Aspect of Jalaukavcharna in Various Skin Disorders

Introduction

“Your skin is a really great indicator of what’s going on inside your body” Skin is the front line of defense mechanism of the body and contains many epidermal and immune elements that comprises the skin- associated lymphoid tissue (SALT), as mentioned in Ayurveda ‘Twaka Samvarane’ means one which protect and covers the whole body [1]. Now a days, Skin conditions are increasing dramatically worldwide and are associated with psychological, social and financial burdens. Atopic dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis, Alopecia.

Abscesses are common acute and chronic conditions, which are increasing in prevalence due to unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits. Treatment failure rate is very high in management of skin conditions. In spite of advancements in science and technology, the emergence of Ayurvedic treatment for managing skin disorders are becoming essential due to less adverse effect of Ayurvedic treatment. The treatment approach of Ayurveda is founded on two basic principles, namely Shodhana Chikitsa (Therapy of Elimination) and Shamana Chikitsa (pacification). The therapeutic approach of Shodhana Chikitsa involves the implementation of a set of five purificatory procedures, commonly referred to as Panchashodhana. Raktamokshana (bloodletting) is one among the Panchashodhana i.e., Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Shirovirechana and Raktmokshana. It is a para-surgical measure indicated in various disease where vitiation of Rakta is present. Rakta takes important role in spreading disease from one part to other part of the body by carrying the toxins or vitiated doshas(bio-humors). Because of vitiation of Rakta, the Shodhana of Rakta is to be carried out. Raktamokshana by vein puncture (Siravyadha) is considered to be the supreme therapy as it drains out the vitiated Rakta and cures the disease [2]. But not every person is fit for Siravyadha. The utilization of Jalauka (leeches) for Raktamokshana is widely regarded as the most efficacious and distinctive approach, as it entails the elimination of vitiated Doshas from the body without the use of any incisive instruments. Jalaukavcharna is safest of all the Raktamokshana methods and can be used in children, aged and frightened patients [3].

Classification of Raktamokshan

Raktamokshana via leeches is classified as an Ashastra modality. It can be applied even to Parama Sukumara as it is safe less complicated and easy to perform compared to other techniques of Raktamokshana [4].

Leech (Hirudo Medicinalis)

A leech is a worm like creature; it has used for a long time and in different ways for medicinal purposes. Leech therapy is one of the most beneficial and delicate treatments. It is very cheap and short procedure and can be done without obstructing patient’s daily routine.

Types of Jalauka

Indications of Jalaukavcharna

• Vatarakta, Visarapa, Visha, Venous disesase like Acute phlebitis &Varicose veins, Arterial disease, Acute gout attack, Osteoarthritis, Infections, Otitis media, Haemorrhoids, etc.
• Skin disorders like Acne vulgaris, Eczema, Psoriasis, Herpes, Dermatitis, Pemphigus vulgaris, Lichen planus, Impetigo, Vitiligo etc.

Probable Mode of Action of Jalaukavcharna in Skin Disorder

• According to Ayurveda skin conditions are considered due to Pitta and Rakta. Jalukavacharna is useful where local pitta and Rakta Dushti, Kleda formation and Srotorodha was present. Jalauka application removes the Dushita Rakta (affected blood) and Strotasavrodha (obstruction in circulatory channels), and then Rasa, Rakta Dhatu circulation normlises.
• Vitiated Pitta gets removed by Jalaukavcharna, as Pitta and Rakta have Ashrayashrayi Sambandha (Rakta is seat of Pitta). As Jalaukavcharna is Sheeta in nature hence pacify the Ushana and Tikshana Guna of Pitta.

Discussion

Jalaukavacharana Karma provides statistically high significance in the symptoms of skin problems like Kandu, Pidika, Raktima, and Daha. Leech saliva is reported to have many therapeutic contents like Hirudin, Eglin, Hyaluronidase, etc. Skin conditions are due to Pitta and Rakta Dushti. In comparisons to other Raktamokshana methods Jalaukavcharna is more beneficial in skin conditions. As Jalauka reside in water so is Sheeta in nature and Madhura in Rasa. Due to these properties helps to pacify Ushana and Teekshna Guna of Pitta and helpful in Pitta dominance conditions [7]. Also due to removal of Rakta which is Ashraya Sthana of Pitta, these symptoms were relieved. Though the action is localised, but it affects whole body by releasing many factors into blood.

Conclusion

Due to unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits the prevalence of skin conditions is increasing drastically worldwide. In Panchkarma Chikitsa, the vitiated doshas are purified whereas Raktamokshana is a mean to let out the morbid Rakta along with vitiated doshas where Rakta dhatu is predominant. There is huge susceptibility of Rakta towards impurity therefore at times Rakta is considered as fourth dosha. Dushita Rakta is let out to protect the health or to cure the disease. Since Pitta is dependent on Rakta, therefore Raktamokshana decrease the quantum of enhanced Pitta, henceforth Doshas and Pittaja vyadhi are to relieved or cured by the therapy. Out of all Raktamokshana method Jalaukavcharna is more beneficial in Pitta predominant conditions due to its Sheeta Guna and Madhura Rasa.