Abstract

JALAUKAVACHARANA (HIRUDOTHERAPY)- A BLESSING THROUGH AYURVEDA

Ankita Galav* and Ravi Sharma

Abstract

Jalaukaavacharana (Leech therapy) is a para-surgical treatment modality according to Ayurveda. it is one of the most effective blood letting therapy in Ayurveda. The process of blood letting in which leeches are been used is known as Jalaukaavacharana. It is been included under raktamokshana, which is considered to be one among the purificatory therapies(shodhana). According to Acharya Sushruta, the purificatory therapies are divided into a group of 5 which are been named as Panchakarma. It is a method in which localised impure blood is let out to heal the tissue. It is considered as the ideal method to expel out the vitiated blood quickly, effectively and safely. Leeches are used in the medical practice since ancient times to treat many diseases, due to its therapeutic effects, this is successful even today. According to Ayurveda, leech only sucks impure blood. The importance of Jalukaavacharan can be assesed by the fact that the Lord Dhanwantari (god of Ayurveda) was carrying the leeches at the time of his origin in the course of Kheersagarmanthana(churning of ocean of milk).

Keywords: Jalaukavaacharana, Raktmokshana, Panchkarma, Ayurveda, Shodhana.