Leech therapy with humans
Leech treatment or Hirudotherapy is one of the oldest treatment methods in medical history. Long before our era, the therapeutic effect of this treatment method was already known.
The Hirudo medicinales is the scientific name of the species of leech that possesses these medicinal properties. It is the saliva of these animals that does the actual work in our body. They inject a combination of 100 active substances into the blood that are unique in type and composition, most of which are anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
These scientifically proven medical substances include: hirudin, hyaluronidase, chymotrypsin, destabilase, proteinase inhibitors, collagenase and other unidentified substances.
What are the effects of leech treatment?
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Blood thinning
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Anti-inflammatory
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Analgesic
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Improving the quality of blood vessels
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Stimulates the immune system
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Softening of scar tissue
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Release of adhesions
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Mild bloodletting
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Lubricating the joints and reducing joint pain
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Blood pressure and hormone regulating
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Lymph cleansing
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Antibacterial
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Reducing medication use
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…
Where do the leeches come from?
I buy the leeches in Germany from the Biebertaler Blutegelschijn GmbH from Biebertal. Here these animals are properly bred and checked before they leave the house. I always have enough leeches at my disposal to be able to help acute cases quickly.
In Germany, the leeches have been officially registered as “medicine” since 2005. This means that they have to meet the same requirements as medicines with regard to quality, safety and efficacy. Medicinal leeches belong to the protected species. They are grown in special nurseries under strict government supervision.
Thanks to the pharmaceutical substances they create, they purify our body and make it healthier in a 100% natural way.
How does leech therapy work?
First and foremost, I determine the right treatment method for each patient on the basis of a conversation. If I choose leech therapy, I will first explain everything in great detail and ask a few additional questions. Then I put the leeches on the body where they are needed.
When the animals suck themselves, they grate a small wound into the skin with their microscopic teeth. This briefly gives a stinging sensation or the feeling of a small prick, but disappears due to the pain-relieving effect that the leeches cause.
The blood they suck is seen as food by them (10-40ml). The leeches release on their own and fall off the skin when they are engorged. This can take 1 to 2 hours. Then I move on to taking care of the small wounds they caused and I apply the necessary dressings because the wounds can continue to bleed for 12 to 24 hours.
It is recommended to leave the dressing for 12 hours. A leech treatment usually gives a positive result after 1 to 3 treatments.
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When or for which complaints do we use leeches?
Joint complaints all over the body: osteoarthritis, rheumatism, calcifications, ...
Inflammatory symptoms all over the body: common inflammations and inflammations of the joints (arthritis, tendovaginitis), periosteum inflammation, bursitis, ear infections, inflammation of the blood vessels
Tendon and skin problems
Abscesses, ulcers, wounds, growths and hematomas
Migraine, chronic headache, cluster headache, ...
nerve damage
Skin conditions: scars, eczema, varicose veins, fluid retention, thrombosis, poor circulation, high blood pressure, bruises, wound healing disorders…
Chronic back pain, low back pain, hernia, fibromyalgia, Lyme…
After operations to promote blood flow and as pain relief
Also for: tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, limited movement and mobility in artificial joints, muscle complaints
Tinnitus/ringing in the ears
Dizziness
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Are there any contraindications?
As for any treatment, there are certain situations for Hirudotherapy where we have to adjust the method or are not allowed to perform it.
That is why I always make time for a preliminary conversation in which I can fully analyze the situation.