LEECH THERAPY- ITS ENTHRALLING ANNALS IN MEDICAL HISTORY

Leech therapy is a booming therapeutic technique, promised to be a futuristic medical device, for a multitude of ailments. Ayurveda widely popularizes it. The Sushruta Samhitha, dating back 3000-5000 years, has an entire chapter earmarked for leech therapy. Bloodletting therapy is regarded as one of the five critical purificatory procedures in Ayurveda – Raktamokshana (bloodletting), and Leech therapy is one of the several means to carry out bloodletting. Going back to history, we can trace that Leech therapy was not only practiced in India, but also in almost all parts of the world, where bloodletting therapy using leeches had a wide application in human health. On examining the history of Leech therapy across the world, the ups and downs of this treatment practice can be traced out, and its recent developments can also be assessed. This paper deals with the progression of the practice of leech therapy from time immemorial to the present.