ROLE OF JALAUKAVACHARANA (LEECH THERAPY) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANKLE SPRAIN : A PILOT STUDY

Leeches have been used for medicinal purpose since the era of Ayurvedic medicine from 2000 BC. Acharya Sushruta and Vagbhata described Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) and all about Jalauka (leeches). Aacharya Sushruta, Charaka, Vagbhata, Chakradatta has described Raktamokshana (bloodletting) for Vranashopha (inflammation) to reduce pain & avoid suppuration. The Agantuk Shotha (traumatic inflammation due to external injury) described in Ayurveda causes the symptomatology such as Shoola (pain), Shotha (swelling), Sparsha-asahyata (tenderness), Daha(burning) etc. Whereas the Ankle Sprain described in modern science can be correlated with Gulpha pradeshi - agantuk Shotha (traumatic injury over Ankle region) because it also produces the features such as inflammation, pain, stiffness, tenderness, hot swollen joint, restricted movement and deformity in severe cases. Presently available modern medication (NSAID) is causing many side and toxic effect and requires long term medication which suppresses immunity and produces other diseases. Hence there is a need to find such a therapy which gives better relief without any side or toxic effect and also natural, cost effective and easily available .hence the parasurgical biological therapeutic means such Jalaukavacharana was selected.