American Society of Hirudotherapy

Mystical Effect of Leech Therapy an Alternative Ayurvedic Intervention in Thrombophlebitis: A Case Report

Case report published in Alternative therapies in health and medicine (2025)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportClinical TrialsDagar M et al. · Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 2025

Abstract

CONTEXT: Phlebitis, or vein inflammation, is a prevalent in peripheral intravenous cannula consequence that can have mechanical, chemical or bacterial causes. Phlebitis results in a series of unfavorable consequences, including severe discomfort, pain, failure of the PIVC, stoppage of the recommended therapy and need for the insertion of a new PIVC, which is linked with higher equipment costs and staff time and patient discomfort. Conventional treatment generally includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, compression therapy, and anticoagulants, but alternative therapies like Leech Therapy have been underexplored. In this case study, a 40 years old female patient, post-operative case of fibroadenosis. She was also hepatitis-B positive, have complains of severe pain and swelling at site of cannula insertion. She also had difficulty in movement of hand and had very less movement with severe pain. She was successfully treated by Leech therapy. Due to the mechanical and biochemical properties of the leech, Jalaukavcharan (leech therapy) is one of the most effective and natural ways of management. Medicinal leech therapy has a promising potential in pain management and have anti-inflammatory action as saliva of these small bio- creature have thousands of bio-active compounds that are injected in host during blood sucking. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to reduce the swelling and pain at IV cannula site by using Leech therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Leech therapy done at the site of swelling (Phlebitis). RESULT: After leech therapy, result was asses on VIP scale and there was relief in pain and swelling at cannula insertion site also redness decreases and patient have improved painless hand movements with in 24 hours.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleCase Reports
Indexed MeSH termsHumansFemaleLeechingAdultThrombophlebitisMedicine, Ayurvedic

Summary

Phlebitis, or vein inflammation, is a prevalent in peripheral intravenous cannula consequence that can have mechanical, chemical or bacterial causes.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes a 40-year-old hepatitis-B-positive woman who developed phlebitis with severe pain and swelling at a peripheral intravenous cannula site following surgery for fibroadenosis and was treated with leech therapy (Jalaukavacharana), with reported reductions in pain, swelling, and redness assessed on the VIP scale within 24 hours and improved painless hand movement. This is directly relevant to ASH's core interest in hirudotherapy, illustrating a clinical application of leech therapy for an inflammatory vascular condition. However, the evidence is limited to a single case report, and the abstract provides only visual-scale outcome assessment with no controlled comparison or laboratory analysis described.

Citation

Mystical Effect of Leech Therapy an Alternative Ayurvedic Intervention in Thrombophlebitis: A Case Report

Dagar M et al. · Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 2025

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.