Effect of leech application in thrombosed haemorrhoid
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Effect of leech application in thrombosed haemorrhoid
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Vishal Khanna
Associate Professor, Department of Rachna Sharir, Government Ayurvedic Medical College, Jammu, J&K.
Abineet Raina
Assistant Professor, Department of Shalya Tantra, Sri Satya Sai Murlidhar Ayurveda College & Hospital (SSSMAC), Moga, Punjab
Ankush Bhardwaj
Assistant Professor, Department of Shalakya Tantra, Jammu Institute of Ayurveda and Research, Jammu, J&K
Anjali Sharma
Medical officer, Department of Indian System of Medicines, Government of Jammu & Kashmir
Asheesh Khajuria
Medical officer, National Rural Health Mission, State Health Society, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of J&K
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Effect of leech application in thrombosed haemorrhoid
Year: 2017
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Hemorrhoids, referred to as Arsha in Ayurveda, are categorized as a significant health concern, classified under Mahagadas. They can disrupt normal bodily functions and manifest primarily as external or internal types. A particular focus of this study is on thrombosed hemorrhoids, a painful condition resulting from blood clots in anal tissues, which requires urgent surgical intervention due to the severe pain and complications associated with venous strangulation. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of leech therapy, or Jalaukavacharana, as a potential management option for thrombosed hemorrhoids, emphasizing its therapeutic properties.
Efficacy of Leech Therapy in Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
Leech therapy employs non-poisonous leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) for bloodletting, which is believed to alleviate thrombosed hemorrhoids by reducing venous pooling and promoting thrombolytic effects. The study included 30 patients diagnosed with thrombosed piles who underwent leech application. Observations indicated significant reduction in pain, swelling, tenderness, and discoloration within a structured follow-up period. The active substances found in leeches, such as hirudin, exhibit anticoagulant properties that inhibit blood clotting and help restore blood circulation within inflamed tissues. This leads to diminished ischemia and improved immune response, supporting the therapy's effectiveness.
Implications of Leeches' Biological Components
The saliva of medicinal leeches contains various pharmacological compounds that contribute to their therapeutic effects. Components like hirudin, calin, and destabilase are known for their anticoagulant and thrombolytic properties, which aid in dissolving blood clots and promoting local healing. Moreover, leech therapy reveals antimicrobial and mucolytic properties, helping to alleviate pus and mucus discharge. Such actions are instrumental in not only reducing the symptoms associated with thrombosed hemorrhoids but also in enhancing overall local immunity and tissue regeneration. The methodology employed in this study, including the care and application of leeches, underscores the traditional practice's relevance in modern therapeutic protocols.
Conclusion
The evaluation of leech therapy reveals its significant potential in managing thrombosed hemorrhoids, demonstrating multiple beneficial effects, including pain relief and symptom reduction. The components of leech saliva facilitate therapeutic outcomes by leveraging antimicrobial, mucolytic, and thrombolytic actions, making it a valuable intervention in treating this distressing condition. The study's findings support the integration of traditional approaches like leech therapy within contemporary medical practices, emphasizing the need for further research to consolidate its efficacy and safety in various clinical applications.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of leech therapy in thrombosed hemorrhoids?
Leech therapy, specifically Jalaukavacharana, effectively relieves venous pooling and assists in dissolving clotted blood, providing relief from severe pain and swelling associated with thrombosed hemorrhoids.
What criteria were used for including patients in the study?
Patients aged 20 to 60 with clinical symptoms of thrombosed hemorrhoids were included, while those with pre-existing infections, diabetes, and specific gastrointestinal diseases were excluded from the study.
What were the key results observed from leech application?
Significant relief was noted in pain, swelling, tenderness, and discoloration within two weeks post-therapy, showcasing the efficacy of leech application in managing thrombosed hemorrhoids.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Effect of leech application in thrombosed haemorrhoid”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Jalauka:
Jalauka refers to leeches used in Ayurvedic therapy, specifically in bloodletting or 'Raktamokshana'. Leeches like Hirudo medicinalis provide antimicrobial, mucolytic, and thrombolytic benefits [see source text or glossary: Jalauka].
2) Blood:
Bloodletting, or 'Raktamokshana', is a central practice in leech therapy for hemorrhoids. Leeches suck blood to relieve venous pooling, reduce swelling, and dissolve clots [see source text or glossary: Blood].
3) Swelling:
Leech therapy is effective in reducing swelling in thrombosed hemorrhoids by facilitating blood drainage and decreasing venous pressure [see source text or glossary: Swelling].
4) Pain:
Pain reduction is one of the significant benefits of leech therapy for thrombosed hemorrhoids. Pain relief often occurs within days due to the thrombolytic and analgesic properties of leech saliva [see source text or glossary: Pain].
5) India:
The study on leech therapy was conducted in India, particularly in the states of Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. The research aligns with traditional Ayurvedic practices in these regions [see source text or glossary: India].
6) Disease:
Hemorrhoids, also known as Arsha, is the disease being treated in the study. The disorder causes severe discomfort and is managed using traditional and Ayurvedic methods [see source text or glossary: Disease].
7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine in which leech therapy is used to treat conditions like thrombosed hemorrhoids. It combines herbal treatments, dietary practices, and other natural therapies [see source text or glossary: Ayurveda].
8) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra refers to a system or technique in Ayurveda. Shalya-tantra, for example, involves surgical techniques and tools, including leech therapy for various ailments [see source text or glossary: Tantra].
9) Arshas (Arsa, Arsas, Arsha):
Arsha is the Sanskrit term for hemorrhoids, which are treated in Ayurvedic medicine using methods like Jalaukavacharana (leech application) [see source text or glossary: Arsha].
10) Raktamokshana (Raktamoksana, Rakta-mokshana):
Rakta-mokshana, or bloodletting, involves the withdrawal of blood to treat various conditions. In this study, leeches perform the function of Rakta-mokshana to manage hemorrhoids [see source text or glossary: Rakta-mokshana].
11) Shalyatantra (Salyatantra, Shalya-tantra, Shalyatamtra):
Shalya-tantra, an Ayurvedic branch, focuses on surgical treatments, including the application of leeches to manage conditions like thrombosed hemorrhoids [see source text or glossary: Shalya-tantra].
12) Inflammation:
Leech saliva contains anti-inflammatory substances that help reduce swelling and pain in thrombosed hemorrhoids [see source text or glossary: Inflammation].
13) Substance:
Substances in leech saliva, like hirudin, are crucial for their therapeutic effects. These substances prevent blood clotting and provide anti-inflammatory benefits [see source text or glossary: Substance].
14) Turmeric:
Turmeric is used to bathe leeches before applying them to patients. It serves to detoxify the leeches and prepare them for effective bloodletting [see source text or glossary: Turmeric].
15) Shalya (Salya):
Shalya refers to surgical or operative treatments within Ayurveda, which include techniques like leech application for treating thrombosed hemorrhoids [see source text or glossary: Shalya].
16) Burning sensation:
One of the adverse effects of using poisonous leeches can be a burning sensation, which does not occur with non-poisonous 'Nirvisha' leeches [see source text or glossary: Burning sensation].
17) Shalakyatantra (Salakyatantra, Shalakya-tantra, Shalakyatamtra):
Shalakya-tantra is another Ayurvedic branch focusing on diseases above the neck (ENT, ophthalmology). Although not directly related to hemorrhoids, it signifies the comprehensive system of Ayurveda [see source text or glossary: Shalakya-tantra].
18) Pharmacological:
The pharmacological properties of leeches, including antimicrobial, mucolytic, and thrombolytic actions, make them effective in treating thrombosed hemorrhoids [see source text or glossary: Pharmacological].
19) Tuberculosis:
Patients with tuberculosis were excluded from this study on leech therapy for thrombosed hemorrhoids [see source text or glossary: Tuberculosis].
20) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study highlights the effectiveness of leech therapy in reducing pain, swelling, and other symptoms of thrombosed hemorrhoids [see source text or glossary: Discussion].
21) Pundarika (Pumdarika):
'Pundarika Mukhi Jalauka' is a type of non-poisonous leech described in Ayurvedic texts for therapeutic use [see source text or glossary: Pundarika].
22) Haritaki:
Patients were advised to take Haritaki choorna (powder) with hot water at bedtime to aid in the management of thrombosed hemorrhoids [see source text or glossary: Haritaki].
23) Mokshana (Moksana):
Mokshana, meaning 'release' or 'liberation', is part of the term 'Raktamokshana', which implies bloodletting or the release of impure blood [see source text or glossary: Mokshana].
24) Nirvisha (Nirvisa, Nir-visha):
Nirvisha Jalauka are non-poisonous leeches used in the therapy to ensure safety and avoid adverse reactions like swelling and itching [see source text or glossary: Nirvisha].
25) Maithuna:
Maithuna, or sexual activity, is recommended to be avoided post-Raktamokshana to ensure proper healing and recovery [see source text or glossary: Maithuna].
26) Toxicity:
Toxicity concerns are why poisonous leeches are avoided in therapy, as they can cause adverse effects like swelling and fainting [see source text or glossary: Toxicity].
27) Medicine:
Ayurvedic medicine, which includes leech therapy, tackles health conditions with holistic approaches involving herbs, physical procedures, and dietary guidance [see source text or glossary: Medicine].
28) Vomiting:
Vomiting is induced in leeches after they have fed on blood to expel the ingested blood and prepare them for future use [see source text or glossary: Vomiting].
29) Pregnant:
Pregnant women were excluded from this clinical study on leech therapy for managing thrombosed hemorrhoids [see source text or glossary: Pregnant].
30) Fainting (Fainted):
Fainting is a potential adverse effect of using poisonous leeches, leading to the preference for non-poisonous 'Nirvisha Jalauka' [see source text or glossary: Fainting].
31) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the language in which traditional Ayurvedic texts are written, naming various types of leeches and describing their uses [see source text or glossary: Sanskrit].
32) Vyayama:
Vyayama, or physical exercise, is recommended to be avoided after Raktamokshana to prevent any strain on the body and promote healing [see source text or glossary: Vyayama].
33) Mushika (Musika):
Mushika Jalauka, resembling the shape of a mouse, is a type of non-poisonous leech used in traditional Ayurvedic therapy [see source text or glossary: Mushika].
34) Karbura:
Karbura Jalauka is a type of poisonous leech, characterized by its grey color and segmented, bulging abdomen [see source text or glossary: Karbura].
35) Snigdha:
Snigdha, or moist, is the type of diet recommended after Raktamokshana, focusing on nourishing and easy-to-digest foods [see source text or glossary: Snigdha].
36) Krishna (Krsna):
Krishna Jalauka, a type of poisonous leech, is black in color with a large head and is not used in therapeutic contexts [see source text or glossary: Krishna].
37) Apathya:
Apathya refers to the dietary and lifestyle choices that should be avoided during the treatment regimen with leeches, aiming at better healing outcomes [see source text or glossary: Apathya].
38) Savisha (Savisa):
Savisha Jalauka are poisonous leeches that possess toxic properties which can cause adverse reactions and are thus avoided in therapy [see source text or glossary: Savisha].
39) Leprosy:
Patients with leprosy were excluded from the study on leech therapy, considering the complexities and potential complications in such conditions [see source text or glossary: Leprosy].
40) Kashmir:
Kashmir, along with Punjab, are the Indian states mentioned in the study where leech therapy was conducted [see source text or glossary: Kashmir].
41) Kapila:
Kapila Jalauka is a type of non-poisonous leech, characterized by its dark brown color with slight reddish flanks, used for bloodletting [see source text or glossary: Kapila].
42) Vikara:
Vikara refers to disorders or anomalies, such as 'Gudagata mamsa vikara', indicating ano-rectal disorders including hemorrhoids [see source text or glossary: Vikara].
43) Pathya:
Pathya refers to the recommended dietary and lifestyle practices to follow during the treatment to enhance recovery and avoid aggravating the condition [see source text or glossary: Pathya].
44) Anjali (Amjali):
Anjali Sharma is one of the co-authors of the study, serving as a medical officer in the Indian System of Medicines of Jammu & Kashmir [see source text or glossary: Anjali].
45) Lavana:
Lavana, or salty foods, are recommended to be avoided post-Raktamokshana to prevent any aggravation of symptoms [see source text or glossary: Lavana].
46) Punjab:
Punjab, where one of the authors is affiliated, is one of the Indian states mentioned in the study [see source text or glossary: Punjab].
47) Family:
The study involves various collaborators from different governmental and medical family departments in India, working together on this research [see source text or glossary: Family].
48) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Anjali Sharma is one of the researchers involved in the study, contributing her expertise from the Department of Indian System of Medicines in Jammu & Kashmir [see source text or glossary: Sharma].
49) Nature:
The nature of substances in leech saliva provides thrombolytic, mucolytic, and antimicrobial properties, making them effective for treating thrombosed hemorrhoids [see source text or glossary: Nature].
50) Animal:
Leeches are aquatic animals used in Ayurvedic therapy for their bloodsucking and therapeutic properties [see source text or glossary: Animal].
51) Powder:
Haritaki choorna, or powder, was prescribed to patients as part of the treatment to aid in digestion and alleviate symptoms [see source text or glossary: Powder].
52) Indian:
The study and the practices discussed are rooted in the Indian medical tradition of Ayurveda [see source text or glossary: Indian].
53) Satya (Shatya):
The name is part of the affiliation ‘Sri Satya Sai Murlidhar Ayurveda College’, where one of the authors works [see source text or glossary: Satya].
54) Laghu:
Laghu, or light diet, is recommended for patients undergoing Raktamokshana to facilitate better digestion and recovery [see source text or glossary: Laghu].
55) Mamsa (Mamsha):
'Mamsa Vikara' refers to diseases involving flesh or muscle tissues, such as hemorrhoids [see source text or glossary: Mamsa].
56) Rakta:
'Rakta' means blood in Sanskrit, central to the concept of Raktamokshana or bloodletting in Ayurveda [see source text or glossary: Rakta].
57) Ahara:
Ahara means food in Ayurveda, and guidelines are provided for what to consume and avoid during treatment [see source text or glossary: Ahara].
58) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH refers to Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, forming the traditional systems of medicine practiced in India [see source text or glossary: Ayush].
59) Sugar:
Blood sugar levels were monitored as part of the study's exclusion criteria to ensure the safety and efficacy of the leech therapy [see source text or glossary: Sugar].
60) Edema (Oedema):
Edema, or swelling, is one of the symptoms treated using leech therapy in thrombosed hemorrhoids due to its blood-draining properties [see source text or glossary: Edema].
61) Ulcer:
Leech therapy is indicated not only for hemorrhoids but also for treating ulcers, demonstrating its wide range of applications [see source text or glossary: Ulcer].
62) Fever:
Fever can be a symptom caused by the use of toxic leeches, hence the preference for non-poisonous ones in safe therapeutic practices [see source text or glossary: Fever].
63) Katu:
Katu, or pungent foods, are recommended to be avoided post-Raktamokshana to minimize irritation and promote healing [see source text or glossary: Katu].
64) Food:
Guidelines are provided for the types of foods to avoid and consume during leech therapy to ensure effective treatment and recovery [see source text or glossary: Food].
65) Fish:
Karbura Jalauka, one type of poisonous leech, is described to resemble a fish in its appearance [see source text or glossary: Fish].
66) Salt (Salty):
Salt is used to induce vomiting in leeches post-therapy to expel the ingested blood and cleanse them for future use [see source text or glossary: Salt].
67) Drug:
Substances in leech saliva can help transport chemical drugs to the nidus of inflammation, enhancing therapeutic effects [see source text or glossary: Drug].
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Effect of leech application in thrombosed haemorrhoid’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Raktamokshana, Arshas, Jalaukavacharana, Turmeric powder, Pain relief, Follow-up, Age-group, Inclusion criteria, Exclusion criteria, Assessment criteria, Leech therapy, Non-poisonous leeches, Gender distribution, Antimicrobial properties, Ayurvedic text, Hirudo medicinalis, Mucolytic properties, Analgesic action, Blood investigation, Venous pressure, Complications of hemorrhoid, Clinical symptom, Thrombosed hemorrhoid.