Medicinal use of Leeches has a long and fascinating
tradition. Leeches not only suck the impure blood but also they have many
active ingredients found in their saliva are of therapeutic applications. The
leech is nature’s own pharmacist, providing numerous active substances which
are also used in modern medicine. These active ingredients are helpful in
treating painful inflammation of the joints and back as well as a variety of
circulatory ailments including varicose veins.
What happens during Leech therapy?
Treatment lasts from 20-50 minutes. Treatment begins
by placing the leech on a pre-selected spot of skin.
Leech therapy is the safest method of bloodletting
of diseases e.g. psoriasis, eczema, migraine, alopecia, hypertension etc.
Leeches are having anti coagulant enzyme namely
HIRUDINE which enhances the micro circulation of blood. It is a painless
procedure and can be easily applied on the delicate persons like children also.
Before leech
Application, some investigations are necessary:
1.
Hemoglobin
2.
Bleeding time
3.
Clotting Time
4.
HIV Test
5.
Blood Sugar
Leech therapy
has shown drastic result in patients with Pain disorders, psoriasis, Eczema, Swelling
and all other kind of skin infections.
Patients
suffering from chronic diseases have shown drastic results in 1 to 2 sittings.
Indications of Leech Therapy are:
Eczema Psoriasis
Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis
Sciatica
Cellulites
Inflammatory
Reactions Blood purification
Rheumatic Diseases Varicose Veins Diabetic Wounds Boils and abscesses Thrombosis (blood clot) Hypertension
Rheumatic Diseases Varicose Veins Diabetic Wounds Boils and abscesses Thrombosis (blood clot) Hypertension
Alopecia Herpes zoster
Steps for application of Leech
Purvakarma
(before procedure)
- Purification of leech by pouring the leech in haridra (turmeric powder) and water.
- Part preparation – cleaning of place by turmeric water. The patient’s skin is cleaned thoroughly with soap and water or turmeric water.
- Investigate Hb%, B.T, C.T of the patient whom the Leech has to be applied.
Pradhana karma (main procedure)
- Application of honey or by making an incision or a needle prick (if needed) at the desired site so that of blood is produced and the leech attaches to the wound / incision quickly.
- Steer the leeches head to the area to be treated. The head of the leech can be recognized by is searching forward movements, while the tail end is used as a sucker for attachment, The leeches must be applied in adequate numbers to area of maximum infection / congestion.
- When Leech starts sucking blood, cover the leech with wet cotton.
- When the leech has finished sucking the blood, usually within 30 minutes, remove it (if it does not come off by itself) by applying salt or turmeric powder on its head.
- Ensure that the same leech is applied next time to the same patient.
- Apply Tankan Bhasma and pressure bandage at the site of Leech Application.
- Watch the patient at least for 30 minutes for further bleeding.
Paschata karma
(after procedure)
- Induction of emesis to the leech by dusting of haridra churna (turmeric powder) on its mouth.
- Sometimes pressing the leech from caudal to front end is required for proper emesis so Press the detached leech between fingers to force out the sucked impure blood.
- Then put back in fresh water container. Leech should be freed in fresh water, where it swims swiftly and then settles down.
- The patient’s area where the leeches have been put should be examined for local infections and bleedings.
- The minor wounds can be cleaned and washed with honey, and bandaged.
- One leech should be reserved for one particular patient.
- Hemoglobin of the patient has to be checked before every Leech application
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