Irsale Alaq (Hirudotherapy / Leech Therapy)

Medicinal leeches (Alaq) have been used to treat various diseases for centuries. The first documented accounts of the use of leeches for medicinal purpose date back to the time of Greek (Unani) physician Hippocrates (Father of medicine). Medicinal leeches are gifted with natural healing properties by God.About 15 species of leeches (Alaq) are used in medicine, mostly Hirudo medicinalis.
We follow strict ethical sterilization techniques in storing leeches and during procedure. Leeches have modified jaw for firm attachment and releases natural analgesic, anesthetic and anticoagulant substances found in their saliva. These help in painless attachment on the body for long time and removal of more waste blood easily. After sufficient sucking leech detach itself. Research shows it magical effect in those even conditions which do not respond to any other treatment like non healing wounds, plastic surgeries and indications mentioned below.

The General Indications for Leech Therapy:

  • Varicose veins, eczema and ulcers
  • Passive congestions
  • Rheumatic diseases
  • Tendonitis
  • Thrombosed piles
  • Psoriasis
  • Alopecia
  • Varicocele
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fungal infections
  • Pigment disorders of skin
  • Abscesses & non-healing wounds
  • Elephantiasis
  • Also used in plastic surgery

Contra-indications:

  • Anaemia
  • Weakness and debility
  • Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Pregnancy & Lactation
  • Extremes of temperatures

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) related to Hijama :

Q: How much blood does a patient lose during the treatment?

Answer: A Leech can consume between 5ml to 15ml of blood ,4-6 times their body weight in one sitting.

Q: Does a leech bite causes pain?

Answer: Negligible pain like that of mosquito bite may be felt in few subjects at the time of bite only.

Q: Are there side effects?

Answer: With right execution of leech therapy and attention of all contraindications, side effects are very rare.

Q: Why is leech therapy used instead of other medical treatment?

Answer: In some cases, leeches do a better job by removing pooled blood and toxins than any other medical therapy.

Q: What are the benefits of leech therapy?

Answer: The benefits of leech therapy are not only the amount of blood that the leech removes, it is the anti-blood clotting enzymes (hirudin, calin, destabilase) in their saliva that allows blood flow from the area. Similarly analgesic and anesthetic substances in the saliva help reducing pain.

Q: Can a leech be used again after its first application?

Answer: A leech can be used to same patient only after few days. Just after detachment of leech, sucked blood is drawn out by inducing vomit to that leech.