The patient’s regimen after the hirudotherapy procedure is individual, as is the treatment itself. It is usually recommended to rest after treatment for 24 hours, semi-bed rest. Some patients need to stay at home for two to three days (if using a large number of leeches and if they feel unwell after the procedure). The severity of the regimen is determined by assessing the patient’s condition after the leeches fall off. In my practice, I often come across very active patients who immediately after the procedure rush to work and hardly rest, despite recommendations. The rhythm of life of a modern person, even an unhealthy one, does not give him time to rest.

How to treat a wound after a leech bite

After the leech is removed or falls off, a three-rayed wound with a diameter of 1–2 mm and a depth of about 1.5 mm remains. Blood and lymph ooze profusely from the wound. After the procedure, the doctor treats the wound and applies a bandage. We use sanitary pads as they can absorb large amounts of blood and are more convenient than cotton wool.

At home, the patient changes the dressings as needed (approximately every 3 to 4 hours).

Typically, bleeding after hirudotherapy lasts from 3 hours to a day. Substances injected by a leech into the wound prevent blood clotting and bleeding continues until they are washed out of the wound by the blood flow.

You can take a shower after the bleeding has stopped, and a general bath no earlier than 5 to 6 days later. Do not rub the wound with a washcloth to avoid introducing infection into the wound.

A few days after the start of hirudotherapy, the bite sites and the skin around them begin to itch. Itching can vary in intensity (from mild to unbearable). Beware of scratching wounds! In these cases, I recommend lubricating the skin around the wound with Fenistil-gel (sold at any pharmacy).

Complete healing and falling off of the crust occurs by the end of the third week after the bite.

Small scars from a bite in rare cases can remain for many years, this depends on the tendency of the patient’s skin to form keloid scars. To prevent scars, I recommend early use of Dermatix cream, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.

Today, along with the latest drugs and technologies of modern medicine, proven methods of treatment, known to man for many centuries, do not lose their relevance. These include leeches. The benefits and harms of such treatment cause a lot of debate. Let's figure out how leeches act on the human body.

Medical leech

There are about 500 varieties of them, found in ponds in the wild. They cannot be treated. Doctors use special medicinal leeches, the benefits and harms of which are controlled when grown in laboratories. They come in only two types: medicinal and pharmaceutical.

The medicinal leech has an oral cavity on the front sucker with three jaws, each of which has a hundred chitinous teeth. This worm has five pairs of eyes, excellent hearing and sense of smell. Thanks to this, the leech itself finds a place on the human skin with biologically active points.

The principle of treatment with leeches

Despite the fact that leeches are located on human skin, they affect

deep tissues. The hyaluronidase produced by them has the property of increasing the permeability and sensitivity of tissues. By biting through the skin and sucking blood, the worm gives in return, among which hirudin is especially valued. It helps cleanse blood vessels.

No more than 7 leeches are usually used in one hirudotherapy session. Each of them sucks about 15 ml of blood. Use the leech only once. After the procedure, it is destroyed in acid. This eliminates the possibility of infection of the patient.

Wounds left by leeches may bleed within 24 hours after the session. This is considered normal, so there is no need to be alarmed. However, if bleeding does not stop after 24 hours, you should consult a doctor.

Hirudotherapy: benefit or harm

Hirudotherapy - the treatment of diseases with the help of medicinal leeches - is quite popular today. Usually, before the session, patients try to find out what the benefits and harms of a leech can be. Reviews of this treatment are often positive.

The effectiveness of hirudotherapy lies in the fact that the beneficial substances secreted by the worm go directly to the site of the disease. They have a resolving effect on scars and stagnant formations in tissues, and help reduce benign tumors and nodes. Treatment with leeches will help improve metabolism and rejuvenate the body. The benefits and harms of this technique are usually noticeable after the first session.

The secretion produced by leeches is capable of breaking down fats and removing cholesterol. Thanks to this, hirudotherapy is used for weight loss, getting rid of cellulite and atherosclerosis.

The effectiveness of hirudotherapy

Will leech treatment help me? What benefit (harm) is possible after the session? Many people ask these questions. Hirudotherapy is highly effective due to several types of effects on the human body. The reflex action consists of the worm biting the skin in the right places. This effect is similar to acupuncture.

The mechanical effect is expressed in bloodletting, leading to the release of blood vessels. More oxygen and nutrients enter the blood. Thanks to this, blood pressure normalizes and pain in the area of ​​the disease disappears.

The biological effect is the entry into the blood of leech saliva, which contains many beneficial substances of natural origin. They have a healing effect and improve the functioning of the body.

When is hirudotherapy prescribed?

Typically, hirudotherapy is prescribed to patients with hypertension, angina pectoris, various forms of dystonia, trophic ulcers, atherosclerosis, and varicose veins. The scope of application of medicinal leeches is quite wide. They are used to treat the following diseases:

• Diabetes mellitus, gout, obesity and other diseases that are associated with improper metabolism.
• Problems of the musculoskeletal system: osteochondrosis, hernias, myositis and arthrosis.
• Kidney diseases.
• Skin diseases such as acne, psoriasis and furunculosis.
• Neurological diseases: migraine, radiculitis, epilepsy, neurosis, and sleep disorders.
• Diseases and glaucoma.
• Gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis.
• Thyroid diseases.
• Fractures, hematomas and postoperative adhesions.
• Inflammation of the genital organs, prostatitis, ovarian dysfunction and menstrual irregularities.

This is not a complete list of ailments that leeches help get rid of. The benefits and harms of such treatment depend on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body, which a qualified doctor can determine. He is the one who is able to prescribe an effective course of hirudotherapy.

Treatment of the spine with leeches

When treating diseases of the spine, hirudotherapy is often used. Impact

leeches helps restore normal physiological processes that occur in the tissues around the spinal column. Hirudotherapy is prescribed for spinal hernia as an addition to the main method of treatment. After surgery, leeches can prevent various complications. They speed up the healing of scars and reduce the possibility of a new hernia forming.

Leeches are an effective remedy in the treatment of osteochondrosis. They help improve blood circulation in tissues. Thanks to them, the muscles relax and pain is reduced. The secretion of leeches that enters the bloodstream restores damaged intervertebral discs. After several sessions, the swelling that often accompanies osteochondrosis disappears.

Contraindications

Hirudotherapy has contraindications. Not all patients can be treated with a leech. The benefits and harms of such medical procedures depend on the patient’s health status. This method should not be used by people with low blood pressure, poor blood clotting, or those who have suffered a stroke. Contraindications are allergic reactions, the presence of malignant tumors, pregnancy and lactation.

When taking anticoagulants - drugs that help reduce blood clotting - treatment with leeches is not recommended.

Is treatment with leeches dangerous?

Many patients often ask: is it possible to harm from leeches? Along with

Given the existing contraindications, hirudotherapy in some cases can cause complications in the form of an infection introduced through the wound. However, according to doctors, the likelihood of such consequences of treatment with leeches is very low.

To avoid complications, it is necessary to take the necessary precautions during and after the session. It is best to conduct a session in a specialized clinic, where a qualified doctor will conduct the necessary tests and create an individual course of treatment.

Thus, hirudotherapy can be used both in the complex treatment of diseases and as an independent remedy. It relieves many ailments and heals the body.

Hirudotherapy: history, benefits (thrombolytic, bactericidal and other effects), indications for use, leech extract in cosmetics, cultivation of medicinal leeches, doctors' opinion - video

Hirudotherapy (leech treatment): description, benefits, indications, effects, opinion of a dermatocosmetologist - video

Home hirudotherapy: is it possible to apply leeches yourself?

Hirudotherapy (leeches), gymnastics, baths, microenemas in the treatment of prostatitis - video

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Hirudotherapy(other name - bdellotherapy) – variety physiotherapy, and alternative medicine, a method of treating various diseases based on the use of medicinal leeches.

Use of medicinal leeches

In Russia and Western countries they use medical leech- a type of annelid worm. It lives throughout almost the entire territory of Europe, but in recent centuries its numbers have greatly decreased due to mass trapping.

Be that as it may, lowering blood pressure by reducing the volume of circulating blood does not solve the main problem. It is necessary to carry out treatment aimed at the cause of arterial hypertension.

Hirudotherapy for liver diseases

For liver diseases, leeches are placed on the stomach in the liver area, in the anus area. It is believed that hirudotherapy helps eliminate high blood pressure in the veins, reduce blood clotting, that is, reduce the disorders that occur with many liver diseases.

Hirudotherapy for diabetes mellitus

Hirudotherapy is most often used for type II diabetes mellitus, which is associated with a decrease in the sensitivity of body tissues to insulin. Leeches are placed in the area of ​​the solar plexus and coccyx.

Hirudotherapy for hemorrhoids

For hemorrhoids, leeches help prevent thrombosis and help reduce inflammation and the size of nodes. Hirudotherapy is used only for external hemorrhoids. During the procedure, the patient is placed on his stomach. Leeches are placed in the anus, tailbone, and sometimes directly on the nodes. As a rule, no more than 4 leeches are used for hemorrhoids.

Hirudotherapy for prostatitis

Effects due to which hirudotherapy helps with prostatitis:

• Suction of blood by leeches. Leeches are specially placed at points so that they help reduce the volume of circulating blood in the prostate gland.
• Reflex impact. Leeches are located at special biologically active (acupuncture) points, which reflexively improves blood flow in the prostate.
• Action of leech saliva components. Biologically active substances improve the condition of the prostate gland.

The location of leeches in chronic prostatitis may vary, and there are different patterns. A hirudotherapist can install them in the area of ​​the liver, solar plexus, pubis, and coccyx.

Hirudotherapy for thyroid diseases

Sometimes hirudotherapy is performed for nodules in the thyroid gland. Leeches are installed in special “energy centers” in such a way that they restore normal functioning of the organ and improve the patient’s condition.

Hirudotherapy for thrombophlebitis

Hirudotherapy is used for all stages of thrombophlebitis: acute, subacute and chronic. It is believed that medicinal leeches bring the best effect in acute thrombophlebitis. The number of leeches is selected individually; they are placed not on the vein itself, but at a distance of 1-1.5 cm from it.

Hirudotherapy for kidney diseases

In nephrology, hirudotherapy is most often used for conditions such as glomerulonephritis, consequences of kidney injuries, and chronic renal failure.

Features of hirudotherapy for kidney diseases:

Hirudotherapy for nerve diseases

Hirudotherapy is used for a wide range of neurological pathologies:

• Neuralgia, neuritis.
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
• Myopathy.
• Previous ischemic stroke.

The placement of leeches is determined depending on the nature of the disease: they can be placed along the affected nerve, in the area of ​​pinched nerve roots on the back.

Hirudotherapy for cellulite

Effects of medicinal leeches on cellulite:

• Destruction of adipose tissue.
• Improving blood flow in the area of ​​subcutaneous fatty tissue, removing harmful metabolic products.

Leeches are installed in problem areas.

Hirudotherapy for arthritis

It is believed that hirudotherapy helps improve the condition of arthritis of the knee and hip joints. Leech saliva contains substances that improve blood flow and metabolic processes in the joint.

Hirudotherapy for cancer

For oncological diseases, hirudotherapy is not only useless, but also contraindicated. Cancer is a serious diagnosis that requires special treatment and should only be dealt with by a qualified oncologist. In many cancer patients, as a result of the tumor itself or chemotherapy, radiation therapy, blood clotting and immunity decrease, and anemia develops. These conditions are direct contraindications to hirudotherapy.

Hirudotherapy in dentistry

Leech treatment is used for the following dental diseases:

• Inflammatory diseases: chronic periodontitis, including in the acute stage, periostitis (inflammation of the periosteum), alveolitis (inflammation of the alveoli). After the first session, many patients feel better, pain and swelling decrease.
• Neurological pathologies of the maxillofacial area: neuropathy of the trigeminal nerve, neuralgia of the trigeminal, glossopharyngeal nerve.
• Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome– a rare disease that manifests itself in the form of repeated paralysis of the facial muscles, swelling of the facial tissues, upper lip, folds on the tongue.
• Salivary gland disease: chronic sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary glands), sialadenosis (a disease that is accompanied by enlargement and dysfunction of the salivary glands).

Hirudotherapy against acne

For acne, hirudotherapy helps reduce inflammation, the intensity of color of stagnant spots on the skin, and scars that remain in place of acne. In addition, thanks to medicinal leeches, immune defense is enhanced and swelling is reduced.

Hirudotherapy for obesity

It is believed that leeches are able to “activate” the body, “give an impulse” that will help cope with extra pounds, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, liver, and accelerate the removal of waste and toxins from the body. According to hirudotherapists, all this helps fight extra pounds.

Hirudotherapy during pregnancy and lactation

During pregnancy, hirudotherapy is contraindicated. It is worth refraining from treatment with medicinal leeches during breastfeeding.

Hirudotherapy: history, benefits (thrombolytic, bactericidal and other effects), indications for use, leech extract in cosmetics, cultivation of medicinal leeches, doctors' opinion - video

Hirudotherapy (leech treatment): description, benefits, indications, effects, opinion of a dermatocosmetologist - video

Possible harm (contraindications)

There are not many possible complications of hirudotherapy, and yet sometimes they arise:

• Allergic reaction to leeches. It can occur both on live leeches and on products that contain their extracts. This condition is rare and can sometimes be very severe. If the patient has had an allergic reaction to leeches once, further hirudotherapy is contraindicated.
• Large hemorrhages under the skin. They occur particularly frequently in some areas, such as the eyelids. Therefore, it is not recommended to place leeches in these places.
• Entry into the wound infections. During a bite, a leech releases substances into the wound that destroy pathogenic microorganisms. Infection most often occurs due to the fact that the patient does not take good care of the wounds or comb them.
• Enlarged lymph nodes. Hyaluronidase, an enzyme present in the saliva of leeches, “reveals” hidden foci of infection. Particles of pathogenic microorganisms settle in the nearest lymph nodes. Normally, they should be neutralized there, but sometimes the lymph node cannot cope, inflammation develops in it, and it increases in size.

Main contraindications to hirudotherapy:

• Pregnancy.
• Hemophilia, hemorrhagic diathesis, any conditions accompanied by decreased blood clotting.
• Wasting (cachexia).
• Severe anemia – a drop in hemoglobin level in the blood to less than 100 g/l.
• Allergic reaction to leeches.
• Mental illness, epileptic seizures, severe mental agitation.

Do they place leeches at home?

Yes, some hirudocenters offer specialist home visits. The procedure at home is practically no different from that in the clinic.

Home hirudotherapy: is it possible to apply leeches yourself?

The use of medicinal leeches is a procedure that can have complications and has certain contraindications. Without knowing all the features, you can harm the patient or even put his life at risk. A severe allergic reaction may develop to leech saliva, requiring immediate medical attention. Hirudotherapy should only be performed by an appropriately trained specialist.

Is hirudotherapy used in children?

According to hirudotherapists, the use of medicinal leeches is indicated for children from the first days of life. Features of hirudotherapy in children:

• Medical leeches in children should be used with great caution. The child must be constantly under the supervision of a doctor.
• In newborns, one leech is usually used. With age, their number increases to 1-3. In older children and adolescents, the number of leeches is closer to that used in adults.
• Usually, no problems arise with the use of medicinal leeches in children under 3 years of age. As the child gets older, he begins to understand what is happening to him and may react violently negatively to the procedure. The task of the hirudotherapist is to find a common language with the child.
, disorders of the digestive system.

Hirudotherapy (leeches), gymnastics, baths, microenemas in the treatment of prostatitis - video

Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Hirudotherapy is a method of treatment in which, instead of conventional medications, medicinal leeches are used for therapy. Giruda is the scientific name of a healing medicinal leech, which has been used for clinical bloodletting for hundreds of years. The healing effect of therapy is scientifically confirmed and proven.

Over the centuries of existence, treatment with leeches has given rise to many myths; in order to understand the real possibilities of this therapy, it is necessary to debunk some far-fetched facts.

Treatment with medicinal leeches cures any disease

This is a myth. There are many health problems that cannot be cured only by hirudotherapy: heart attack, apoplexy and acute inflammatory processes. Leech therapy does not make sense if the body suffers due to a lack of any microelements in the blood, as well as with certain pathologies of internal organs. In addition, treatment with leeches is even contraindicated for certain diseases: allergies, fever, acute infectious diseases, toxicosis, bleeding disorders and sepsis. These health pathologies must be treated with medications, and hirudotherapy can be used after the acute condition has resolved, during the period of remission.

Frequent use of leeches contributes to death from blood loss

It is impossible to talk about a specific number of leeches that must be used during a session. It is known that in pre-revolutionary times, the use of up to fifty of these animals per procedure was successfully practiced, however, after suction, the leeches were removed quickly enough, excluding complete saturation with blood.

When treating endocrine system disorders during hirudotherapy sessions, up to 40 of these animals are installed in 1 session. In this case, it is recommended to carry out 1-2 similar procedures per month. In this case, a positive result will appear after 4-5 months.

For benign prostatic hyperplasia, diseases of the mammary glands in women, diabetes mellitus, gangrene or painful obesity, about 100 of these animals are installed in one procedure. But when they just stick, they are immediately removed. Before and after procedures in these cases, patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids (up to 7 liters per day).

Many experts have their own points of view regarding the required number of leeches for a session. But it is necessary to remember that hirudotherapy treatment is carried out only in highly specialized hospitals. institutions.

There is a method of hirudotherapy that cures several mental disorders, including epilepsy. During the procedure, 30-70 leeches are placed on the head of a patient suffering from epileptic seizures. Therefore, it is necessary to shave the patient’s head bald in advance. Animals are removed almost immediately after biting the skin. The leech introduces useful substances into the patient’s blood, thanks to which the required amount of microelements is restored in the body.

Leeches are not placed in bioenergy zones

Initially, in Tibetan medicine, leeches were installed precisely in these zones. This technology has recently begun to be used by our specialists. In special medical For the purpose of prevention, institutions place leeches on the main energy zones: the perineum, pubis, navel, solar plexus and in the area of ​​the bridge of the nose. In places where the concentration of inflammatory processes is especially high, there is a large amount of dark blood. In patients prone to hypertension, animals are positioned from the upper zones going down to the lower ones, in patients with hypotension - from the lower points to the upper ones.

Reusing leeches is prohibited

In Tibet, there was an opinion that a leech sucks negative energy out of a person, so it can no longer be used again. From a medical point of view, it is prohibited to use the same leech to treat different people.

It has been established that leeches that have already been used can be beneficial again after 3-4 months. For ethical reasons, it is impossible to destroy living beings that helped a sick person, therefore, during subsequent productions, they are not allowed to be fully satisfied.

Leeches can be “milked”

In various literary publications there are recommendations on how, after the second procedure, you can speed up the process of the leech’s performance and benefits by “milking” it: in order for the leech to start spitting out blood, you need to lower it into a saucer with salt water, then lower it head down and gently make touches from top to bottom using movements. After the manipulations, after 1.5-2 months the little doctor will be ready to work. But this method has not been scientifically proven.

Medical leeches can be installed on any part of the body

Microbiologists claim that leeches stick only to the necessary reflexogenic points on which needles are placed during acupuncture. But experienced doctors say that these animals can attach themselves to absolutely any place on the patient’s body, the main thing is that they need the area of ​​the body to be warm and without hair.

When using leeches at home, it is strictly forbidden to allow these animals to attach themselves to any place they choose. In specialized clinics, leeches are installed using a glass bottle; as a rule, the area of ​​suction is limited to the radius of this object. Areas of the body on which it is strictly forbidden to place leeches: eyes, vagina, male genitals, tongue, gums, places of major blood vessels, even minor damage to which is life-threatening, arteries and veins.

You can get infections when using leeches

Experts in this field say this is impossible. But still many people continue to doubt it. You can understand these people, because during the procedure there is direct contact of the leech with human blood. Some patients, in confirmation of infection, show formed boils 2-3 days after the procedure, but it is worth noting that the boils in these cases formed in places on the skin where the leech did not stick.

And, nevertheless, infection is completely excluded, but boils still appear. This is explained by the fact that highly effective biological substances contained in the saliva of little doctors reveal foci of hidden infection. In such cases, experts consider it necessary to place leeches on the boil itself. It has been scientifically proven that in the body of these creatures there is a bacterium that, in addition to fighting the infection within itself, also treats the sick patient.

Leeches cure cancer

There is an assumption that a fairly common disease, trichomoniasis, can generate cancerous tissue in the body. Due to a prolonged and untreated course, microbes begin to accumulate in plaques, then form into capsules. Next, capsules are formed in the weakest point of the human body, and contribute to the formation of cancer cells. And the healing properties of leech saliva cleanse the blood of harmful bacteria, thereby preventing the formation of plaques and, accordingly, cancerous tissue.

Thus, the risk of cancer is reduced. Some clinics practice using these little doctors to treat existing cancer, while other specialized centers, on the contrary, believe that cancer is a contraindication for hirudotherapy. But all experts at the same time do not recommend using leeches on your own.

At home, it doesn’t matter where to start therapy

Some people, on the contrary, are of the opinion that these animals cannot harm and that no matter where you put them, they will still be useful. Therefore, treatment and prevention can be carried out from any place on the body.

But still, doctors are against placing leeches on the area of ​​the liver themselves. This is due to the fact that biliary tract disease is a fairly common disease even among most healthy people.

This disease manifests itself in a slight grayish or yellowish tint to the white of the eyeball. Stagnant processes in the liver provoke the development of cardiovascular diseases, varicose veins, urological and gynecological problems. Therefore, it is recommended to take preventive measures to prevent this problem. Prevention can be carried out independently.

Treatment with leeches is unpleasant due to their appearance

Undoubtedly, the sight of these animals does not evoke a feeling of admiration. You should not convince yourself that this creature will crawl around your body in search of the best place to suction. But this will not happen, because doctors install leeches only in certain places. After the procedure, the animals are sent for disposal. In view of this, it is better to focus on the positive outcome of leech therapy.

Hirudotherapy is a painful procedure

A leech bite is similar to a mosquito bite, so the procedure is quite tolerable and the patient does not feel any discomfort after it. The only discomfort after the procedure is small wounds that may bleed for several hours.

Hirudotherapy is an expensive treatment

In fact, the prices for hirudotherapy are not that high. The cost of the procedure will depend on the problem that needs to be treated. As a rule, specialists prescribe several sessions using 2-3 dozen leeches. Some honey institutions provide the opportunity to purchase leeches. But it is important to understand that therapy with leeches is not a cure for all diseases, so this method of treatment is best used as a preventive measure or used during the recovery stage after an illness.

Any leech is suitable for treatment

It is a myth. For the treatment of people, a certain type of leeches is specially bred, which are called “medical leeches.” They are grown in special biological laboratories under sterile conditions. But even thanks to the favorable conditions created specifically for these animals, finding a leech of a suitable species is not entirely easy. The ideal little doctor: smooth, has the flattest body shape and a sharp head. In addition, the animal's body should have a greenish color, orange stripes, and black dots on the back. Other varieties of leeches are not suitable for treatment.

Leeches firmly attach themselves and drink all the blood

It is a myth. For complete saturation, the leech needs 45-60 minutes. During this amount of time, it absorbs 5-15 mg of blood. The volume of blood absorbed depends on several factors: the time of year, the age of the patient and his smell, as well as the smell in the room. After satiation, the animal disconnects itself. If this does not happen, then a doctor will help with this. To do this, the specialist brings a swab soaked in alcohol to the front sucker of the leech. After removing the animals, bleeding wounds remain on the body, from which blood can ooze for quite a long time, up to a day. During this period, a volume of blood will flow out of the wound equal to the amount of blood that the leech sucked out. During a session, the patient loses no more than 50-210 mg of blood.

It is worth noting that the leech takes away stagnant blood containing a large amount of harmful putrefactive substances. Removing harmful blood helps normalize blood circulation in diseased tissues and organs. Today, hirudotherapy is the only bloodletting method of its kind that works at the capillary level.

There are as many different diseases as there are so many ways to treat them. People since ancient times, when the development of medicine was very far from the modern level, have used all sorts of methods to cope with their ailments.

The emergence and development of hirudotherapy

Since ancient times, people have been interested in various methods of treatment. So, unexpectedly for himself, a certain Nikander from Colophonia discovered that small vampire leeches have a healing effect on humans. This doctor is from Ancient Greece and is considered the founder of the science of hirudotherapy. Hirudina means leech in Latin. Since then, this science has found more and more recognition.

This method of treatment was used in many countries - Ancient Egypt, India, China. Confirmation of this can be found in frescoes found in tombs. The works of ancient healers such as Hippocrates, Avicena and Galen also contain references to treatment with leeches. Even the famous artist Botticelli painted a picture in which the process of hirudotherapy is clearly visible. This once again emphasizes the popularity of the method in those distant times.

We will try to understand the harm and benefits of leeches, and how they are used in medicine.

In the modern world, this science does not stand still and is in great demand. Scientists are constantly studying the harms and benefits of leeches, and are making more and more discoveries in this area.

A little about this worm

Leeches are classified as ringed worms. The Leech subclass has about four hundred species. The largest number of them live in ponds and rivers - where the name "leech" comes from the verb "to drink". And in many languages ​​it sounds almost the same.

It would seem like an ordinary worm, but no. Leeches have their own character. Not everyone will be able to establish contact with them to work together. For medical purposes, leeches are grown in special biofactories. Due to the capriciousness of these worms, employees are subject to a probationary period. Only a positive person with patience, love and attention can cope with a capricious worm. They sense ill will in their little bodies and may even get sick or die.

So, not everyone can be a hirudotherapist due to the special nature of the leech. You need to use hirudotherapy very carefully, taking into account that the harm and benefits of leeches will affect your health.

What is the healing effect of a leech?

All the most valuable things of a leech are contained in its saliva. It consists of biologically active components. But hirudin plays a very important role. It thins the blood, and this helps prevent heart attacks, thrombosis and strokes.

It also contains enzymes that help dissolve unnecessary formations in the body. These are cysts, stones, polyps, scars, adhesions and, of course, salts. Some things disappear completely, while others become less dense and are easier to treat with traditional medications. We are learning more and more about treatment, the benefits and harms of these medicinal worms.

How does the hirudotherapy treatment procedure work?

First of all, the patient must be examined. It is necessary to pass all tests. After this, the hirudotherapist determines in accordance with the disease. Then he plants a leech in this place. She sits without moving or takes a suitable place for her. The leech pierces the skin, and the healing saliva of this small creature begins to enter the human body.

In turn, the leech sucks out stagnant blood with a large amount of toxins. This procedure lasts for 30-40 minutes. As soon as the leech has eaten, it falls off or is carefully removed. Acupuncture points are changed at each session to increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Leeches should be used with caution. A wound appears at the puncture site, which usually bleeds for several days. A sterile bandage must be applied. There may be a bruise left. This is an indicator that the hirudotherapy process was successful, and the body received a dose of useful biological substances. Let us draw several conclusions about the impact hirudotherapy has on the human body.

1. Reflexogenic. Leech affects skin receptors.
2. Mechanical. Pierces human skin.
3. Painful. The patient feels pain.
4. Chemical. An infusion of healing saliva occurs.
5. Hemorrhage. The leech sucks out the slagged blood.

Beneficial effects of leeches on the body

The harm and benefits of leeches, their effect on the body for an individual person, must be taken into account when prescribing hirudotherapy to a patient.

Let's consider the benefits of these little healers.

1. The movement of lymph through the vessels at the site of inflammation or diseased organ is restored.
2. Blood microcirculation in the capillaries returns to normal due to the fact that hirudin has an anticoagulant and antithrombic effect.
3. Immunity is stimulated.
4. Leech has an antimicrobial effect. It secretes a substance along with saliva that kills germs.
5. The inflammatory process is relieved.
6. The drainage function improves and due to this, swelling is relieved.
7. Leeches act as a pain reliever.
8. Improves the functioning of the neuroendocrine system.
9. Counteracts atherosclerosis.
10. They charge with energy and have a regenerative effect.
11. They make local immunity work.

What diseases can be treated with hirudotherapy

Many diseases can be treated with leeches. Let's name some of them.

• Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
• Various skin problems.
• Allergic asthma.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Neurological diseases.
• Urological and gynecological diseases.
• Diseases of the endocrine system.
• Diseases of the ears and eyes.

• Used in cosmetology.
• Treatment of excess weight.

There are two sides to using a leech - benefits and harm. The patient loses weight after such a procedure, this has a good and beneficial effect on the body as a whole. But there are always pitfalls with any treatment method.

Contraindications for treatment with leeches

Like any medicine, leeches have contraindications and side effects. It is worth considering when using leeches: the benefits and harms of hirudotherapy can significantly affect your health.

1. If you have hemophilia.
2. During pregnancy.
3. Hypotension.
4. Immunodeficiency states.
5. For infectious diseases, fever.
6. In case of poisoning.
7. Anemia.
8. Oncological diseases.

Side effects from hirudotherapy are mainly associated with allergic reactions to leeches. If you are interested in the question of whether there is harm from medicinal leeches, then you need to discuss all contraindications and side effects with your doctor.

Possible infection at the puncture site if non-compliance is observed. Possible swelling of the lymph nodes. The pressure decreases due to incessant bleeding as a result of improper placement of leeches. The most serious thing is

A few words for those who decide to undergo treatment on their own

The harm and benefits of leeches must be known to the person performing the procedure. If you decide to conduct a hirudotherapy session yourself, then you need to take into account some nuances:

• Treatment is carried out only with medical pharmacist leeches.
• Consult a hirudotherapist.
• You must know your exact diagnosis and whether you are allergic to leeches.
• Only healthy and hungry leeches can be used for the session.
• The leech is used only once.

• Before the session, it is forbidden to use perfumes, creams, or scented soaps. They also cannot tolerate the smell of tobacco and may refuse to cooperate.
• If this is your first time, limit yourself to one leech, and subsequent times use no more than six.
• It is better to conduct a hirudotherapy session in the evening.
• To achieve a lasting positive result during treatment, you must follow a diet.

If you adhere to these simple rules, then you don’t have to be afraid that hirudotherapy will do more harm than good.