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 The
sight of a leech is likely to repel most of us. But did you know
that these parasites are being used to treat a wide range of ailments?
The leech belongs to the class oligochaeta. It feeds on the blood
of mammals. Leeches have five pair of eyes situated at its front
end. They have been used by people since ancient times to treat
high blood pressure, to relieve pain and to remove bad blood. Now
it is used widely in micro surgery, restoring amputated parts and
in enhancing circulation of blood in the injured area.
The leech secretes a chemical that prevents blood from clotting
and this has been found to benefit blood circulation. Researchers
are finding possibilities of anti tumor effect in leech saliva.
Leeches inject anesthetics which makes its presence undetected.
Leeches feed on the host for about 20 to 40 minutes. It leaves a
star type scar on the host. The size of the leech increases 8 to
11 times after feeding on the host. They feed only once in six months
.  Leeches
can detect movement of shadows especially when they are hungry.
Medicinal leeches are amphibious and live in fresh water.
Dr Muralidhara of the Indian Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine and
Research says, "Leech treatment is part of surgery. It sucks impure
and congested blood by which diseases are either fully cured or
checked. After the leech treatment, the leech is made to vomit the
impure blood. Otherwise, the leech will live with the impure blood
for one year."
"We select the leeches from biological gardens and ponds and identify
whether they are poisonous or non poisonous. Only then do we select
the leeches for treatment. A leech can be used several times. After
the leech treatment, these leeches have to be left unutilized for
at least one week," adds the doctor.
For further information contact:
Indian Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine & Research
Address : Bangalore Palace Compound, Opposite to Darga,
Jayamahal Road, Bangalore-560006
Phone : 2353 0013
Fax : 2333 7098
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