Ancient Ayurvedic texts recommend Raktamokshana (bloodletting) as a therapeutic measure for managing pittaja and raktaja disorders. Mukhdushika (Acne vulgaris), a condition caused by the vitiation of pitta and rakta (blood), can be effectively treated using Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy). This study examines the efficacy of Jalaukavacharana in addressing mukhdushika. A 20- year-old female patient visited the Shalya OPD at the DMM Ayurvedic College & L.K. Ayurved Hospital, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, with a two-year history of pimples on both cheeks, along with itching and a burning sensation. The therapy was performed on both cheeks due to the bilateral distribution of lesions, with sessions conducted on Day 1, Day 3, and Day 7. Initial symptoms included pain (vedana), pus discharge (puya srava), inflammation (shopha), burning sensation (daha), and itching (kandu). Over the course of three sittings, significant symptom relief was observed, with complete recovery achieved after 30 days of treatment. Jalaukavacharana facilitated the removal of vitiated blood, promoting local detoxification (sthanik shodana). The procedure proved to be a safe, cost-effective, and non-invasive approach for managing mukhdushika, with no short-term adverse effects reported.
Shrirao et al. (2025) studied this question.