Leech Therapy

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna,

We mentioned in the year 2008 kick–off article that even foreigners admire the spiritual wealth of India. But today this wealth seems to have been lost in transit from generation to generation. In this article, we begin with a new series of topics. As promised we will take you through the marvelous science that is hidden in our evergreen Hinduism.

Many of us know what a 'leech' is. It is a small creature whose main food is blood. If it clings to a human body, it starts sucking the blood from that part of the body. From a layman's point of view, this creature is a menace.

However, in Hinduism, this creature is considered to be useful in curing arthritic pain.
Sounds astounding? Well read on to know more about it.

The below mentioned Shloka with its source as one of the scriptures in Hinduism, describes how the procedure should be carried out:

Sloka:

Atha jalaukovasekasadhyavyadhitamupavesya
samvesya va viruksya casya tamavakasam
mrdgomayacurnairyadyarujah syat
Grhitasca tah sarsaparajanikalkodakapradigdhagatrih
salilsarakamadhye muhurttasthita vigataklama
jnatva tabhi rogam grahayet
Slaknasuklardrapicuprotvacchannamkrtva
mukhamapavrnuyat
Argrhrnantyai ksirabindum sonitabndumva
dadyacchastrapadani va kurvita
Yadyecvamapi na grhniyattadanyamgrahayet

Translation:

Then making the patient treatable with leaches sit or lie down; if he does not have a wound, roughen an opening with the powder of mud & cow dung.

• Paste the leeches with the water of mustard, turmeric & incense
• Let them soak in a pot full of water for 48 minutes
• Confirm that they get rid of their tiredness
• then have the wound gripped by them

Covering the leech with smooth, wet, white cotton, leave the mouth alone uncovered. If she does not bite, give her a drop of milk or blood or cut the wound. Even then if she does not bite, then, pick another.

Source: Surusta–samahita, Sutra–sthanam, Adhyayah 13, Paragraph 19 (6^th Century BCE)

There are many questions unanswered at this point of time in your minds such as:

1. What makes the leeches so capable of being used for such treatment?
2. Isn't this treatment painful?
3. Can't there be a simpler & easier procedure for this disease in medical science?

To know the answers, wait till our next posting. Till then Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvarpanam