Medical leech therapy in Ayurveda and biomedicine – A review
Authors
Sarvesh Singh
Department of Panchakarma, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Kshipra Rajoria
Department of Panchakarma, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Keywords:
Hirudino therapy, Jaloka Avacharana, Medical leech therapy
Abstract
Medicinal leech therapy or Hirudino therapy have roots back in ancient civilization. It was a prevalent form of therapy in various ailments. The novel Ayurveda text Sushruta Samhita devoted a complete chapter on hirudino therapy. In the early 20th century this therapy had a major setback due to origin and evolution of antibiotics. There was a discontinuity in the flow of knowledge about this therapy. Then, resumed and revived after few recent decades, due to its contribution in reconstructive surgeries. During this period, the research work on various aspects have been conducted. The present paper summarizes the various aspects of medicinal leech therapy both from Ayurveda text and the present knowledge and to enable the fraternity to use the both source for benefits of humankind.
Keywords: Hirudino therapy, Jaloka Avacharana, Medical leech therapy
Click on "Archives" to access the full archive of scientific preprints. You may use the categories and the search functionality to find select preprints you're interested in.
