JALAUKAVACHARANA (LEECH THERAPY) IN PANCHAKARMA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS PHARMACODYNAMICS

Abstract

Jalaukavacharana, also known as leech therapy, is one of the prominent Raktamokshana procedures that have been described in the ancient Ayurvedic text Sushruta Samhita. Jalaukavacharana is believed to be the safest and mildest form of bloodletting and is widely practiced in Panchakarma therapy for the treatment of Rakta and Pitta predominant diseases. The treatment involves the use of medicinal leeches applied to the affected area to drain out the vitiated blood and toxins. Jalaukavacharana is especially effective in the treatment of dermatological disorders, inflammation, vascular disorders, non-healing ulcers, and painful musculoskeletal disorders. From a scientific perspective, the medicinal use of Jalaukavacharana can be attributed to the presence of pharmacodynamically active principles in the saliva of medicinal leeches. These include hirudin, calin, bdellins, eglins, histamine-like principles, and hyaluronidase, which have anticoagulant, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, vasodilatory, and antimicrobial actions. These active principles increase microcirculation, decrease local inflammation, relieve pain, and promote the healing process. This review article proposes to discuss the Ayurvedic aspects and scientific pharmacodynamic properties of Jalaukavacharana, thus establishing its scientific significance and importance in Panchakarma therapy.