INTRODUCTION:-

  • Raktamokshanam  (LEECH THERAPY) is the blood cleansing and purification therapy.
  • It is a therapeutic cleaning process given by ayurveda.It is one of the essential parts of the panchakarma healing treatments.
  • It is the prime process of blood detoxification.
  • It is derived from the two words,"rakt"which means blood and "mokshanam" which means leave.Thus,Raktamokshanam means to let the blood out.
  • The blood is expelled out from the body to reduce the quantity of toxic substances in the blood born disorders.
  • It is a safe, painless and highly effective form of Panchakarma.

INDICATIONS:-

Eczema

  • Psoriasis

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Cellulitis

  • Sciatica

  • Varicose Veins

  • Diabetic Wound

  • Frequency of leech application:-

  • It will vary according to the disease and severity.
  • The leech should be applied once in a week up to six sittingsOne leech should be reserved for a particular patient to avid cross infection.

    • LEECH THERAPY IN SOME IMPORTANT DISEASES:-

    Cardiovascular Disease:-

    • People have been using leeches to treat cardiovascular diseases because of the Hirudin enzyme in the leeches saliva, a substance which has systemic anticoagulative effects. 
    • A physician would usually prescribe the use of leeches when a person suffered a stroke or heart attack.  
    • Also, Hirudin stimulates segmental reflex mechanisms and this contributes to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

    Alopecia:-

    • Leech therapy is applied to thinning or bald areas, the increase of blood circulation helps enhance the concentration and delivery of nutrients that assist in making hair follicles strong, thereby assisting in the promotion of hair growth. 
    • People suffering alopecia caused by fungal infections or dandruff can also benefit through the antibacterial component in the leeches saliva, which helps combat fungal infections.

    Ear problems:-

    • People suffering from sudden hearing loss,Tinnitus and Otitis media can greatly benefit from leech therapy, particularly when the ear and hearing problem is caused by an infection or a vascular problem.

    Endometriosis:-

    • leech therapy is very beneficial to women who are suffering from Endometriosis.
    • The saliva in leeches is rich with enzymes that can prevent coagulation of blood which leads to blood clots. Once these enzymes have dissolved the blood clots and restored a normal flow of blood into the uterus, toxins are flushed away.

    Migrain Headache:-

    • Migraines are caused by tiny blood clots that are formed in the heart, which then travel to the brain and these blood clots disrupt the flow of blood to the brain and thus cause the typical symptoms of migraine like the one-sided head-ache, photophobia, and nausea. 
    •  As you may already know, there is a substance found in leeches called Hirudin. 
    • This substance is an anticoagulant, causing blood to become more diluted, thus allowing it to flow easier and faster. Hirudin can dissolve those little clots that have formed by converting fibrinogen to fibrin.