Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Jalaukaavcharan (Leech Therapy) in Raktaj Arsha (Thrombosed Hemorrhoids): A case report based Biomarker Analysis

Authors

  • Y M Santosh Reader, Department of shalyatantra, KAHER’S Shri B M Kankanawadi Ayurveda Mahavidhyalaya
  • Raj Joshi
  • Ujjwal Gupta Assistant Professor, SRI SAI Ayurvedic PG Medical College & Hospital, Sarsol, Aligarh, U.P: 202001

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v13i10.2308

Keywords:

Arshas, Haemorrhoids, Jalaukaavacharan, Leech therapy, Raktaavsechana, TEH

Abstract

Background: Arshas (Haemorrhoids) is a commonly prevalent anorectal disease. Thrombosis is acute complication that occurs in haemorrhoids due to increased venous pressure, causing venous rupture and clot formation which requires immediate treatment, but there is a problem in selecting conservative or surgical management as both have their drawbacks. Raktaavsechana (bloodletting) is a procedure mentioned by Acharya Vagbhata for managing Arshas with this complication.

Case report: A 38 year old patient came to our OPD having complaints of severe pain in anal region along with tender mass and discomfort in anal region. He was unable to pass flatus for the past 3 days. A local examination of perianal region showed a single purple, dark, congested, tender and firm mass extending from 6 to 7 o’clock position.

Intervention: After the examination and history, the case was diagnosed as Raktaj Arsha (EE-3.7) as per Ayurveda and Thrombosed External Haemorrhoids (THE) according to modern science. Patient was managed by Jalaukaavcharan (Leech therapy), followed by Haridra churna (Curcuma longa powder) bandaging.

Outcomes: Clinically patient showed significant reduction in VAS, VDS pain Scores levels to 0/10 by the 3rd day, and biomarker i.e, IL6 levels from 15.462 pg/ml to 0 pg/ml.

Conclusion: In the present case, Jalukaavcharan has shown crucial outcomes as it exhibited analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity which are observed as clinical symptoms were resolved as well as biomarker IL6 levels reduced, offering a robust evidence and its relevance in the current anorectal care as a potential noninvasive procedure for the integration in the treatment of painful anorectal disease (TEH).

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Additional Files

Published

2025-11-17

How to Cite

Santosh , Y. M., Joshi, R., & Gupta, U. (2025). Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Jalaukaavcharan (Leech Therapy) in Raktaj Arsha (Thrombosed Hemorrhoids): A case report based Biomarker Analysis . Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine (JAHM), 13(10), 118-129. https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v13i10.2308