In Pictures: Leech Therapy Marks Nowruz In Kashmir

Nowruz (new day) marks the beginning of the Persian new year and arrival of spring. In Kashmir, people throng the traditional leech therapists on the auspicious occasion to supposedly treat various skin and joint ailments like frostbite, gout and arthritis. While Medicinal Leech Therapy (MLT) is an established complementary medicine method in medical science, in Kashmir, it is believed that the leech sucks the "impure blood" and helps to treat various skin and joint ailments.

Leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) placed on the hand of a kid to suck "impure blood" on Nowruz on March 21, 2022.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

While adults throng traditional leech therapists on Nowruz to supposedly treat various skin and joint ailments, children too are made to undergo the therapy for frostbites during winters. Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

A girl looks away as leeches suck blood from her feet to supposedly treat a skin ailment, on Nowruz on March 21, 2022 in Kashmir. Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

While Medicinal Leech Therapy (MLT) has been established as a complementary medicine method in medical science, in Kashmir, it is believed that the leech sucks the "impure blood" which helps to treat various skin and joint ailments. Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

Leeches suck blood from the arm and hand of two women on Nowruz on March 21, 2022.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

A boy stays steady as a leech sucks blood from his forehead to supposedly cure a skin problem on Nowruz on March 21, 2022.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

Leech Therapy in Kashmir

Leech Therapy

Leech Therapy on Nowruz

Medicinal Leech Therapy

In Pictures: Leech Therapy Marks Nowruz In Kashmir

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