COMPARATIVE STUDY OF JALAUKAVACHARANA AND SIRAVEDHA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS

Varicose veins are dilated, tortuous superficial veins commonly affecting the lower limbs due to venous valve incompetence and chronic venous hypertension. In Ayurveda, varicose veins can be correlated with Siragranthi and Raktadushti, described in classical texts like Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita. Among the Shodhana therapies, Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) and Siravedha (therapeutic venesection) are important Raktamokshana procedures indicated in vascular disorders. This article presents a comparative evaluation of both procedures in the management of varicose veins.