Medicinal Leech Therapy - hirudotherapy Therapy

Hirudotherapy, also known as leech therapy, is a traditional medical practice that involves the application of leeches to the body for therapeutic purposes. Although it has been used for thousands of years, it is still occasionally employed in certain medical contexts today.

When it comes to hirudotherapy, leeches are not just ordinary creatures. They possess special properties that make them useful in medical treatments. Leeches secrete a combination of bioactive substances in their saliva, including enzymes, anticoagulants, vasodilators, and anti-inflammatory compounds. These substances play a crucial role in the therapeutic effects of hirudotherapy.

Here's how hirudotherapy generally works:

Preparation: Medicinal leeches are typically used for hirudotherapy. These leeches are bred in a controlled environment to ensure their sterility and health. Before the therapy, the patient's skin is cleaned thoroughly to minimize the risk of infection.

Leech application: The leeches are placed on the targeted area of the body. They attach themselves using their suckers and begin to feed on the blood. Leeches have an innate ability to locate blood vessels and create small incisions using their sharp jaws.

Bloodletting: As the leeches feed, they release their saliva into the wound. Their saliva contains a cocktail of bioactive substances, such as hirudin, which acts as an anticoagulant to prevent blood clotting. This promotes blood flow and allows the leeches to extract a significant amount of blood from the body.

Therapeutic effects: The bioactive compounds in the leech saliva have several therapeutic effects. They can help improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and prevent the formation of blood clots. Additionally, the leeches' feeding stimulates the body's natural healing responses, including the release of growth factors and improved tissue oxygenation.

Leech removal and wound care: Once the leeches have finished feeding, they will naturally detach themselves from the skin. The wound is then carefully cleaned and dressed to prevent infection.

It's worth noting that hirudotherapy is typically performed by trained medical professionals who have experience in the field. The number of leeches used and the duration of the therapy depend on the individual's condition and the goals of the treatment.

Hirudotherapy is mainly used in a few specific medical scenarios, such as reconstructive surgery, where it can aid in the recovery of blood circulation and tissue grafts. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider or medical expert before considering hirudotherapy to determine its suitability for your specific condition.

Indications
for Hirudotherapy:
​

Cardiovascular diseases:

Ischaemic heart disease

Myocarditis

Pre / post heart attack condition

Hypertension

Migraine

Varicose veins (lower extremities)

Thrombophlebitis

Ulceration

Da Costa's syndrome

Atherosclerosis

Neurological disorders:

Hypertensive encephalopathy

Paresis

Peripheral nerve re-innervation disorders

Concussion symptoms

Parkinson´s disease

Alzheimer’s disease

Neuralgias

Cerebral palsy

Gynecological diseases:

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Infertility

Uterine fibroid

Endometrial adenoma

Painful menstruation

Mastitis

Menopausal symptoms

Vaginitis and endometritis

Odontic diseases:

Gingivitis

Odontitis

Odontical haematomas

Sialoadenitis

Musculo-skeletal (MSK):

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Fractures, sprains, dislocations

Rupture of muscles and tendons

Bruises and hematomas

Degeneration of joints and bones

Tendinopathies

Contractures

Joint inflammation

Bone infection and necrosis

Post-surgery recovery

Sciatica & back pain

Urological diseases:

Nephrogenic hypertension

Cystitis

Prostate gland adenoma

Chronic renal failure

Erectile dysfunction

Respiratory diseases:

Asthma

Bronchitis

Emphysema

Pulmonary thrombosis

Otolaryngological diseases:

Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis

Otitis

Sinusitis

Ophthalmology:​

Glaucoma

Eye haematoma

Conjunctivitis

Dermatological diseases:

Varicella (chickenpox)

Herpes zoster

Psoriasis

Collagen disease

Dermatitis

Skin allergy

Subcutaneous haematoma

Scars (but not keloids)

Surgery:

Amputations and re-plantations

Haematomas and edemas

Post-operative thrombosis

Subcutaneous tissue infection

Phlebitis

Gastrointestinal diseases:

Gastritis, gastric erosions and duodenitis

Cholecystitis

Pancreatitis

Hepatitis

Colitis

Gastric and duodenal ulcers

Haemorrhoids