Leeching

Leeching or Leech Therapy is an ancient and advanced practice in Ayurveda. It uses leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) to draw out impure blood from a patient through a specially-made incision. Only the blood from the infected area is drawn out this way.

The disease-affected region is first carefully cleaned and wiped dry. Small incisions are made and the leeches are placed on the site. Leeches instinctively latch onto the flesh and start consuming the vitiated blood. The body part is covered with a white cloth in some instances. The process is stopped only when the Vaidyan (Ayurvedic doctor) decides that sufficient amounts of toxins have been removed. The leeches are removed from the cut by applying a little salt or honey.

The leeches are specially bred for medicinal purposes, and carefully cleaned in turmeric before the treatment. Usually, they are bred in a small pond with a muddy bottom, ideal for increasing their lifespan and growth.

Leeching

Raktamokshana

Leeching

Shirovasti, Urovasti and Kativasti

Talapotichil

Karnapoorana

Netravasti

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