Abstract

JALAUKAVACHARNA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HERPES ZOSTER

Bhuvnesh Sharma*, Dr. Gyanendra Datta Shukla and Dr. Parul Sharma

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Abstract

Shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blister in localised area. Rash heals within two to four weeks however some people develop ongoing nerve pain which can last for month or years, a condition called as post herpetic neuralgia. In Ayurveda Visarpa is disease which is having similarity with herpes zoster. Agneya Visarpa very much mimic the symptoms of Herpes Zoster, and can be very effectively treated with the help of Jalukavacharna as Rakta Dhatu, Lasika, Twak, Mamsa Dhatu vitiation and Vaat, Pitta, Kapha Dosha is involved in it, and it is also very effective in post herpetic neuralgia. Jalaukavcharna is indicated in Pittaja Vyadhis and, Rakta and Pitta have Ashrya-Ashrayi Bhava so it is effective in treating this type of Vaat Pitta predominant Agneya Visarpa which mimics Herpes zoster. According to modern point of view therapeutic effect is not from the small amount of blood taken, but from the continued and steady bleeding from the wound left after the leech is detached, as well as the anesthetizing, antiinflammatory, and vasodilating properties of the secreted leech saliva.

Keywords: Herpes Zoster, Agneya Visarpa, Jalaukavacharna.