EFFECT OF IRSAL-E- ALAQ (LEECHING) ON VENOUS ULCER- A CASE REPORT

Akmal M*, Zulkifle M, Ansari AH, Shaini Z

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Venous ulcer these days becoming a common problem in the population having habit of sitting and standing for long time period. The event starts with valvular defect in perforating vein and pressure shunting from deep to superficial vein. This inevitably lead pooling and stasis in superficial vein, this further make sluggish blood flow and microcirculation impedance and both in combination cause cellular death and sloughing of the tissue and it is called venous ulcer. Because of presence of higher pro-inflammatory mediator and healing interfering physical forces; stasis, sluggish flow, congestion, impeded microcirculation, venous ulcer refuse to heal unless circulation improved. Irsal-e- alaq (Leeching) found very effective in curing the venous ulcer. Material & Methods: In this study for the purpose of leeching, patients of venous ulcers were selected from surgical OPD of NIUM. Then patients were taken to regimenal therapy unit and two leeches, one on either side of ulcer, were applied for consecutive six weeks at weekly interval. Results: Oedema and oozing disappear within one week. At the end of second week ulcers of both patients were devoid of moisture, oedema and hyperaemia and granulation tissues were growing and at the end of third week depth of ulcer was significantly reduced and they were almost at the level of surrounding skin, still lacking epithelisation. At the end of sixth week ulcer was completely dry and almost healed, only the crater and crusting was evident, there was no oozing, spread, pain, and oedema. Ulcer was completely healed. Conclusion: Unani physician recommended Istefragh i.e. removal of wastes from the site of chronic ulcer for quick healing. This purpose can be fulfilled by Leeching or Irsale alaq which is found very effective in case of venous ulcer. More studies should be conducted with large sample size to explore the method further so that people can get benefit of the leeching with fewer expanses and no surgical interventions.

Keywords: leeching, irsal-e- alaq, venous ulcer, healing of ulcer.