Irsal-e-Alaq (Leech Therapy) in Unani System of Medicine: A Review

Abstract

Irsal e Alaq (Leech or Hirudo therapy) is one of the most important and widely practiced methods of regimental therapy used for local evacuation of morbid humors. Irsale alaq is the method of evacuation of morbid humors from the body and thereby balancing the four humors and hence regaining the health. The imbalance in the quality and quantity of these humors leads to diseases whereas restoration of this balance maintains health of a person. The treatment methodology of diseases is based on four therapeutic modalities viz. regimental therapy, dieto-therapy, pharmacotherapy and surgery. It is a procedure of treatment with the use of medicinal leeches. It has been suggested and successfully practiced by Greeko-Arab physicians in the management of musculoskeletal diseases, gynecological disorders, chronic skin diseases, thromboembolic diseases, varicose veins, ENT disorders etc. since long. According to Unani doctrine, the efficacy of leech therapy is attributed to the analgesic and resolvent activities of leeches.

Keywords: Regimental therapy, Irsale Alaq, leech therapy, Unani medicine

Cite this Article Anees Shah, Salim Shah, Tanvir Khan. Irsal-e-Alaq (Leech Therapy) in Unani System of Medicine: A Review. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2018; 5(1): 27–31p.