The liver is one of the largest and most important organs in the human body. It performs many functions, including detoxification, metabolism, filtration, and storage. Thanks to the liver, our blood is free from toxins and harmful metabolic products. Sometimes, however, the liver stops functioning correctly, leading to concerning symptoms and health deterioration. Fortunately, most liver diseases can be effectively treated, and one method that provides invaluable support for conventional therapy is the application of leeches. How does leech therapy affect the liver? Find out!
What is the liver?
The liver is the largest organ in the human body, surrounded by a network of blood vessels. It is a vital part of the digestive system and serves as a multifunctional centre. As one of the few organs, it can regenerate itself. The liver plays a crucial role in the body, and one of its most essential functions is bile secretion.
The liver’s importance for the proper functioning of the body is immense, so it must be efficient and capable. Sometimes, however, we forget this or are not aware of how our behaviour affects the liver, and by following an unhealthy diet or abusing alcohol, we burden it to the extent that it becomes damaged. And the symptoms of a sick liver are, unfortunately, easy to overlook because it does not have sensory receptors and does not send pain signals.
Where is the liver located?
The liver is on the right side of the abdomen under the ribs. More precisely, it is in the right hypochondrium under the diaphragm, partially extending into the upper epigastrium and left hypochondrium.
A healthy, correctly positioned liver in an adult is completely hidden under the rib arch. However, if for some reason it is enlarged, it may protrude from under the rib arch.
Functions of the liver in the body
As mentioned at the beginning, the liver performs various essential bodily functions. It is often called the central laboratory of the body, as it is involved in transforming many substances, including lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins.
The four primary functions performed by the liver are:
- Detoxification function – neutralises toxins, transforms toxic ammonia into urea, produces bile, is responsible for deactivating hormones, neutralises, stores, and retains substances harmful and toxic to the body;
- Metabolic function – generates energy for the body by transforming carbohydrates into glucose and fats;
- Filtration function – processes using red blood cells (erythrocytes), is responsible for the synthesis of urea;
- Storage function – stores glycogen, vitamins, and elements necessary for the proper functioning of the body. It releases indicated substances into the blood depending on the body’s needs.
The liver also partially performs immune functions in the body. It plays a vital role in body infections and shaping the immune response to threats from microorganisms.
The main symptoms of a sick liver
Many liver diseases develop asymptomatically, and characteristic symptoms do not appear even at an advanced stage of the condition. The situation is complicated because potential symptoms are nonspecific so that they could indicate the presence of other diseases, not just of the liver.
Symptoms that may appear in the course of liver diseases include:
- abdominal pain;
- change in urine colour;
- swelling;
- deterioration of well-being;
- skin changes (e.g., discolouration);
- loss of appetite;
- nausea;
- weight loss.
The persistence of indicated symptoms for longer should prompt a consultation with a doctor.
How to treat a sick liver?
The approach to liver treatment depends on the diagnosis made. In the course of liver diseases, pharmacotherapy is mainly used. Any potential disease complications are considered, metabolic disorders are balanced, and an appropriate diet is implemented. If necessary, the patient is advised to rest and undergo symptomatic treatment. Liver transplantation is considered a last resort.
How do sponges help in treating liver diseases?
Leech therapy can serve as support for liver treatment recommended by a doctor. Applying leeches in such cases can contribute to better functioning of the liver and the entire body and, consequently, to health improvement. Using leeches for the liver can alleviate troublesome disease symptoms and provide relief.
Leeches placed on the abdomen attach to the skin, pierce it, and inject hirudin and other valuable compounds they produce themselves, showing therapeutic effects. Leech therapy contributes to liver regeneration and detoxification and regulates fat metabolism, which is significant in weight reduction. Leeches are also recommended for liver cleansing.
A sick liver is not the only indication for using leech therapy. Besides, leeches are often recommended for rheumatic diseases. They are also advised for skin conditions – sound effects can be achieved with leech therapy for haemorrhoids, and an improvement in skin conditions can also be noticed by applying leeches for keloids.