Leech application in Indralupta (Alopecia Areata)

     Rakta mokshana is one of the pancha karmas. A number of diseases which are otherwise incurable can easily be cured through Rakta mokshana. Sushruta has developed this as a specialized technique out of which Jaloukavacharana has gained tremendous popularity even today. The leeches are known as jaloukas. A leech has got an anti-coagulant chemical called Hirudin. Thus a leech by sucking the blood sends out this hirudin which prevents the patient’s blood from coagulation. And thus the leech can suck large amounts of impure blood without any problem. Leeches are applied in several inflammatory conditions like arthritis, joint swelling, traumatic hyperaemia, haematoma, trachoma, etc. I have seen an excellent effect of jaloukavacharana on a disease called Indralupta. It is considered as kshudraroga in Ayurveda. This disease is characterized by alopecia with subsequent loss of hair growth on a particular area of head. Use of Jaloukavacharan on that specific part of Indralupta with use of shaman chikitsa thereafter gave the fruitful effect to the patient. .