Bloodletting Through Leech Therapy!

The ancient Indian medical scientists used Ayurveda to treat ailments. Many of these treatment modes are now being studied by doctors and medical scientists. Although the basic tenets of Ayurveda and modern medicine are different, there are ailments and symptoms where modern medical scientists are eager to take a leaf out of ayurvedic wisdom. Bloodletting by using Leeches is one of these. There is recorded evidence to suggest that Ayurvedic practitioners used to resort to using Leeches to get rid of bad blood and treat diseases like Eczema.

Ayurvedic texts considered impure blood as the prime cause of skin diseases. It believed that patients can get relief if the vitiated blood is let out of their body. There are even practical guidelines about bloodletting. In fact, bloodletting through leech therapy is described as one of the most effective therapies in Ayurveda.

What Makes Leeches Useful
Leeches secrete a number of bioactive substances. Some of them are known as Antistasin, Guamerin, Eglins, Hirudin, Bdellins, Saratin, Carboxypeptidase inhibitors, Complemen etc. There are at least 20 of them which have been identified by researchers. These substances are found to have Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Platelet inhibitory, Analgesic, Thrombin regulator and Anticoagulant functions. They are also found to have Antimicrobial effects. However, the full spectrum of utility and benefits of using leeches is not yet established. Studies are being carried out to find out more about leeches and their benefits. What really makes them possible is that along with being effective, they are easy to use.

In Ayurveda Leeches Were Used For Detoxifying Blood
Using leech is mainly a blood purification process in Ayurveda. The practitioners use medicinal leeches to suck impure blood off the body of the patient. Along with sucking impure blood, leeches also release enzymes and bioactive substances alluded to above. These bioactive enzymes are considered to be potent enough to enhance immunity and heal wounds. Leeches can also remove congested blood and restore normal blood circulation.

Leeches Were Used For Treating Various Diseases
Ayurveda also used leeches for treating disorders like Psoriasis, Pain disorders, Eczema, Abscesses, Pimples, Alopecia, Swelling and some other skin disorders.

In modern medical treatment for Eczema, doctors use certain medicines, which can give rise to severe side effects. This is why even modern researchers are thinking about using leeches for treating Eczema and other diseases. They are hopeful that due to the presence of a number of bioactive substances among different species of leeches, they can bring a whole new perspective into treatments for various ailments.