Ayurveda is a thousands of years old science that explains beautifully the benefits and importance of blood purification called Raktmokshana.

Leeches are considered so important in Ayurveda that it is said that Lord Dhanwantari (originator of Ayurveda) holds a leech in his right hand after Samudra Manthan and Amrit Kalash (nectar of Immortality) in another hand.

In Ayurveda, a Leech is used for Raktmokshan to remove impure blood from the body or the infected organ to remove the root cause of the disease and to boost the natural process of cell formation.

Sushruta, the father of surgery has described Jalauka Avcharan as a para-surgical procedure.

Many people are afraid to pursue this treatment because of fear of being bitten by leeches but the benefits of this therapy cannot be described in words.

An Ayurvedic practitioner can find the root cause of a disease and if needed, you can follow this Leech therapy with the guidance of the doctor.

What’s the difference between a leech and a medicinal leech?

There are over 600 species of leeches. Out of these, mainly used for hirudotherapy are:

Hirudo medicinalis medicinalis, and Hirudo medicinalis orientalis.

The medicinal leeches release an anesthetic on attachment site. They also release Hirudin which is a prolong anticoagulant. This causes prolong bleeding even after detachment.

In which diseases can leeches be used?

  • Pitta dosha vetiated in blood
  • Psoriasis
  • Old non healing wounds
  • Loss of skin sensation
  • Diabetic Ulcer
  • Vitiligo
  • Abscess
  • Diseases of neck
  • Any kind of pain
  • Paralysis
  • Varicose veins
  • Joint inflammation
  • Arthritis
  • Headache
  • Gout
  • Acne, pigmentations
  • Sciatica, Lumbar spondylosis
  • Herpes
  • Thyroid disorder

Therapeutic action:

  • Anti inflammatory
  • Increased blood circulation
  • Analgesic effect(pain management)
  • Thrombolytic (dissolves blood clot)
  • Antimicrobial activity

When is leech used?

Certain conditions like coagulation of blood, most of the skin diseases like psoriasis or vitiligo, any kind of swelling or pain are ideal conditions to treat with leeches. Leech therapy help improve the blood circulation in the area of tissue or skin by removing any kind of blockage in micro channels of the area of body.