Abstract

JALAUKAVACHARANA IN INDRALUPTA (ALOPECIA AREATA)- A CASE STUDY

Dr. Shital Rajkumar Meshram* and Dr. A. P. Vaijwade

Abstract

The characteristic presentation of alopecia areata is the appearance of a well-circumscribed, totally bald, smooth patch, often with the presence of exclamation- mark hairs at the border. Alopecia areata, is an autoimmune disease, characterized by hair loss can be correlated with Indralupta in Ayurveda. Due to side effects & limitation of the contemporary science, some harmless & effective medicines are expected from alternative medical science. Ayurveda has great potential to treat such autoimmune diseases. Here a case of alopecia areata successfully treated with Ayurvedic management is recorded. Alopecia areata, characterized by hair loss on body especially on scalp without any clinical inflammatory signs. Its prevalence in general population was estimated at 0.1-2% with a lifetime risk of 1.7%. Male was reported to be more affected with the disease in comparison to children & women, but it cause more emotional problems in women & children due to cosmetic concern. Hair disorders cause negative impact towards the individual & his/her quality of life. Indralupta is a Kshudraroga characterized by loss of hair. It can be correlate with alopecia areata, which is having chief complaint of hair loss on body especially on scalp without any clinical inflammatory signs. Raktamokshana is a technical term employed to denote a para-surgical procedure to expel out the vitiated blood from selected areas of the body by specific methods. Ayurveda classical text propounds practical guidelines for bloodletting & claim it as most effective therapy in half of the body ailments. Jalaukavacharna Karma (Leech therapy) is considered as the ideal method to expel out the vitiated blood safely, quickly & effectively. Here a case of Indralupta (Alopecia areata) successfully treated with Ayurveda Raktamokshana treatment is recorded.

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