Ancient Leech Therapy Make a Modern Comeback in Kashmir

The ancient physician's art of using leeches has made a modern comeback, as worms are known to help healers do everything, from curing blood pressure to gout.

Abdul Wahaab, a healer, sits outside the Hazratbal Shrine on Fridays and treats people with leeches.

“We get leeches from outside and keep them in clay pots, wash and rinse them many times,” says Wahaab.

Wahaab has no medical education and little formal education.

"Leech therapy is not new. It is an ancient and most reliable therapy with no side effects, and the Muslim holy book also makes a clear reference to it,” he said.

Using leeches to draw blood, like the use of maggots to clean out infected flesh, has made a comeback. It heels faster than the normal treatment and also saves from the side effects of the medicines used to cure these ailments.

Leech therapy is effective in surgical reattachments of fingers, toes, ears for its ability to prevent venous congestion.

Though medical practitioners agree on the effectiveness and medicinal values of leeches, they say the therapy should be conducted under medical supervision.

"We can use leeches, but we have to see the size of the injury. Accordingly, we have to use the leech. We use the leech because after the leech is removed, wound can bleed continuously for more than six hours. So, we have to take proper care of the wound after the leech is removed. And leeches are to be removed under medical supervision," said Yasmeen Jaan, a dietician.