Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Published on: May 16, 2025
From Maggots to Recovery: Exploring an Integrative Medicine Approach to Chronic Non-Healing Ulcer with Leech Therapy
Meenakshi Dagar1, Sheetal Asutkar2, Ayushi Gautam1
1PG Scholar; Department of Shalyatantra, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College Hospital and Research Centre, Salod (H), Datta Meghan Institute of Higher Education, Wardha, India.
Background:
Chronic, non-healing ulcers, referred to as dushtavrana in Ayurveda present a challenge in medical care since ancient times. Ayurvedic literature, notably Acharya Susrutha Chikithsa Sthana, dedicated a chapter to the treatment of dushtavrana, encompassing sixty procedures (shashti upakramas). Chronic ulcers, influenced by diverse factors, resist a singular therapeutic approach. The inflammatory stage is critical, and disruptions in the order of stages of healing can lead to chronicity. Despite conventional treatments, many ulcers remain resistant, causing physical, financial, and emotional distress to patients. In the context of wound healing in Ayurveda, Jalaukavcharan or leech application emerges as a unique and effective method, especially in challenging cases involving elderly or frail individuals. In addition, Panchvalkal ointment is also an evidence based ayurvedic formulation, showing notable results in wound healing.
Case Study:
This case study involves a 78 years old male patient having a chronic non-healing ulcer with maggots on the planter surface of foot since last 3 years with foul smell, pain, and difficulty in walking.
Objective:
The integration of leech therapy and Panchvalkal ointment as a holistic and potentially transformative approach to address the complexities of chronic non-healing wound.
Material And Method:
Leech therapy once a day for 7 days and dressing with Panchvalkal ointment twice a day for 3 months over wound site after wound debridement. Antibiotic and analgesics were given for 7 seven days to prevent infection and pain management.
Result:
Wound healing was achieved, along with improved physical and emotional status of patient. Result was assessed using Bates-Jensen wound assessment tool with initial score of 49 which reduced to 14 after 90 days of treatment.
Conclusion:
Leech therapy and Panchvalkal ointment offers a promising, holistic solution for chronic non-healing wounds. However, further research is warranted to validate its efficacy.
Keywords:
chronic non-healing ulcer, leech therapy, panchvalkal ointment, wound debridement, integrative medicine, case report.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current...
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:25Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
01:30Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Damaging agents such as Helicobacter pylori, gastric acid, pepsin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can weaken the mucosal defense, allowing hydrogen ions to infiltrate back and harm epithelial cells.
01:23Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...