Rakta Mokshana
(Leech Therapy)

Ayurvedic Blood Purification Treatment

What Is Rakta Mokshana?

Rakta Mokshana is one of the five primary cleansing therapies in Ayurveda, collectively known as Panchakarma. This ancient treatment purifies the blood by removing deep-seated toxins and excess Pitta (heat) from the body — often using a powerful and natural tool: leech therapy.

Pancha = Five
Karma = Action

The five actions of Panchakarma are:

  • Vamana – Therapeutic vomiting
  • Virechana – Purgation
  • Basti – Enema therapy
  • Nasya – Nasal & brain detox
  • Rakta Mokshana – Blood purification through leech therapy

 

Why Leech Therapy Is Still Used Today

Modern hospitals in Australia and Europe use leeches in post-surgical recovery to enhance blood circulation and prevent clotting. Leech saliva contains hirudin, the most potent natural anticoagulant known, which enhances healing by improving blood flow to affected areas.

Leeches in a flask

Conditions Treated with Rakta Mokshana:

Leech therapy is traditionally indicated for:

  • Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne
  • Blood disorders and stagnation
  • Necrosis and poor circulation
  • Varicose veins, spider veins & blocked veins
  • Arthritis, joint pain, and inflammation
  • Excess Pitta (heat, acidity, rashes)
  • Gangrene and ulcers
  • Gout and uric acid imbalance
  • Diabetes-related complications
  • Enhancing nerve activity and microcirculation

The Process of Leech Treatment:

  • Preparation treatments such as Abhyanga (oil massage) and Svedana / Pinda Sveda (sweating treatments) are performed for a few days to loosen up, move and pull deep seated toxins to be collected in the peripheral blood tissue.
  • Then the hospital-grade & purified leeches are placed onto the skin on the target area until they naturally latch on and gently start sucking.
  • Sucking can last for 15 minutes and go up to three hours. Everyone is different. The leeches are left on until they have had enough to drink and naturally fall off.
  • After the leeches are off, a herbal anti-bacterial and wound healing paste is applied along with a bandage over the small prick.


Leech therapy does not hurt. It is like a teeny tiny pinch.

“Just as the swan drinks only the milk from diluted milk, similarly the leeches drink only the bad blood first from the pool of (vitiated) blood.”
Astanga Samgraha of Vaghbata, ch 35, 4.

The Wisdom Behind the Leech in Ayurveda

Lord Dhanvantari, the lord of Ayurveda and the health aspect of consciouses, brought four vital instruments to the world in each of his four hands:

  1. Amrit Kalash – A pot of nectar.
  2. The Shankha (conch) – represents the sound/knowledge of Ayurveda.
  3. The Sudarshana Chakra – signifies precision and the power to cut through obstacles & disease.
  4. A LEECH!

The Importance of Blood in Ayurveda

Some Ayurvedic Sages even say that Rakta (blood) is a 4th Dosha.
That’s right, consider Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Rakta!
This is because blood is the only tissue in the body that can be vitiated by itself, all other tissues are vitiated by the doshas.

Dhanvantari print created by Drdha Vrata Gorrik

Dhanvantari by Drdha Vrata Gorrik

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