REVIEW ARTICLE ON JALAUKA AND JALAUKAAVCHARNA

Abstract

The term Jalauka (leech) may be etymologically interpreted to mean creature whose life (Ayu) or whose longevity is depends upon water, whereas the derivative meaning of the term Jalauka is based upon the fact of their dwelling (“oka” – dwelling place) in water (Jalam). A creature whose life is water called Ja-lauka. Jalauka is having various names which are – Jalayuka, Jalaua, Jaluka etc. There are two types of treatment, advised in Ayurveda - 1. Shamana (internal medicine) 2. Shodhana (internal purification). Leech therapy (Jalaukavacharana) takes a pride of place in the list of Panchakarma like Shodhana Chikitsa. Ja-lauka is the only shodhana treatment that can be done on rich, weak, fearful, sophisticated, old& in case of ladies and children. Due to its sophisticated nature. The knowledge of Jalaukavacharana is as old as the Ayurveda. It is described in Rigved, kaushik sutra, VinayPitak, CharakSamhita and Sushruta Samhita. Sushruta give a detailed description of the Leech and Leech therapy. Modern medical science also de-scribes it in detail. There are two types of Leeches six poisonous (savisha)and six nonpoisonous (nirvisha). Nirvishajalauka are strong and large Ready suckers, Greedy (Mahashana), Saivalashyava (Varna), Vrutta (round), Blue colored. Acharaya Sushruta gives a detailed description of the collection method, collection time, and preservation methods. Leech therapy or Jalaukaavcharana is mainly indicated for Pittaja and Raktaajavikara as vidradhi (Abscess), gulma (Abdominal swelling) arsha (Piles), kushtha (Skin disease) etc. Sushruta describe the method of application of leech in details dividing it into three parts namely Pur-vakarama, Pradhankarama and Pachchatkarama. Modern scientists and physicians also describe Leech and leech saliva having properties of antibiotics, anesthetic, antiseptic, anticoagulant.