A Survey Study on Leech Storage Practices in Ayurveda Hospitals

Sudeepa; Gururaj D.; Sneha A

doi:10.21760/jaims.7.3.3

Sudeepa Professor, Department of Shalya Tantra, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Gururaj D. Professor, Department of Shalya Tantra, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Sneha A Final Year BAMS, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21760/jaims.7.3.3

Keywords: Medicinal leech, Storage, Ayurveda, Jalauka

Abstract

Leech therapy is one of the popular treatment method adopted in Ayurveda hospitals. We have conducted a survey study to evaluate the method of collection; storage and maintenance of leeches. Data regarding the leech storage were collected from 31 Ayurveda hospitals, on the basis of a standardized questionnaire. All the responding hospitals practiced leech therapy, mostly with a storage setup in the minor OT. 68% procured leeches during rainy season from the leech suppliers. 42% responders used tap water and plastic jars for storage. 94% of Ayurveda hospitals did not subject the water used for storage of medicinal leeches for physiochemical and microbial parameters periodically. There is a need for breeding centers in order to supply of medicinal leeches throughout the year. There is a need for establishing national guidelines for good storage and maintenance of medicinal leeches in India.

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