Leech Therapy (Jalaukavacharana) in Varicose Veins – An Ayurvedic Approach
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and often painful veins that commonly occur in the legs due to improper functioning of the valves within veins. In Ayurveda, this condition can be correlated with Siragranthi – where Vata dosha vitiates the rakta dhatu and causes obstruction in the venous channels (siras).
According to Ayurveda, imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha leads to blood stagnation (rakta dushti), heaviness, pain, discoloration, and swelling in the affected veins. The treatment principle involves:
Shodhana(Detoxification),Rakta shodhana (Blood purification),Vata-pitta shamak chikitsa(Balancing aggravated doshas)
What is Leech Therapy(Jalaukavacharana)?
Jalaukavacharana is one of the most effective Raktamokshana (bloodletting) therapies mentioned in Ayurveda. Medicinal leeches(Jalauka) are used to remove impure, congested blood from affected areas, improving circulation and relieving pressure in the veins.
How Leech Therapy Works:
Leeches secrete biologically active enzymes like hirudin, bdellins, and hyaluronidase, which:
Improve blood circulation,prevent clot formation,reduce inflammation and pain,promote healing of tissues.
This natural detoxification helps relieve the heaviness, swelling, and bluish discoloration seen in varicose veins.
Procedure
Preparation: The area around the varicose veins is cleaned with antiseptic or herbal decoction.
Application: Healthy medicinal leeches are applied to the affected area.
Sucking phase: The leech attaches and draws impure blood until it detaches naturally.
Aftercare: The area is cleaned, herbal dressing is applied, and local soothing herbs like Haridra or Jatyadi taila may be used.
Benefits of Leech Therapy in Varicose Veins are :
Reduces pain, swelling, and burning sensations,improves venous circulation and removes stagnated blood,helps in healing skin discoloration and ulcers,prevents further complications like thrombophlebitis.It offers a safe, natural, and effective alternative to surgery.
Leech therapy, when performed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician, offers a time-tested, non-surgical approach to managing varicose veins. It not only alleviates symptoms but also improves overall vascular health by purifying the blood and balancing the doshas naturally.
For Leech therapy Consult us at Jarayu Ayurveda panchakarma and yoga clinic, Near shivsena shakha, Khopat Thanewest 8928287182
