Harm and benefit of leeches. Hirudotherapy: indications, contraindications

How many different diseases there are, there are so many ways to treat them. People from ancient times, when the development of medicine was very far from the modern level, used all sorts of ways to cope with their sores.

The appearance and development of hirudotherapy

From the earliest times people were interested in various methods of treatment. So, unexpectedly for himself, a Nikandr of Colonia discovered that small vampire leeches have a healing effect on a person. This doctor from ancient Greece is considered the founder of the science of hirudotherapy. Hirudina in Latin is a leech. Since that time, this science has more and more found its recognition.

This method of treatment was used in many states - this is Ancient Egypt, India, China. This confirmation can be found on the frescos found in the tombs. The works of ancient healers, such as Hippocrates, Avicen and Galen, also contain references to the treatment with leeches. Even the famous artist Botticelli painted a picture on which the process of hirudotherapy is clearly visible. This once again emphasizes the popularity of the method in those distant times.

We will try to understand what the harm and benefits of leeches are, and how they are used in medicine.

In the modern world, this science does not stand still and is in great demand. Scientists are constantly studying what the harm and benefits of leeches are, and are making more and more discoveries in this area.

A little bit about this worm

Leech refers to annelid worms. The sub-class of Leeces has about four hundred species. The largest number of them lives in ponds, rivers - where fresh water. The name "leech" comes from the verb "drink". And in many languages it sounds almost the same.

It would seem that an ordinary worm, but no. Leeches have their own character. Not everyone can establish contact with them for teamwork. For medical purposes leeches are grown on special biofactories. Due to the caprice of these worms, a probationary period is provided for the employees. Only a positive person with patience, love and attention, can manage with a capricious worm. They feel unkindness with their small body and may even fall ill or die.

So, the doctor-girudoterapevtom can be not everyone because of the special nature of the leech. It is necessary to apply girouderapiyu very carefully, considering that the harm and benefit of leeches will affect your health.

What is the healing effect of the leech?

All the most valuable leech is contained in saliva. It consists of biologically active components. But a very important place belongs to hirudin. It dilutes blood, and it helps to prevent heart attacks, thromboses and strokes.

It also contains enzymes that help dissolve unnecessary formations in the body. These are cysts, stones, polyps, scars, spikes and, of course, salt. Something disappears altogether, and something becomes less dense and is easier to treat with traditional medications. We are increasingly learning about the treatment with leeches, contraindications, benefits and harm of these curative worms.

How is the therapeutic procedure hirudotherapy?

First of all, the patient should be examined. It is necessary to pass all the tests. After this, the doctor-girudoterapevt defines acupuncture points in accordance with the disease. Then he puts a leech on this place. She sits not moving or herself takes a suitable place for her. The leech pierces the skin, and the saliva of this small creature begins to flow into the human body.

In turn, the leech sucks up stagnant blood with a lot of toxins. This procedure lasts for 30-40 minutes. Once the leech is eaten, it falls off or is carefully removed. Acupuncture points are changed at each session to improve the effectiveness of treatment.

Use leeches with caution. At the puncture site, a wound appears, which usually bleeds for a few more days. It is necessary to impose a sterile bandage. Perhaps there will be a bruise. This is an indicator that the process of hirudotherapy was successful, and the body received a dose of useful biological substances. Let's make a few conclusions about the effect of hirudotherapy on the human body.

1. Reflexogenic . The leech acts on the skin's receptors.
2. Mechanical . Punctures the skin of a person.
3. Painful . The patient feels pain.
4. Chemical . There is an infusion of saliva.
5. Hemorrhage . Leach sucks slagged blood.

Useful effects of leeches on the body

Harm and benefit of leeches, their effect on the body for a single person, must be taken into account when appointing hirudotherapy to the patient.

Consider the benefits of these little healers.

1. The movement of lymph along the vessels on the inflammation or diseased organ is restored.
2. The microcirculation of blood in capillaries comes due to the fact that hirudin has an anticoagulant and antithrombotic effect.
3. Immunity is stimulated.
4. The leech has an antimicrobial effect. It secretes, together with saliva, a substance that kills microbes.
5. The inflammatory process is removed.
6. The drainage function is improved and as a result, edema is eliminated.
7. Leeches act as an anesthetic.
8. Improve the work of the neuroendocrine system.
9. Counteracts atherosclerosis.
10. Charged with energy and affect regeneratively.
11. Make local immunity work.

What diseases can be treated with hirudotherapy?

Very many diseases can be treated with leeches. Let's name some of them.

• Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
• Various skin problems.
• Allergic asthma.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Neurological diseases.
• Urological and gynecological diseases.
• Diseases of the endocrine system.
• Diseases of the ears and eyes.

• Are used in cosmetology.
• Treatment of overweight.

There are two sides to using leeches - good and bad. A patient loses weight after a similar procedure, it is good and beneficial for the body as a whole. But there are always pitfalls in any method of treatment.

Contraindications for treatment with leeches

As with any medicine, and in leeches there are contraindications and side effects. It is worth considering, using leeches: the benefits and harm of hirudotherapy May significantly affect your health.

In what cases is not recommended treatment with leeches:

1. If you have hemophilia.
2. During pregnancy.
3. Hypotension.
4. Immunodeficiency conditions.
5. With infectious diseases, fever.
6. When poisoning.
7. Anemia.
8. Oncological diseases.

Side effects of hirudotherapy are mainly associated with allergic reactions to leeches. If you are interested in the question of whether there is harm from medicinal leeches, then it is necessary to discuss all contraindications and side effects with the doctor.

It is possible to enter the infection at the puncture site if the hygiene rules are not observed. Lymph nodes are probably swollen. Pressure is lowered due to persistent bleeding as a result of improper placement of leeches. The most serious is an anaphylactic shock.

A few words for those who decided to be treated independently

Harm and benefit of leeches must necessarily be known to the person conducting the procedure. If you decide to independently hold a hirudotherapy session, then you need to take into account some of the nuances:

• Treatment is done only by medical pharmacies leeches.
• Consult a girudotherapist.
• You need to know your exact diagnosis, and if you are allergic to leeches.
• For the session you can use only healthy and hungry leeches.
• Leech is used only once.

• Before a session it is forbidden to use perfume, creams, flavored soap. They also do not tolerate the smell of tobacco and can refuse to cooperate.
• If you do this for the first time, limit yourself to one leech, and in subsequent times use no more than six.
• The hirudotherapy session is better spent in the evening.
• To achieve a persistent positive result during treatment, you must follow a diet.

If you adhere to these simple rules, you can not be afraid that hirudotherapy will do more harm than good.