AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC CELLULITIS OF THE LEFT LOWER LIMB USING JALAUKAVACHARANA AND ORAL INTERVENTION: A CASE REPORT

Dr. Supriya A. Lende*, Dr. Naimish K. Saraf, Dr. Meghraj V. Andhale, Dr. Gaurav U. Sachdev

ABSTRACT

Cellulitis is an acute-on-chronic spreading bacterial infection of the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissues, clinically mirroring the non-suppurative Ama Avastha of Vrana Shopha in Ayurveda. It involves a pathological swelling of skin and muscle tissue driven by Pitta-Kaphaja Dosha vitiation and localized Rakta Dushti (blood vitiation). Globally, cellulitis is a highly prevalent condition, accounting for approximately 1% to 3% of all emergency department visits and urgent medical admissions annually, with a significantly higher recurrence and chronic rate among individuals subjected to prolonged occupational standing and heat exposure. A 35-year-old male businessman, operating a commercial food canteen, presented with a two-month history of dull aching pain, progressive swelling, and distinct blackish hyperpigmentation of the left lower limb. Clinical evaluation revealed a diffuse, non-pitting swelling with an initial lower leg circumference of 49 cm. The patient was admitted to the inpatient department (IPD) from May 14, 2026, to June 2, 2026, and was successfully managed with an integrative Ayurvedic protocol consisting of internal Samana (palliative) medicines (Aampachak Vati, Triphala Guggulu, Punarnava Guggulu, Dashmoola Kashaya, and Laghumalini Vasant Rasa), and 4 sequential sittings of Jalaukavacharana (Leech Therapy) to drain the Dustha Rakta (vitiated blood) and prevent tissue suppuration.

Keywords: Cellulitis, Vrana Shopha, Jalaukavacharana, Leech Therapy, Rakta Dushti, Prevalence.