Role of Jalaukavcharan in Urdhwajatrugata Vikara-Pictorial Review

Introduction: Urdhwajatrugata Vikara includes disorders affecting the region above the clavicle, involving vital sense organs such as eyes, ears, nose, and oral cavity. These conditions are commonly associated with rakta dushti and pitta predominance, presenting with symptoms like burning sensation, redness, swelling, and pain. Jalaukavacharana, a form of raktamokshana described in the sushruta samhita, is considered particularly suitable for such conditions due to its gentle and localized action. Aim: To evaluate and illustrate the role of jalaukavacharana in the management of urdhwajatrugata vikara through a pictorial review. Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive pictorial review based on documented clinical cases of jalaukavacharana in urdhwajatrugata disorders. Clinical images were selected based on relevance, clarity, and proper depiction of the application site. The procedure was performed according to classical ayurvedic guidelines using medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis). Data were presented as categorized images with descriptive observations. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and patient anonymity, were maintained. Results: The pictorial documentation demonstrated the application of jalaukavacharana at various anatomical sites such as periorbital, perioral, and temporal regions. Symptomatic relief was observed in conditions like stomatitis, dental pain, migraine, and facial inflammatory lesions, particularly in terms of reduction in pain, burning sensation, swelling, and redness. Discussion: Jalaukavacharana acts by removing vitiated rakta and pacifying pitta dosha, thereby alleviating inflammatory symptoms. From a modern perspective, bioactive components in leech saliva, such as hirudin, contribute to anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects. Its localized, minimally invasive nature makes it especially useful in delicate regions and in patients where surgical intervention is not feasible. Conclusion: Jalaukavacharana is a safe and effective parasurgical modality for managing urdhwajatrugata vikara, particularly in rakta-pitta predominant conditions. Further studies with standardized parameters are required to establish its efficacy more conclusively.