EFFICACY OF JALAUKAVACHARANA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THROMBOSED EXTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS
Ashwani Sharma, Gopikrishna BJ
Dept. of Shalya Tantra, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka
Abstract
Thrombosed external hemorrhoids represent a severe, acutely painful anorectal emergency characterized by the sudden intravascular coagulation of blood within the external hemorrhoidal venous plexus. While conventional clinical guidelines frequently advocate for traumatic surgical excision or rely on sluggish conservative measures that subject patients to prolonged functional disability, these approaches exhibit significant limitations including high recurrence rates, postoperative complications, and extensive recovery periods. This comprehensive review evaluates the therapeutic viability, clinical efficacy, and biological mechanisms of Jalaukavacharana (medicinal leech therapy), an ancient Ayurvedic parasurgical intervention classified under Raktamokshana (bloodletting). By synthesizing historical Ayurvedic pathophysiology with contemporary epidemiological data and molecular pharmacology, this analysis demonstrates that the targeted application of Hirudinaria granulosa or Hirudo medicinalis provides profound and rapid symptomatic relief. The mechanism of action is mediated by a highly complex biochemical matrix within leech saliva, which introduces over one hundred and fifty bioactive compounds into the engorged tissue, including potent anticoagulants (hirudin), thrombolytic enzymes (destabilase), and robust anti-inflammatory agents (bdellins and eglins). Clinical evidence across multiple cohort studies and case series verifies that Jalaukavacharana rapidly dissolves localized thrombi, neutralizes intense perianal edema, and eradicates acute pain without compromising the anatomical integrity of the anal sphincter. The strategic integration of this cost-effective, minimally invasive outpatient procedure bridges ancient Ayurvedic principles of Dosha pacification with modern biochemical therapeutics, offering a highly efficacious and compassionate alternative to surgical intervention in the management of acute hemorrhoidal crises.
Keywords: Jalaukavacharana, Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids, Raktamokshana, Hirudotherapy, Arshas.
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EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR)
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Published on : 2026-04-23
| Vol | : | 12 |
| Issue | : | 4 |
| Month | : | April |
| Year | : | 2026 |