Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

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)

Última actualización: 18 de junio de 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board
Artículo de investigación — revisión de evidenciaReferencia del artículo
Evidence: Case reportEnsayos clínicosDagar 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

Resumen

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

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

Este caso clínico describe a una mujer de 40 años, positiva para hepatitis B, que desarrolló flebitis con dolor intenso e hinchazón en la zona de una cánula intravenosa periférica tras una cirugía por fibroadenosis y fue tratada con terapia con sanguijuelas (Jalaukavacharana), con reducciones notificadas del dolor, la hinchazón y el enrojecimiento, evaluadas mediante la escala VIP en un plazo de 24 horas, y mejoría del movimiento indoloro de la mano. Esto es directamente relevante para el interés central de ASH en la hirudoterapia, al ilustrar una aplicación clínica de la terapia con sanguijuelas para una afección vascular inflamatoria. No obstante, la evidencia se limita a un único caso clínico y el resumen solo aporta una evaluación de desenlaces mediante escala visual, sin comparación controlada ni análisis de laboratorio descritos.

Citación

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

Contexto clínico relacionado

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026

Este sitio web proporciona información educativa y no constituye consejo médico, diagnóstico ni recomendaciones de tratamiento. La terapia con sanguijuelas medicinales conlleva riesgos clínicamente significativos y debe ser realizada únicamente por profesionales calificados bajo protocolos aprobados institucionalmente. La autorización 510(k) de la FDA para sanguijuelas medicinales se limita a indicaciones específicas; las discusiones sobre uso investigativo y fuera de indicación se señalan correspondientemente. Para orientación médica específica, consulte a un profesional de salud calificado.