Methods of treatment with leeches:
- Live leeches are implanted into the patient's skin and suck out a certain amount of blood. At the same time, leech saliva enters the bloodstream, which has numerous therapeutic effects,
- extracts are created based on the body of the parasite or from its saliva,
- recombinant drugs - so-called mechanical leeches. Artificially obtained from parasite DNA.
The leech has 3 teeth. With their help, the parasite bites through the skin. The bite depth is 1.5 mm. After which the blood is sucked out.
Therapeutic effects provided by leech to the human body:
- the biological effect of saliva is to thin the blood, provoke biological reactions that have a beneficial effect on the body,
- blood absorption due to which blood pressure is normalized, local blood flow is unloaded,
- mechanical impact is one of the methods of alternative medicine, as practice shows, it is closely related to acupuncture treatment.
When the leech bites the skin, the patient does not feel pain at all. This is explained by the fact that in addition to various effects on the body, leech saliva entering the bloodstream has an analgesic effect.
Indications for varicose veins
Only a hirudotherapist has the right to carry out treatment with leeches. A specialist involved in this method must be specially trained in hirudotherapy and must have a medical education in any field.
Activities within the competence of a hirudotherapist:
- a leech specialist must interact with such specialists as: therapist, cardiologist, pulmanologist, otolaryngologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist. In turn, these specialists have the right to prescribe treatment to their patient from a hirudotherapist,
- the hirudotherapist independently determines the duration of treatment, the number of leeches involved in it and the points of contact of the parasite,
- conducts a therapy session.
Together with specialized specialists, the hirudotherapist can prescribe treatment for certain diseases associated with varicose veins.
Indications for treatment with leeches for:
- osteochondrosis – the parasite is installed in the vertebral area. In parallel with them, the following can be prescribed in combination: massage, physiotherapy, manual therapy,
- In the case of a herniated disc, parasites are installed in the areas between the vertebrae. Treatment with leeches in this case reduces the load on the deformed disc and eliminates pathological muscle tension. Procedures are prescribed in a complex, as in the case of osteochondrosis,
- arterial hypertension due to blood suction, blood pressure decreases. It should be noted that for this disease, hirudotherapy only temporarily normalizes blood pressure,
- liver diseases leeches are installed on areas in the liver or anus. Blood absorption helps reduce blood viscosity and coagulability, significantly reduces pressure in the veins and blood vessels. This effect is important for some liver diseases,
- In diabetes mellitus, the method is used when the patient loses tissue sensitivity to insulin. Parasites are installed in the solar plexus area, on the coccyx,
- kidney diseases is indicated for kidney injuries, renal failure,
- In diseases of the thyroid gland, the parasite is installed at certain points. Therapy helps the patient feel a general improvement in well-being,
- Various leech-based products are widely used in cosmetology. These are numerous creams, ointments, gels, bath tablets. Popular products have a beneficial effect, eliminate psychosomatic problems and increase the tone of the skin layers.
Treatment of varicose veins with leeches has many supporters. At the same time, many have a negative attitude towards this method of treatment. Adherents of the procedure believe that hirudotherapy has beneficial effects in the treatment of varicose veins.
- venous walls are strengthened,
- pain is relieved,
- blood thins,
- excellent prevention of blood clots,
- relieves swelling,
- blood flow improves.
Whether treatment with leeches helps with varicose veins is a controversial issue. But it is a fact that after hirudotherapy the patient’s well-being improves significantly.
Before you start taking a procedure involving leeches, you should ask your doctor about its contraindications.
In addition, hirudotherapy is used for a number of diseases such as:
- obesity and cellulite,
- oncology,
- dentistry,
- arthritis,
- nerve diseases,
- prostatitis,
- haemorrhoids.
It is not uncommon that indications for hirudotherapy are some diseases associated with varicose veins during pregnancy and the lactation period. This method of treatment is completely harmless for both mother and child.
In what cases is it contraindicated?
Hirudotherapy for varicose veins, like all medical procedures, has its contraindications. Therefore, treatment with this method should only be carried out by a specially trained doctor.
In some cases, hirudotherapy can cause some complications, although they are not very common.
Contraindications for hirudotherapy for varicose veins:
- Allergy to leeches is rare and can be caused by both live leeches and products based on them. If allergic reactions are observed during the first session of hirudotherapy, as a rule, therapy is stopped.
- large subcutaneous hemorrhage can occur in places such as the eyelids. Therefore, it is not recommended to install leeches on your eyelids,
- enlarged lymph nodes; substances found in the saliva of the parasite can provoke the opening of foci of infection. As a result, the lymph node may enlarge,
- severe mental disorder
- pregnancy in some cases,
- exhaustion,
- hemophelia,
- anemia.
Hirudotherapy can be performed at home. The procedure at home is no different from the procedure in the clinic.
The only thing you need to pay attention to when calling a specialist to your home is his qualifications in hirudotherapy.
You cannot conduct a hirudotherapy session on your own. It must be remembered that a parasite bite can introduce an infection into the body.
How to prepare for a hirudotherapy session
The method of treatment with leeches can be compared to surgery. Therefore, treatment with this method should be taken seriously.
Like all operations, hirudotherapy requires certain preparation. Otherwise, it will not only not bring any benefit, but can also seriously harm the body.
There are some rules that must be followed before a hirudotherapy session.
Rules for preparing for hirudotherapy:
- on the day of the session you cannot take water treatments,
- do not smoke 4 hours before therapy,
- on the day of therapy, you should not use cologne, perfume, or any other cosmetics,
- 24 hours before the session you must refrain from drinking alcohol.
The doctor develops a hirudotherapy session individually. Before the session, he prepares the area of skin where the leech will be installed. The skin is treated to remove odors and microorganisms that may be on human skin.
This stage is very important; it will prevent bacteria and infections from entering the body into the blood.
Stages of the procedure
A hirudotherapy session begins with an introductory conversation between the doctor and the patient.
After the patient is mentally prepared for the session, the doctor carries out the procedure according to the established methodology, which can be divided into several stages.
- Preparation of the skin area where the leech will be installed is carefully treated with a 70% alcohol solution using cotton balls. The treatment area should be slightly larger than the leech will occupy when installed,
- the test tube with the parasite is brought close to the skin or mucous membrane of the patient in dentistry and gynecology and turned over. As soon as the leech bites through the skin, it begins wave-like movements with its front part. At this moment the test tube is removed,
- There is a sterile napkin under the back sucker of the leech. The parasite should not attach itself parallel to it. Otherwise, the effectiveness of the procedure may be reduced,
- All leeches are installed one by one,
- During the process of hirudotherapy, the doctor carefully monitors the parasites. If the leech does not move, the specialist removes it and revives it with ammonia and puts it back in place,
- after a certain time, the parasite is removed and placed in a special solution,
- bite wounds are treated with a 5% solution of iodine or ethyl alcohol,
- a sterile bandage is applied to the wounds,
- one day after the procedures, the wounds are treated and the bandage is changed.
Already after 1 session of treatment with leeches, the patient feels a significant improvement in well-being.
Possible complications
Complications after a hirudotherapy session occur quite rarely.
- wound infection with the development of an abscess,
- bleeding that continues after a session for 48 hours or more,
- allergic reactions.
In case of any complication after the session, it is necessary to notify the doctor who performed the hirudotherapy.
Features of the recovery period
After the discharge from the wound stops, it is recommended to use creams against insect bites. They will help them heal faster and relieve unpleasant itching.
How often can leeches be treated for varicose veins?
For varicose veins, the recommended frequency of sessions is at least 2 days. It cannot be done more often, as the wounds must heal.
When leeches suck blood, side effects may include symptoms of iron deficiency. Therefore, between procedures, this balance must be restored with the help of additional intake of appropriate medications.
Advantages and disadvantages
In most cases, hirudotherapy is beneficial for varicose veins.
- reduction of swelling of the lower extremities,
- attacks of pain are reduced,
- the appearance of the legs improves.
The duration of treatment depends on the individual condition of the patient. It is also important for the doctor to correctly determine the points on the legs where to place the leeches.
Disadvantages of the procedures:
- heavy bleeding in some cases,
- possible infection followed by an abscess,
- allergic reactions,
- pain syndrome after procedures,
- pigment spots remain after the session,
- the occurrence of trophic ulcers.
It is worth noting that hirudotherapy can be effective at the initial stage of varicose veins and only if it is carried out by a qualified specialist.
Video: hirudotherapy as a comprehensive treatment for varicose veins
Source: https://osostavekrovi.com/vena/girudoterapiya-pri-varikoze-kogda-naznachaetsya-plyusy-i-minusy-protsedury.html
Hirudotherapy for varicose veins, treatment with leeches, indications, procedures, benefits
Hirudotherapy is a direction in alternative treatment and refers to one of the types of physiotherapy. The principle is to use a medicinal leech for the complex treatment of pathology.
Its second name is bdellotherapy. For different conditions, a certain method of this method is used.
Methods of treatment with leeches:
- living individuals - are implanted into the skin, while sucking out a certain amount of blood. At the same time, leech saliva enters the bloodstream, which has numerous therapeutic effects;
- extracts - created on the basis of the parasite’s body or from its saliva;
- recombinant drugs - so-called “mechanical leeches”. Obtained from DNA artificially.
The leech has 3 teeth. With their help, she bites through the dermis. The bite depth is 1.5 mm. After which the blood is sucked out.
Therapeutic effects:
- biological - saliva thins the blood, provokes biological reactions that have a beneficial effect on the body;
- blood sucking - blood pressure is normalized, local blood flow is unloaded;
- mechanical impact is one of the methods of alternative medicine; as practice shows, it is closely related to acupuncture treatment.
While biting, the patient does not feel pain at all. This is explained by the fact that in addition to various effects on the body, saliva entering the bloodstream has an analgesic effect.
Indications
Only a hirudotherapist has the right to perform it - the specialist must be specially trained and have a medical education in any field.
It is not uncommon for a hirudotherapist to also be a specialist in acupuncture. This is explained by the fact that these two directions are interconnected.
Activities within the competence of a hirudotherapist:
- must interact with specialists such as: therapist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, otolaryngologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist. In turn, these specialists have the right to prescribe therapeutic measures from a hirudotherapist;
- independently determines the duration of therapy, the number of leeches involved in it and the points of contact;
- conducts a session.
Together with specialized specialists, the hirudotherapist can prescribe therapeutic measures for certain diseases associated with varicose veins.
The procedure is indicated for the following ailments:
- osteochondrosis – installed in the vertebral area. In parallel with them, the following can be prescribed in combination: massage, physiotherapy, manual therapy;
- intervertebral hernia - installed on the areas between the vertebrae. In this case, the load on the deformed disc is reduced and pathological muscle tension is eliminated;
- arterial hypertension - due to blood suction, blood pressure decreases. It should be noted that for this disease, hirudotherapy only temporarily normalizes blood pressure;
- liver diseases - installed on areas in the liver or anus. Blood absorption helps reduce blood viscosity and coagulability, significantly reduces pressure in the veins and blood vessels. This effect is important for some liver diseases;
- diabetes mellitus - the method is used when the patient loses tissue sensitivity to insulin. Installed in the solar plexus area, on the tailbone;
- kidney diseases - indicated for kidney injuries, renal failure;
- diseases of the thyroid gland. Therapy helps the patient feel a general improvement in well-being;
- Various worm-based products are widely used in cosmetology. These are numerous creams, ointments, gels, bath tablets. Popular products have a beneficial effect, eliminate psychosomatic problems and increase the tone of the skin layers.
The method has many supporters and opponents. Adherents believe that the therapy has beneficial effects in the treatment of varicose veins.
Beneficial effects:
- venous walls are strengthened;
- pain is relieved;
- blood thins;
- excellent prevention of blood clots;
- relieves swelling;
- blood flow improves.
Whether treatment with leeches helps with varicose veins is a controversial issue, but it is a fact that after the session the patient’s well-being improves significantly.
It is also used for other diseases:
- obesity and cellulite;
- oncology;
- dentistry;
- arthritis;
- nerve diseases;
- prostatitis;
- haemorrhoids.
It is not uncommon for some diseases accompanying varicose veins to be indicated during pregnancy and the lactation period. The method is completely harmless for mother and child.
In what cases is it contraindicated?
It has its contraindications. Treatments should only be carried out by a specially trained physician.
You should not contact dubious specialists.- In some cases, it can cause some complications, although they are not very common.
- Contraindications:
- Allergy - rare, can be caused both by living individuals and by products based on them. If allergic reactions are observed during the first session, as a rule, therapy is stopped;
- large subcutaneous hemorrhage - it can occur in places such as the eyelids. Therefore, it is not recommended to install leeches on your eyelids;
- enlarged lymph nodes - substances found in saliva can provoke the opening of foci of infection. As a result, the lymph node may enlarge;
- severe mental disorder;
- pregnancy in some cases;
- exhaustion;
- hemophilia;
- anemia.
Can be done at home. The procedure at home is no different from that carried out in the clinic. The only thing you need to pay attention to when calling a specialist to your home is his qualifications.
You cannot do it yourself. It must be remembered that a bite can introduce an infection into the body.
How to prepare
The treatment method can be compared to surgery, so treatment with this method should be taken seriously.
Like all operations, it requires some preparation. Otherwise, it will not only not bring any benefit, but can also seriously harm the body.
There are some rules that must be followed.
Preparation rules:
- on the day of the event you cannot take water treatments;
- Do not smoke 4 hours before therapy;
- Do not use cologne, perfume, or any other cosmetics;
- You must refrain from drinking alcohol for 24 hours.
The doctor develops the session individually. He prepares the area of the epidermis where the worm will be installed. The dermis is treated to remove odors and microorganisms that may be found on human skin.
This stage is very important; it will prevent bacteria and infections from entering the body into the blood.
Stages of implementation
The procedure begins with an introductory conversation between the doctor and the patient. After the patient is mentally prepared, the doctor carries out therapeutic manipulations according to the established methodology, which can be divided into several stages.
Stages of implementation:
- preparing the area of the epidermis where the specimen will be installed - the skin is carefully treated with a 70% alcohol solution using cotton balls. The processing area should be slightly larger than the worm will occupy when installed;
- the test tube with the worm is brought close to the skin or mucous membrane of the patient in dentistry and gynecology and turned over. As soon as the individual bites through the dermis, it begins wave-like movements with the front part. At this point the test tube is removed;
- There is a sterile napkin under the back sucker of the worm. The parasite should not attach itself parallel to it. Otherwise, the effectiveness of the procedure may be reduced;
- all other individuals are identified one by one;
- During the process of hirudotherapy, the doctor carefully monitors the progress of the operation. If the leech does not move, the specialist removes it and revives it with ammonia and puts it back in place;
- after a certain time, the parasite is removed and placed in a special solution;
- bite wounds are treated with a 5% solution of iodine or ethyl alcohol;
- a sterile bandage is applied to the wounds;
- one day after the procedures, the wounds are treated and the bandage is changed.
After just 1 session, the patient feels a significant improvement in well-being.
Possible complications
Complications occur quite rarely. These include:
- wound infection with the development of an abscess;
- bleeding that continues after a session for 48 hours or more;
- allergic reactions.
In case of any complication, you must inform your doctor.
Features of the recovery period
After the discharge from the wound stops, it is recommended to use creams against insect bites. They will help them heal faster and relieve unpleasant itching.
How often can you carry out
For varicose veins, the recommended frequency of sessions is at least 2 days. It cannot be done more often, as the wounds must heal.
When the worms suck blood, side effects may include symptoms of iron deficiency. Therefore, between procedures, this balance must be restored with the help of additional intake of appropriate medications.
Advantages and disadvantages
In most cases, hirudotherapy is beneficial for varicose veins.
The advantages can be considered:
- reduction of swelling of the lower extremities;
- attacks of pain are reduced;
- the appearance of the legs improves.
The duration of treatment depends on the individual condition of the patient. It is also important that the doctor correctly determines the points on the legs where to place the worms.
Disadvantages of the procedures:
- heavy bleeding in some cases;
- possible infection followed by an abscess;
- allergic reactions;
- pain after procedures;
- pigment spots remain after the session;
- the occurrence of trophic ulcers.
It is worth noting that hirudotherapy can be effective at the initial stage of varicose veins and only if it is carried out by a qualified specialist.
Source: https://venaprof.ru/girudoterapiya-pri-varikoze/
Hirudotherapy - benefits, indications for treatment of women and men, effectiveness of sessions and contraindications
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Hirudotherapy sessions or treatment with leeches is a method of alternative medicine that is aimed at combating many diseases: gynecological, venous, urological, etc. Only a hirudotherapist - a doctor who specializes in this topic - can conduct therapy. At the first session, it is necessary to check whether the patient is allergic to leech.
What is leech treatment?
What is hirudotherapy? This is a known method (science) of treatment using leeches, without the use of additional drugs or equipment.
The procedure is painless and has no side effects if treated correctly (the patient may only feel a bite - a little more painful than a mosquito bite).
In the process of sucking blood, leeches release active substances that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the immune and vascular systems. The session lasts about an hour.
The size of the leech is small at first, then it sucks 5-10 ml of blood and grows, after which it falls away from the human body.
From this moment until 24 hours later, blood continues to ooze - a sterile bandage is applied to the wound site. If you use 5 worms at the same time, the figure will increase to 200-250 ml.
As a result, many hours of bloodletting occurs, the veins are loaded, tissue microcirculation and cellular metabolism are improved, and lymph stagnation is eliminated.
The benefits and harms of leeches
The use of medicinal worms is associated with the content of many enzymes in their saliva, which have medicinal properties and strengthen the immune system.
The properties of their saliva are applicable for diseases that are accompanied by severe inflammatory processes, deterioration of blood flow and increased tissue permeability. Inflammation leads to a decrease in the concentration of the drug in the lesion. The problem is solved by increasing the amount of the product.
The effect of leeches is to improve blood circulation in areas of the disease, increasing the concentration of drugs in the areas of the disease.
A healing worm can also harm a person. This happens when treated at home and without the supervision of a specialist. Among the features harmful to humans are the following:
- The worm's body contains bacteria that protect it from disease. Once in the human blood, the microorganism can cause gastrointestinal upset and poisoning.
- Leeches can carry diseases. The blood of a sick patient remains on the jaw of the worm, and when bitten, diseases can be transmitted to another person.
- Due to the blood thinning provided by leech saliva enzymes, the wound may bleed for longer than a day. In such cases, professional medical help is needed.
Benefits for women
Gynecological pathologies can be treated with leeches. Among the diseases that gynecologists recommend treating with hirudotherapy are the following:
- Inflammatory processes, stagnation of blood in the veins of the small pelvis, menstruation disruptions.
- postpartum adhesions on the mucous membranes of the female genital organs. Several courses of hirudotherapy are used with a long break between them.
- Urination with painful sensations. This phenomenon often worries women due to hormonal imbalance. A course of hirudotherapy helps combat this. The first session is prescribed a few days before the start of menstruation, then every day until the symptom disappears.
- Cysts on the surface of the ovaries. Hirudotherapy treatment is used to get rid of fluid cysts, and the result is noticeable from the first session. One short course eliminates the problem and slows down the growth of new formations.
Indications for hirudotherapy
What is treated with leeches? The therapy is used for various types of diseases that are treated with hormonal and antibacterial drugs. These include the following diseases and health problems:
- arthritis;
- atherosclerosis;
- hypertension;
- stroke and complications after it;
- allergic reactions;
- infertility;
- bronchial asthma;
- osteochondrosis;
- uterine fibroids;
- endometriosis;
- swelling and hematomas after injections (for recovery);
- breast mastopathy;
- haemorrhoids;
- eye diseases;
- dermatological pathology;
- metabolic disease;
- varicose veins
Varicose veins
Varicose veins are a disease associated with improper functioning of the vein valves, but not with blood viscosity. In this regard, medical worms do not have any effect on the disease, because they are not able to change medical valves in any way.
Hirudotherapy reduces pain, inflammation, swelling, and the external manifestation of the disease. This effect does not last long - surgical intervention is necessary for complete cure.
Leeches can heal the disease in the early stages, but patients practically do not go to doctors when the disease has just begun to manifest itself.
Hernia
Treatment with hirudotherapy for spinal hernia is based on biologically active substances contained in the saliva of a medicinal leech.
Enzymes promote the resorption of particles of a prolapsed intervertebral disc, improving metabolism and blood flow. This accelerates tissue healing, helps reduce swelling, inflammation and pain.
Treatment with medical worms is effective in combination with other types of therapy and if the hernia is no more than 10 cm.
Infertility
Infertility treatment is a long, labor-intensive process. Medicinal worms are placed on certain places: the sacrum, perineum, anus, vagina. Session duration is from 20 to 60 minutes.
During this time, medicinal leeches adhere, injecting substances useful for humans with saliva, become saturated, and disappear.
After the procedure, the patient must rest, so it is performed in the afternoon.
Prostatitis
The main task in the treatment of prostatitis is to get rid of stagnation of blood flow, swelling and inflammation. Getting rid of a large amount of blood in the diseased area, pain relief with hirudin, relieving inflammation, improving blood flow - all this is the merit of a hirudotherapy session. The leech is useful not only by sucking blood containing toxins, but also by containing special substances in its saliva.
Contraindications
Leech treatment has a number of contraindications. As practice shows, some of the prohibitions are relative and, if therapy is carried out under the supervision of a hirudotherapist, then they can be ignored. Contraindications:
- Hemophilia. This is a bleeding disorder that is inherited. If a patient with such a disease is given a leech, the wound will not heal and without the intervention of doctors, everything can lead to death.
- Hemorrhagic diathesis is spontaneous frequent bleeding that can be caused by injury.
- Anemia is an insufficient number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood. With such a disease, it is undesirable to lose blood in any quantity, so hirudotherapy can worsen the patient’s general condition.
- Low pressure. A session with leeches lowers it by 20 units, which dramatically makes the patient feel worse. Hirudotherapy is indicated only on the 3rd day after normalization of blood pressure. Hypertension is an indication for the use of leeches.
- Pregnancy. Treatment in this condition is permitted, but before each session a new examination of the patient is required.
- Intolerance, which is a very controversial contraindication. Rarely does this prohibition lead to serious consequences if treatment is carried out under the guidance of a professional.
Leech treatment regimen
The area where the worms are planted depends on the disease. The most common treatment regimens for diseases:
| Disease | Place for leeches | Number of healing worms |
| Congestion of the brain | Coccyx area | 3-5 |
| Infectious diseases | Coccyx area | 2-4 |
| Suspected stroke | Coccyx area | 4-7 |
| Overflow of blood vessels of the spinal cord and its membranes | Coccyx area | 5-7 |
Hemoptysis:
|
Coccyx area | 1 – 2.3 never more than 5 2.3 – 3-5 rarely up to 7 |
| Urological diseases | Coccyx, liver, anus, groin area | 6,3,5,4 |
| Women's diseases (gynecology) | Area of the liver, anus, coccyx | 3, 8,5 |
| Hepatitis, cirrhosis | Liver and anal area | 7, 4 |
Number of hirudotherapy sessions
How many sessions are needed? The course of hirudotherapy is calculated based on a person’s weight. If the patient weighs 60 kg, then he will need 60 leeches per course - that’s 10-15 sessions. Practice shows that improvement in the patient’s condition often occurs with a minimum number of medical worms - 15-20 and 7-10 procedures. There should be about a week or 10 days between sessions.
Method of placing leeches
Leech therapy has several principles that every hirudotherapist must adhere to:
-
Stop points for hirudotherapy: areas of large venous vessels (especially the femoral artery), in places with thin skin, on the face, abdomen, inside the body.
- The skin of the procedure area must be sterile.
- There are points of general influence - the tailbone, perineum, areas of the pancreas, liver, points along the chakras. If the treatment is aimed at local effects, then placing medical worms on the above points will only enhance the effect.
- Acupuncture points are the places where it hurts the most, the source of the disease. These areas are used more often than others.
Creams, tablets and ointments based on hirudin
Hirudocosmetics or oral preparations are effective remedies against varicose veins and other health problems with the presence of hirudin in the leech extract. Medicines can be found and purchased at clinics or pharmacies.
| Name | Indications | Contraindications | Instructions |
| Cream "Sofia" |
|
Individual intolerance to components. | Apply through the vein from bottom to top for 2-3 minutes 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 3-5 weeks. |
| Cream “Leech extract” |
|
Individual intolerance to the components; do not apply to open wounds or purulent processes. | Similar. |
| Capsules and solution "Piyavit" | Varicose veins, hematoma and edema, thrombophlebitis, phlebitis. | Stomach ulcer, increased bleeding, decreased blood clotting. | 1 capsule or 300 mg 3 times a day. Course – up to 20 days. |
Video: health benefits of leeches
The benefits of leeches for humans
Reviews
Natalia, 33 years old Since childhood I have had problems with blood flow to the brain. I consulted with a massage therapist and decided to try hirudotherapy on the neck. I didn’t see the process, I just felt moderate pain. After completing the required number of sessions, there was a noticeable improvement, there were no unpleasant symptoms, and the dizziness stopped.
Please note: “they don’t like leeches”
Igor, 37 years old Medical leech helps get rid of migraines. Before the procedure, I took a blood test for hemoglobin and coagulation: 4 sessions every 10 days each. Worms were placed on the neck and upper part of the shoulder blades.
Without expecting it, after the 2nd procedure I felt that the migraines had weakened and my health had improved.
It helped, I will do it again. Anatoly, 42 years old, used Hirudotherapy against varicose veins on his legs. Effective, but not for long. 2 weeks after the procedure, I contacted a vascular surgeon, who prescribed many procedures.
He said about hirudotherapy that it cannot be considered an independent method of treatment, it can only be used in combination.
Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment.
Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.
Found an error in the text? Select it, press Ctrl + Enter and we will fix everything!
Source: https://sovets.net/12144-lechenie-piyavkami.html
Hirudotherapist
Hirudotherapy is a field of informal medicine that uses leeches as a tool and medicine. People noticed the therapeutic effect of such procedures a long time ago; the first descriptions of sessions with leeches are found in the works of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. Today, despite technological progress and computer technology, medicine still uses this ancient method of therapy. It is applicable against skin diseases, infertility, aesthetic problems, dentistry and many other areas of health care. To try out the therapeutic effect of medicinal leeches on yourself, you will need to consult with a hirudotherapist.
Field of activity of a hirudotherapist
Hirudotherapy is classified as one of the non-traditional methods of treatment; it is considered a branch of physiotherapy and naturopathy. However, a specialist in this field - a hirudotherapist - is a physician with a higher education.
Such a doctor undergoes a full course of training, like any other doctor.
He specializes in treatment with leeches, sets the duration of therapy, the number of leeches and sessions required for each patient.
Among hirudotherapists there are doctors with extensive professional responsibilities; they treat not just one organ or disease, but a whole range of problems. It can be recommended by the attending doctor based on the diagnosis.
There are also highly specialized specialists, for example, a gynecologist-hirudotherapist deals exclusively with the treatment of female diseases with leeches. For example, a regular gynecologist does not have the right to use leeches unless he has received the necessary certificate.
Scientists also call hirudotherapy bdellotherapy (from the Greek word “bdella” - leech), and the specialist himself is called bdellotherapist. This branch of medicine has been well studied over thousands of years of its development and has remained virtually unchanged to this day.
With its help, they improve blood circulation, relieve swelling, and treat diseases of the skin and internal organs. All medicinal properties are due to unique enzymes that the parasite injects into the blood during suction. In some countries, for example in Russia, treatment with leeches is recognized as an official method of treatment.
Treatment methods
The only therapy in this area is special annelids, they occur naturally and feed on blood. In nature, there are almost 400 species of such parasites, but only three types are used in medicine: “medical”, “medicinal”, “pharmacy” leech.
Doctors simply call them hiruds or bdells. The described three types of ringed parasites are suitable for use in human treatment, since they are not dangerous, and their saliva is rich in beneficial enzymes.
Hyruds from natural habitats are not used for medical practice; they are grown in laboratory conditions and each of them is used only once. Annelids have good hearing and smell and respond to heat and light. Therefore, the doctor does not apply them to a specific place, but only to the approximate area of influence, where the hiruda itself finds the necessary point. They have five pairs of eyes and three rows of microscopic teeth; with the help of chitinous teeth, the leech easily bites through the top layer of skin. In this case, the pain effect is almost not felt, like many blood-sucking bdellas contain a strong painkiller.
Despite the fact that they only affect the epidermis, all beneficial enzymes enter deep into the body. The parasite's saliva contains a special element - hyaluronidase - which improves the penetration of all enzymes into tissues, and with its help also improves the effect of subcutaneous and external medications. Therefore, hirudotherapy is often combined with other traditional and alternative treatment methods.
The therapeutic effect of application is based on three factors:
- Reflex. Blood-sucking worms successfully replace acupuncture because they independently find active points and attach themselves to reflexogenic areas.
- Mechanical. The absorption of blood and its subsequent flow out of the wound is considered a positive mechanical effect on blood flow.
- Biological. The basis of all treatment is a complex of useful substances that improve physiological processes in the body. Scientists count almost a hundred different biologically active components that the leech injects into the human blood; This is why they have been used so widely since ancient times.
In addition to getting rid of one specific problem, sessions of such bloodletting have a beneficial effect on the entire body as a whole.
Reviews from those who have already experienced the full effect note normalization of sleep, a surge of strength and energy, and easy awakening in the morning.
Scientists note that this set of enzymes has a great effect on the immune system and strengthens the nervous system.
What does this doctor treat?
The area of activity of a hirudotherapist includes a lot of diseases. Beneficial enzymes stored in the salivary glands of the leech have properties applicable to a wide variety of diseases.
Thus, the resolving effect has a positive effect on the treatment of benign tumors, adhesions of internal organs, and removal of scars.
Also, hirudas are excellent in helping to break down bad cholesterol and fats, so they are widely used to get rid of excess weight and heart disease.
An extensive list of beneficial properties of medical parasites allows a hirudotherapist to treat almost any organ and disease. As already mentioned, such a specialist can choose a narrow focus and deal with a limited area of tasks, for example, rheumatology, gynecology, urology, and so on.
Most often, a hirudotherapist solves the following problems of patients:
- endocrine diseases: thyroid cyst, goiter, diabetes mellitus;
- urology: secondary male infertility, kidney disease, bladder disease, prostatitis;
- diseases of the ear, nose and throat;
- problems of the brain and spinal cord;
- neuroses, insomnia, mental disorders;
- obesity;
- gum diseases: glossamia, periodontitis;
- gynecological problems: infertility, uterine fibroids, endometriosis.
The effectiveness of the use of medical hyrudas shows itself to be equally positive for both the female and male bodies. In addition to the clinic of various diseases, hirudotherapy has gained enormous popularity in the field of cosmetology. To solve aesthetic problems, cosmetologists apply leeches against obesity, cellulite, to rejuvenate the face and body, and to improve skin color.
How does the session work?
First, the specialist will need tests; without them, no hirudotherapist can prescribe treatment. Based on the results obtained, he will be able to determine the required number of sessions, the number of leeches themselves, and the duration of the procedure. To do this, the doctor will prescribe general urine and blood tests, special tests for fibrogen, the patient’s blood clotting time, and hematocrit.
Preliminary collection of tests will allow you to choose the right course of therapy and eliminate the possibility of contraindications.
At the appointment with a specialist, a certain number of medical supplies will be applied. The price for a hirudotherapy session will depend on the required amount of time for the procedure and leeches. The parasites are applied to clean skin in the area being treated by the patient.
It may also be necessary to apply it to the mucous membrane, for example, when treating gynecological problems or periodontology. In the area of the mucous membranes, bloodletting occurs much faster than on the skin.
At the moment of application, a slight burning sensation is felt at the insertion site, similar to a mosquito bite. Then such sensations disappear due to the analgesic effect.
Depending on the diagnosis, the procedure can last from 10 minutes to an hour. During this time, the leech absorbs a small amount of blood and slowly releases beneficial elements through the wound.
The procedure may be interrupted by the doctor or last until the parasite disappears on its own.
After the procedure, the leeches are disposed of by placing them in a special solution. The wound on the patient's body is treated with chlorhexidine and a bandage is applied.
Since hiruda saliva has a thinning effect, the bite site will continue to bleed for some time. Reviews from patients note that blood is released after the session for at least another day. At the end of the appointment with the hirudotherapist, the patient is given recommendations on caring for the bite sites.
The duration and intensity of treatment is determined by the doctor. On average, a patient needs 5-7 bdells and from 8 to 12 procedures. There are breaks between appointments, no more than 2 sessions per week.
Reasons to visit a hirudotherapist
In most cases, patients turn to such a specialist of their own free will, based on reviews from friends. In some cases, such procedures may be prescribed by another doctor for complex treatment of diseases.
There are several cases when it is worth coming for a consultation with a hirudotherapist, these include:
- skin problems;
- varicose veins;
- joint and back pain;
- increased blood clotting;
- loss of strength, apathy;
- stool digestion disorders.
If a rash, redness, itching or peeling appears on the skin, first of all you need to consult a dermatologist. These may be symptoms of serious medical conditions that are best addressed by a professional. After its approval and diagnosis, you can contact a bdelotherapist for additional help.
Also, such sessions solve many cosmetic problems: rejuvenation, improving skin tone, getting rid of acne.
Enzymes, penetrating deep into the tissue, treat both the epidermis and subcutaneous fat complications.
Over time, varicose veins can cause blood clots to form, which in turn can be life-threatening. Leeches cope with this task best, since the main effect of their saliva is to thin the blood.
In addition, there is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. For the same reason, hirudas are widely used for patients who have undergone surgery.
After surgery, the risk of thrombosis increases; a course of hirudotherapy is prescribed for prevention.
In any case, an appointment with a hirudotherapist can only take place after tests and examinations have been completed.
Despite the many positive aspects of such therapy, doctors warn that there are also contraindications.
These include hemophilia, pregnancy, malignant tumors, low red blood cell count. In addition, the patient may have poor tolerance to such procedures due to medical history.
Before making an appointment, you should find out where such a specialist is receiving. Leech application services are provided in private medical centers and clinics; there are also specialized medical institutions for hirudotherapy.
Similar sessions take place in sanatoriums and resorts. Unfortunately, public hospitals rarely have an office for such a specialist.
When choosing a doctor, it is better to read reviews about him, find out the prices for treatment in advance, and undergo the necessary examinations.
It is important to note: if the doctor does not require tests, it is better to look for another doctor, since this method of therapy requires mandatory research. Pharmacy girudas are sometimes sold in pharmacies, so some even apply them themselves. It is strictly not recommended to do this without the necessary medical education, due to contraindications.
In general, this method of treatment has been justified for many centuries. With its help, they get rid of diseases, restore reproductive function and have children, rejuvenate the skin and lose weight. Despite the skepticism of some scientists, this technique continues to increase the number of grateful patients.
Source: https://FoodandHealth.ru/vrachi/girudoterapevt/
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