European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF ATTAI VIDAL (LEECH THERAPY) IN THE TREATMENT OF VARICOSE ULCER.

Loganathan Pon*, Mahalakshmi V., Mahadevan M. V., Periyasami D., Samundeswari P., Muthukumar N. J. and Banumathi V.

ABSTRACT

The Siddha system of medicine, is an ancient traditional medicine with its unique principles and method of diagnosis, helps the people in treating the diseases for many centuries. In this system of medicine there are 32 types of internal and external medicines. Both are having equivalent therapeutic importance. Attai vidal (Leech therapy), one among the 32 types of External medicines, is an invasive procedure used to remove the toxins in diseased parts using leeches. It is one of the treatment modality to treat incurable or delayed curing diseases especially varicose ulcer, varicose eczema, abscess and sometimes acute conditions like contusion. Varicose ulcer is characterized by painless or minimal painful ulcers, often large and indolent commonly seen on the medial malleolus due to venous insufficiency. According to T.V.Sambasivampillai, Varicose ulcer is compared with Narambu Kiranthi pun as mentioned in siddha literature.

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