Jalukavacharana

Q1. What is Jalukavacharana /Jaluka therapy?

Ans. Jalukas are parasitic worms (Phylum-Annelida, Class-Hirudinea) of segmented body structure which feed by sucking blood from other animals. The use of these Jalukas to remove vitiated blood from the body is called Jalukavacharana/Jaluka therapy (Leeching). It is a type of Raktamokshana (Blood letting therapy)which is coined Panchakarmas by Acharya Sushrut.

Q2. What are its uses?

Ans. Jaluka removes vitiated blood from the body so as to facilitate its purification AND various skin disorders viz. eczema, psoriasis and treating localized oedemas, abcesses, gout, throat disorders, etc.

Q3. Is it an OPD procedure or IPD procedure? Does it require hospitalization for long durations?

Ans. It is an OPD procedure which does not require any hospitalization. The patient may be free to leave in an hour or two.

Q4. Can the procedure be used more than once for the same person?

Ans. Yes, it can be used repeatedly for the same person. However a specific time interval is necessary which is to be decided by the concerned Ayurvedic physician.

Q5. Is it safe to use by people with infectious diseases?

Ans. The person with an infectious disease can also be treated with Jaluka therapy. It is recommended that any Jaluka used for one person should not be used for another person.

Q6. What are the possible complications and are there any precautions for preventing the complications?

Ans. There are LEAST chances of any complication. However an intramuscular injection of Tetanus Toxide is suggested BEFORE LEACH APPLICATION as a preventive measure.

Q7. Will it cause pain during administration?

Ans. No. Only a very mild pricking/itching sensation may be felt by the patient. The Jaluka secretes an enzyme named hirudin at the bite site before it starts sucking blood. The enzyme has an anti-coagulant effect and it also desensitizes the site.

Q8. What are the after-care measures for Jaluka therapy?

Ans. The bite site should be cleaned with cold water. A cotton swab soaked with ghee is to be pressed there for a while and then Raktashuddhikar drugs (blood purifiers) Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Haldi (Curcuma longa) etc. are to be applied.

Q9. Are all the leaches safe for performing Jaluka therapy?

Ans. No, there are varieties of Jalukas among which some are toxic. Ayurveda has classified Jalukas mainly in two categories namely Nirvisha (non-poisonous) and Savisha (poisonous). Nirvisha (non-poisonous) are only recommended for therapeutic use which are further divided into sub types suitable for humans, different animals etc. So the selection of Jaluka and adopting the procedure should be done under expert supervision only.

Q10. What is the duration of the treatment?

Ans. The duration of treatment may vary according to circumstances. One cycle of Jaluka therapy requires about one-two hours. However the number of cycles and gap between two cycles are to be determined by the physician.

Q11. What are the centers at which Jaluka therapy is available?

Ans. CCRAS Institutes situated at various places viz. Nagpur, Bhubaneshwar, Delhi, Cheruthuruthy (Kerala), Gwalior, Mumbai. Apart from above, the following institutes also provide this therapy:-

• Govt. Ayurved College, Trivendrum
• IPGT&RA, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar
• Gopabandhu Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Puri
• Ayurved and Unani Tibbia College, Delhi