Leech Therapy (Jalouka) for Varicose Veins: Myth vs. Medicine

Leech therapy (Hirudotherapy) is an ancient Ayurvedic practice often marketed in India as a “natural cure” for varicose veins. While leeches secrete enzymes that temporarily thin the blood and reduce pain, leech therapy cannot cure varicose veins. It is a temporary management tool, not a solution for valve failure.

leach therapy vs venaseal

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Why Leech Therapy Fails

Varicose veins are caused by “Venous Reflux”—a broken valve inside the vein that allows blood to fall backward.

  • Leeches: Suck the pooled blood out from the surface.
  • The Reality: As soon as you stand up, gravity pulls more blood down, filling the vein again. The broken valve remains broken.

The Hidden Dangers

Dr. Saurabh Joshi frequently treats complications arising from attempted leech therapy:

  • Non-Healing Ulcers: Creating bite wounds on legs with poor circulation is dangerous. It often turns a simple vein problem into a chronic wound.
  • Severe Infection: We have seen cases of cellulitis caused by unsterile leeches.
  • Bleeding: The anti-clotting enzymes can cause prolonged bleeding that is difficult to stop at home.

The Medical Alternative

If you are looking for a “non-surgical” needle treatment, Foam Sclerotherapy is the scientific equivalent. Instead of sucking blood out, we inject medicine in to seal the leak permanently.

Is Leech Therapy cheaper than Laser?

Initially, yes. However, since it does not cure the problem, patients end up spending money on repeated sessions for years. A one-time curative procedure like VenaSeal, EVLA or Sclerotherapy is more cost-effective in the long run based on severity of your condition.