Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 21: Despite being dismissed by modern medical science, leech therapy remains a popular treatment in Kashmir, especially on Novroz, when many people believe it to be most effective.
Large number of people gathered at various locations, including Dargah Hazratbal, on Friday to undergo this traditional practice. Patients with conditions such as swollen joints, headaches, frostbite and skin ailments stood in long queues, awaiting their turn.
Leech therapy is based on the belief that leeches extract “impure blood”, thereby relieving various health issues.
Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani, a practitioner with 40 years of experience, claims to have seen people benefit from it. “Many patients have found relief through leech therapy when other treatments failed,” he said.
Pamposh Ahmad from Srinagar shared his experience: “I spent thousands of rupees on medicines but found no relief. After trying leech therapy, my pain eased significantly,” he said.
Unani doctor Ghulam Nabi explained that leech saliva contains bioactive substances like hirudin, which acts as a natural blood thinner. “Hirudin helps in cardiac diseases and has anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and antimicrobial properties,” he said.
While leeches were traditionally collected from local streams and rivers, practitioners now source them from outside Kashmir. The therapy has deep roots in Perso-Arabic Unani medicine and continues to be practised in South Asia and Central Asia.
Medical experts acknowledge that leech therapy can improve blood circulation and help treat circulatory disorders. “Pharmaceuticals have been developed using compounds from leech saliva to treat hypertension and other conditions,” they said.
Despite advances in modern medicine, this ancient practice continues to hold significance for many in Kashmir—especially on Novroz. (KNO)
