Although science progresses and doctors know more and more treatment methods, medicine remains helpless in the face of some diseases and ailments. Natural medicine is highly regarded in many environments, including increasingly medical ones. In recent years, we have seen a renaissance in the treatment methods our grandmothers were so keen to use. In this context, an interest in leeches should hardly be surprising. How can they be utilised? Here are the most important details about the therapy where leeches play a leading role.
Leeches in the fight for health
Leech therapy is a treatment method in which leeches play a crucial role. This method of fighting for health is not new; on the contrary, information about treatments carried out with the support of medicinal leeches comes from sources that have allowed us to better understand the history of ancient states: Greece, Rome, and Egypt. The Chinese, too, in ancient times, frequently used leeches, whose legacy is still eagerly embraced by lovers of natural medicine worldwide.
In which cases can the healing power of leeches be used?
Leech therapy is a treatment method that can help us combat many ailments. It can successfully fight heart diseases and common ailments such as atherosclerosis. Leeches can also help patients who suffer from blood pressure issues and those for whom the main health problem is an excessively high level of cholesterol. Medicinal leeches can also be used to improve liver condition, and they are used to treat diseases such as stomach or duodenal ulcers. Hard-to-heal wounds, joint problems, haemorrhoids, and varicose veins are other ailments for which this natural treatment method can bring many positive results.
What does such a treatment look like?
The specific details of treatment using leeches depend on the patient’s disease condition and stage of progression. One session using leeches requires between 2 and 9 leeches and lasts from 45 to 90 minutes. One complete session consists of five sittings, the frequency of which depends on the disease. Does the procedure hurt? Contrary to what might be assumed, leech bites are not painful, and treatments using them are completely safe – of course, only when conducted by a specialist – a leech therapist.
How does a leech heal?
The longstanding and repeatedly expressed opinion that a leech sucks out bad blood is incorrect. A leech heals through hirudin compounds. A blood-sucking leech releases many valuable substances into the patient’s body, primarily secreted in its salivary glands.
What are these substances?
Thanks to professional research, we know that the saliva of small leeches contains over 100 active compounds that can positively impact human health. Among these substances is hirudin, one of the most valuable and effective anticoagulants created by nature. Another essential substance is hematin, which also positively affects the blood and its coagulability and destabilisation, which, on the one hand, helps protect blood vessels and, on the other hand, helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Leech therapy is one of the more exciting methods of natural medicine. Although many people approach treatment with leeches with scepticism, it’s worth considering all the benefits such therapy can bring.
It’s worth overcoming your aversion to leeches and utilising their healing properties.