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Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga

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Effectiveness of Leech Therapy (Jalaukavacharana) in Inflammatory Musculoskeletal Conditions: Implications of a Pilot Trial

Poorvi S. Athreya , Poorvi S. Athreya , Sangeeta Jahagirdhar , Pradeep L. Grampurohit

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Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga 6(2):p 61-65, April - June 2013. | DOI:

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Abstract

Leech therapy is one of the modalities of Ashastrakrtaraktamokshana karma (bloodletting without sharp instruments) for treating localized pain. AcharyaSushruta mentioned it in pittadushtarakta (blood vitiated by pitta), avagadhadushta pitta (deep seated vitiated pitta disease), toda (pain) etc. Traditionally in practice it is elicited that it effectively alleviates pain and relieves joint inflammation rapidly and improves joint functions as well. A retrospective survey done in KLE University’s Sri BMK Ayurved Hospital & Research centre revealed IPD and OPD units were frequented most by asthi-sandhigatavata (joint conditions). Since studies have also shown salivary glands of leeches also produce pharmacologically active substances including antihistaminic, protease, and anaesthetic, anti tripsic molecules. An open non randomized trial was carried out on patients diagnosed with sandhi-asthigatavta (osteo-arthritis, synovitis and bursitis) and snayugatavata (tendinitis) following application of Jalkka/leech. The findings of the study suggested that acute conditions of these afore mentioned conditions in terms of pain was alleviated following the course of treatment. 

Key words: Leech; Tendinitis; Synovitis; Osteoarthritis 

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