Leech therapy, or treating diseases with various origins using leeches, is gaining more popularity. However, many people still need to be convinced by this method. Myths circulating in society about leeches raise even more doubts about the safety and effectiveness of leech therapy.
Some say that leech therapy is an outdated treatment method, used today only in secrecy, while others claim that the procedure is excruciating and recovery can last several weeks. Some categorically discourage therapy involving leeches due to the high risk of contracting various diseases transmitted by leeches. How much of this aligns with the truth? Is there anything to fear? We respond!
Leech therapy is an outdated treatment method – MYTH
Leech therapy is a natural method of treating various ailments using leeches. Indeed, its history dates back to ancient times, but with the advancement of medicine, treating patients in this way has not ceased.
Leech therapy is classified in the International Classification of Medical Procedures ICD-9 under number 99 991 as Leech Therapy. Although not in Poland, it is used and reimbursed in hospitals and medical centres in many other countries.
In a professional office, the procedure of applying leeches is carried out under the supervision of a specialist called a leech therapist, who knows and follows safety procedures. Hence, the patient has nothing to fear. Therefore, it is not true that leech therapy is outdated and only utilised by charlatans.
Leeches alleviate pain – FACT
During the procedure, the leech injects the enzymes and proteins it produces into the patient’s body, which have a broad spectrum of action. To date, several dozen proteins with varied activities have been isolated from leech saliva, and it is estimated that there may be even up to 300.
Some hirudin compounds exhibit analgesic effects. Shortly after the leech attaches to the body, the pain that has been significantly bothersome slowly subsides, and the patient feels incredible relief. The procedure’s effectiveness largely depends on the ailment and where the leeches were applied.
A leech bite hurts – MYTH
This is the most commonly repeated pain. Interestingly, the incredible pain accompanying the leech application procedure is often described by those who have never undergone it. Therefore, one should only believe some of what others say and what can be read online.
The moment it attaches to the skin, the leech immediately releases, among other things, a substance with an anaesthetic effect, so the patient practically feels nothing. Even if some discomfort occurs, it is at most a slight sting and pinch after the leech detaches, but not the intense pain some assert.
The same leeches are used multiple times – MYTH
Nothing could be further from the truth. According to health department recommendations, leeches are used only once. Previously, leeches for procedures were obtained differently than today, and the procedures involving them looked different. Specific procedures were even created that allowed the reusing of leeches.
Over time, further research revealed that repeatedly applying leeches could pose a health risk for each subsequent patient. That’s why, in specialised leech therapy clinics, leeches are used strictly once. After the procedure, they are euthanized in an alcohol solution and disposed of as medical waste by companies specialising in their disposal.
Leeches have anticoagulant effects – FACT
One of the most well-known substances produced by leeches is hirudin – a natural anticoagulant. Hirudin from leeches is a much better anticoagulant for people with certain blood diseases than the commonly used heparin or dicumarol. That’s why indications for leech therapy include skin hemangiomas, superficial varicose veins, kidney failure, septic shocks, or intravascular clots.
Leeches work only at the application site – MYTH
In practice, a leech attaches to a selected spot on the skin and remains there throughout the entire procedure until it detaches spontaneously. But this does not mean its effects are only visible in that area.
Thanks to the enzyme hyaluronidase, substances from the leech penetrate the patient’s body to a depth of even 30 cm. This allows for treatment and regeneration and improved drainage in conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, or fibroids. This phenomenon is also utilised in varicose vein therapy.
It doesn’t matter where the leeches used for procedures come from – MYTH
Of course, it matters, and significantly so. Only leeches bred in isolated laboratory conditions, which have had no contact with the external environment and have been fed in a controlled manner, can be used for procedures. Such breeding guarantees that they are not carriers of diseases. Leeches from breeding facilities have the appropriate certificates confirming their origin, so to ensure they can be safely used for procedures, one can always ask the leech therapist to show them.
You can bleed out from a leech bite – MYTH
The hirudin injected into the body during the procedure does thin the blood, but its most decisive action is during the procedure. It is excreted from the body along with urine within an hour, and bleeding over time stops. Just remember the proper care of the places where leeches were applied.
To avoid the undesired situation where blood from wounds seeps longer than it should, the leech therapist checks before the procedure if the patient has any contraindications to its performance. If so, therapy cannot be conducted.
Leeches treat many different ailments – FACT
There is increasing evidence that these small, unassuming creatures help improve the health and well-being of patients suffering from various diseases. Leeches are most commonly used after amputations, as well as to support the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds or diabetic foot, but not only. Leech therapy also treats vascular diseases, hematomas, clots, and bruises, post-accident swellings, chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs, sciatica, and radiculitis. Some gynaecologists recommend this method for treating gynaecological disorders.