An Ayurvedic Review of Jalaukavacharana (Leech Therapy)


Authors : Dr. Mohit Bhosale; Dr. Vrinda Kaknurkar; Dr. Vinaya Vitthal Pawar

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/6xtab7xx

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/48w93us8

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb581

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Abstract : Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) is initially mentioned in the Sushruta Samhita. Leech therapy, also called Jalaukavacharana, is an ancient Ayurvedic bloodletting technique that can effectively treat a variety of inflammatory, ischemic, and viral illnesses. Because it eliminates vitiated Doshas from the body without the use of cutting instruments, Raktamokshana using "leech" is regarded as the most efficient and unique method within the Ashastra category. The term "Jalaukavacharana" refers to the therapeutic use of leeches.

Keywords : Jalauka, Leech, Raktamokshan, Leech Therapy

References :

  1. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/4: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 57.
  2. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/9: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 58.
  3. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/10: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 58.
  4. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/13: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 59.
  5. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/19: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 60.
  6. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/20: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 60.
  7. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan. Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/21: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 60.
  8. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/22–23: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 60.
  9. Shastri AD. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan Vol. 1, jalaukavacharaniya adhyaya-13/3: Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2020. p. 57.
  10. Wittke-Michalsen E. The history of leech therapy. In: Michaelsen A, Roth M, Dobos G, editors. Medicinal leech therapy. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2007. p. 4-12.
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  13. Conforti ML, Connor NP, Heisey DM, Hartig GK. Evaluation of performance characteristics of the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) for the treatment of venous congestion. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;109:228-35.
  14. Shastri AD, editor. Sushruta samhita sutra sthan Vol-1. Shonit varnaniya adhyaya-14/28. Hindi commentary. 14th ed. Varanasi. Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan;  2001.
  15. Mory RN, Mindell D, Bloom DA. The leech and the physician: Biology, etymology, and medical practice with Hirudinea medicinalis. World J Surg. 2000;24(7):878-83.
  16. Baskova IP, Zavalova LL, Basanova AV, Moshkovskii SA, ZgodaVG. Protein profiling of the medicinal leech salivary gland secretion by proteomic analytical methods. Biochemistry (Mosc). 2004;69(7):770-5.

Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) is initially mentioned in the Sushruta Samhita. Leech therapy, also called Jalaukavacharana, is an ancient Ayurvedic bloodletting technique that can effectively treat a variety of inflammatory, ischemic, and viral illnesses. Because it eliminates vitiated Doshas from the body without the use of cutting instruments, Raktamokshana using "leech" is regarded as the most efficient and unique method within the Ashastra category. The term "Jalaukavacharana" refers to the therapeutic use of leeches.

Keywords : Jalauka, Leech, Raktamokshan, Leech Therapy

Paper Submission Last Date
28 - February - 2026

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