Unveiling the Healing Art of Leech Therapy: A Journey into Nature's Ancient Remedial Secret

Leech therapy, an age-old practice with roots deeply embedded in traditional medicine, has resurfaced as a remarkable alternative healing method. These small, blood-sucking creatures have been utilized for centuries across various cultures, playing a pivotal role in medical treatments. In this exploration, we delve into the general information about leeches, their uses, benefits, and their esteemed reference in Ayurvedic texts.

Historically, leeches have been used in medicine for bloodletting, a practice believed to balance the body’s Doshas (Vata/Pitta/Kapha). However, in contemporary medicine, leech therapy has found a more focused and targeted application. The saliva of leeches contains bioactive compounds, such as anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory agents, making them valuable in promoting blood circulation and reducing swelling.

In Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India, leech therapy is known as “Jalaukaavacharana.” Ancient Ayurvedic texts, including the Sushruta Samhita, describe the therapeutic use of leeches for various ailments.

Jaloka Avacharana (medical leech therapy) is considered the most delicate method. It can be incorporated into Raktamokshana Karma unless contraindicated . The significance of Jaloka Avacharana is highlighted by the historical reference to Lord Dhanvantri, the god of Ayurveda, who carried leeches during the Samudra Manthan. This underscores the ancient roots and reverence for leech therapy in Ayurvedic practices. Notably, Acharya Charaka has classified Jaloka Avacharana as a surgical procedure, further underscoring its therapeutic importance .

Ayurvedic Insights:

In Ayurvedic texts, leeches, known as Jaloka, are categorized into two main types based on their therapeutic efficacy:

Nirvisha (suitable leeches for therapeutic purposes) 

Savisha (unsuitable leeches for therapeutic purposes)

These two categories are further divided into six distinct types each, named according to their unique properties

The Nirvisha Jalokas(leeches) include

  1. Kapila,
  2. Pingala
  3. Sankumukhi
  4. Mushika
  5. Pundarikamukhi
  6. Savarika.

On the other hand, the Savisha Jalokas(leeches), which should be  avoided, are

  1. Krishna
  2. Karbura
  3. Algarda
  4. Indrayudha
  5. Samudrika
  6. Gochandana.

The classification of Jaloka (Leeches) is also based on their breeding grounds.

Savisha Jalokas breed in water bodies with high levels of contamination, while Nirvisha Jalokas breed in fresh and uncontaminated water bodies.

Additional criteria for determining the unsuitability of Jaloka for therapeutic purposes include their appearance and activity status. Jaloka intended for therapeutic use are collected from fresh water ponds using pieces of wet leather or fresh meat. The specific selection of fresh water sites is emphasized, with a requirement for water lilies rooted in the soil beds.

The collected Jaloka are preserved in a spacious, new earthen pot filled with clean water. Aquatic plant parts and powdered dried meat from mammals living in marshy lands, are added to provide nourishment. The water and feed in the pot are replaced every third day, and the pot itself is replaced every seventh day.

leech therapy

Leech- A Biomedical Device

 More than 700 leech species are found in all over world, with several commonly utilized for therapeutic purposes. Notable species Medical leech (Hirudo medicinalis) which was gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medical device on June 21, 2004. 

These leeches, belonging to the

phylum- Annelida

class -Clitellata

subclass- Hirudinea

are slightly flattened, cylindrical, and segmented, typically comprising 33–34 segments.

Leeches are freshwater organisms found in eutrophic water bodies, thriving in temperatures ranging from 0 °C to 30 °C. Like other aquatic beings, leeches are sensitive to abrupt temperature changes.

For therapeutic purposes in leech farming, the FDA recommends maintaining animals without feeding at temperatures between 4 °C and 13 °C, with a water volume area per leech not less than 0.7 L. Typically, 10–15 leeches are housed in a large jar. Leeches extract oxygen from dissolved water, and exposure to contaminants induces stress, leading to the secretion of a mucous layer over their bodies.

Leeches are hermaphrodites, requiring a partner for reproduction. Reciprocal fertilization results in the production of young leeches within three to five weeks from eggs stored in cocoons. These juveniles feed on the blood of frogs and fishes. At two years of age, leeches mature fully for therapeutic use, equipped with a pair of suckers—anterior and posterior. The anterior sucker, containing jaws and teeth, connects to the host for feeding. The leech secretes anesthetic saliva through this sucker, rendering the host insensitive to its bite.

Leech saliva (LS) boasts over 100 bioactive substances, offering therapeutic benefits such as anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, thrombolytic, vasodilator, anti-edematous, bacteriostatic, and blood- and lymph-circulation enhancing properties.

For detailed & scientific information you can visit https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7772495/

 

Uses -

Leech Uses In Vata Vyadhi-
  1. Aamavat
  2. Vaat-Rakta
  3. Janusandhi Sopha/Shoola
  4. Pakshaghata
  5. Nerve compression pain management
Leech Uses In Twak Vyadhi (Skin Diseases)-
  1. Psoriasis
  2. Mukh dushika(Acne)
  3. Vyang (Melasma)
  4. Indralupta (Patchy hairfall)
  5. Khalitya (baldness)
  6. Cellulitis
  7. Varicose Veins
  8. Chronic Ulcers
  9. Non Healing Ulcers
  10. Haemorrhoids
  11. PIles
  12. Fistula 

In the timeless tapestry of Ayurveda, leech therapy emerges as a refined art, addressing not only physical ailments but also the intricate dance of doshic balance. As we continue to unravel the wisdom embedded in traditional healing practices, the use of leeches in Ayurveda remains a testament to the profound connection between nature, the human body, and the pursuit of well-being. Lecch Therapy is a boon for medical systm which is regaining its poularity in commom people as well as in medical fraternity. It is always advisable to contact a professional for performing leech therapy since it can cause harm , if selected leeches are poisonous and if disease is also not suitable or patient is also not fit for leech therapy

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