:

• Leeches have specialized orifices at the front and back of their bodies for sucking blood.
• Their mouths contain three sharp teeth for piercing the skin.
• A leech can suck blood for 30 minutes to 6 hours, extracting 5ml to 50ml of blood, which can be stored in its digestive system for months.
• It takes 6 months to 1 year for a leech to digest the sucked blood, facilitated by enzymes like hirudin in their saliva, which prevents blood coagulation.

Procedure of Leech Therapy:

1. Pre-operative Procedure (Poorvakarma):
   • Collect leeches from fields or marshy areas and cleanse them with turmeric paste.
   • Wash the area to be treated with turmeric.
2. Operative Procedure (Pradhana Karma):
   • Place the leech on the desired spot. If it doesn’t bite, apply honey or prick the area with a sterilized needle.
   • Encourage blood-sucking by placing wet cotton over the leech’s body and dropping water over its mouth.
   • Remove the leech once the patient experiences itching or pain.
3. Post-operative Procedure (Paschat Karma):
   • Make the leech vomit the blood it has consumed using turmeric powder or manual manipulation.
   • Clean and bandage the bite area with medicated ghee or honey and turmeric.

Conditions Treated with Leech Therapy:

• Arthritis
• Vascular and venous diseases
• Varicose vein ulcers
• Heart and lung problems
• Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
• Eye diseases
• Genitourinary and gynecological disorders

Leech therapy, with its roots in Ayurveda, continues to be a valuable treatment modality for various ailments, offering safe and effective relief to patients.