Complementary medicine methods have a long history, but modern medicine has only recently focused on their possible modes of action. Medicinal leech therapy (MLT) or hirudotherapy, an ancient method, has been studied by many researchers for its possible effects on various diseases, such as inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis, and after various operation. Hirudo medicinalis has the most extensive therapeutic use among leeches, but many different species have been tested and studied around the world. Leeches secrete more than 20 identified bioactive substances, including antiestasin, eglin, guamerin, hirudin, saratin, bdelin, complement, and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. They have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, platelet-inhibiting, anticoagulant, and thrombin-regulating functions, as well as antimicrobial and extracellular matrix degrading effects, but with further study, the spectrum of effects may expand. The method is cheap, effective, easy to use and its modes of action have been elucidated for several diseases. In conclusion, for the treatment of some diseases, MLT is not an alternative, but rather a complementary and/or integrative option. 
MLT is part of a multidisciplinary treatment and contains several bioactive substances. These substances vary between species and different species must be tested both for the treatment capacity and for their specific secreted molecules. There is great potential for new substances, and they may be future therapies. Medicinal leech therapy (MLT) or hirudotherapy is a type of complementary and integrated treatment method applied to blood-sucking leeches. One or more leeches are attached to the skin of the problem area and the goal is to potentially profit from the leech saliva secreted while the leeches' feed. MLT has been used for centuries and the term leech comes from the word "laece" (doctor). The earliest recorded applications are found in ancient Egypt.1, 2 In addition, Chinese, Arabic, Anglo-Saxon, ancient Greek, and Roman medical records have numerous references to MLT. In the 17th century in Europe, MLT reached its widest application area.1, 3 Since the 1900s, the attention of medical professionals has decreased, but in the last 30 years, MLT has become an important part of many scientific research. 
Leech therapy side effects
Complementary medicine methods have a long history, but modern medicine has only recently focused on their possible modes of action. Medicinal leech therapy (MLT) or hirudotherapy, an ancient method, has been studied by many researchers for its possible effects on various diseases, such as inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis, and after various operation. Hirudo medicinalis has the most extensive therapeutic use among leeches, but many different species have been tested and studied around the world. Leeches secrete more than 20 identified bioactive substances, including antiestasin, eglin, guamerin, hirudin, saratin, bdelin, complement, and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. They have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, platelet-inhibiting, anticoagulant, and thrombin-regulating functions, as well as antimicrobial and extracellular matrix degrading effects, but with further study, the spectrum of effects may expand. The method is cheap, effective, easy to use, and its modes of action have been elucidated for several diseases. 
In conclusion, for the treatment of some diseases, MLT is not an alternative, but rather a complementary and/or integrative option. MLT is part of a multidisciplinary treatment and contains several bioactive substances. These substances vary between species and different species must be tested both for the treatment capacity and for their specific secreted molecules. There is great potential for new substances and they may be future therapies. Medicinal leech therapy (MLT) or hirudotherapy is a type of complementary and integrated treatment method applied to blood-sucking leeches. One or more leeches are attached to the skin of the problem area and the goal is to potentially profit from the leech saliva secreted while the leeches feed. MLT has been used for centuries and the term leech comes from the word "laece" (doctor). The earliest recorded applications are found in ancient Egypt.1, 2 In addition, Chinese, Arabic, Anglo-Saxon, ancient Greek, and Roman medical records have numerous references to MLT. In the 17th century in Europe, MLT reached its widest application area.1, 3 Since the 1900s, the attention of medical professionals has decreased, but in the last 30 years, MLT has become an important part of many scientific research. 
Leech therapy cost
I tried leech therapy, and it was unpleasant. In my perilous journey through strange medical practices, I recently tried leech therapy. It wasn't cost particularly pretty, and I won't soon forget it. I guess it's no wonder leech therapy feels so weird. Leech therapy sounds thoroughly medieval; however, it predates the medieval period by a considerable period of time. The ancient Egyptians, Indians, Arabs, and Greeks used leeches as a remedy. Skin diseases, dental problems, nervous system problems, inflammation and more receive leech treatment. The practice remained widespread in many parts of the world until recently. For example, the Manchester Royal Infirmary in the United Kingdom used 50,000 leeches in 1831. Leech therapy, also known as hirudotherapy, is still used by many medical professionals. The leech enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 1970s and was used with some success. 
after finger reattachment procedures and operations on the soft tissues of the face. It is also sometimes used after microsurgery, such as plastic or reconstructive surgery. Leeches help improve blood flow to regions where it has slowed or stopped, thus preventing tissue death. 'Alternative' uses for leech therapy Today, with complementary and alternative treatments more popular than ever, the purported benefits of medicinal leeches have expanded significantly. One clinic says that hirudotherapy can be used to treat conditions including migraine, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, infertility, hepatitis, cystitis, sinusitis, glaucoma, chronic kidney failure, and more. Among the extensive list of uses, I noticed dermatitis. I have had eczema since I was a child and in the winter months it gets worse. So, I'm hoping hirudotherapy will solve that for me. I must admit that despite my healthy skepticism, I felt a glimmer of hope. 
Leech therapy on face
All about leeches and skin care You may be surprised to know your face on that leech therapy was first discovered in Egypt about 2,500 years ago. Leeches have been used to restore body fluids and heal the skin of various ailments and health problems. In Indian Ayurveda, leech therapy is known as Raktamokshan (one of the Panchakarmas) or blood purification therapy to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, abscesses, inflammation, alopecia, leukoderma, and chronic itching. The process of leech therapy The process begins with an almost painless bite as the leeches begin working on your skin with their 300 microteeth. The sensation is similar to having tattoo needles stuck in the skin or an insect bite. In this process, the leeches suck the dirty blood out of your system and release some enzymes into your blood that heal your skin and make it glow afterwards. Looking for a leech therapy service? Why not try our great tasting service? The Facial Leech (facelift) Will you do anything to stay young? Specifically, would you let someone put leeches on your body and mix the blood they drew with a mask to apply to your face? It is a true cosmetic procedure for people who want to go the extra mile to maintain their beauty. 
A gorgeous beauty fashion for the brave Leech therapy is exactly what it sounds like. Several medicinal leeches are placed on your skin under the guidance of a trained medical professional to allow these slimy bloodsuckers to work their magic by expelling the bacteria that cause the skin abnormality from your body. and gives you blemishes. -No skin, smoother and younger. Why leech? I know the thought of creepy blood-sucking creatures crawling up your cheeks and feeding on your blood makes your stomach clench. But their saliva is known to be the magic potion for your skin, if you can get past the initial disgust. For example, 60 different proteins are found in the saliva secreted by leeches. The most important of these is hirudin, an anticoagulant protein that helps keep blood from clotting. These proteins also induce vasodilation and prevent platelets from forming scabs on wounds. Leeches also help promote blood flow and release tension created by toxic blood in your system. facial leeches and celebrities On a recent episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County, Heather Dubrow opened up about her experience with an on-air vampire-friendly facial. "Supposedly, leech therapy brightens your skin, tightens it and gives you a youthful glow," says Dubrow. And he's not the only celebrity dabbling in this ancient medical treatment. 
Leech therapy benefits
What is leech therapy? Since the time of ancient Egypt, leeches have been used medicinally to treat nervous system abnormalities, dental problems, skin diseases, and infections as of its benefits. Today, they are mainly used in plastic surgery and other microsurgery. This is because leeches secrete peptides and proteins that work to prevent blood clots from forming. These secretions are also known as anticoagulants. It keeps blood flowing to wounds to help them heal. Currently, leech therapy is making a comeback because of its simple and inexpensive way to prevent complications. How does leech therapy work? Medicinal leeches have three jaws with small rows of teeth. They pierce a person's skin with their teeth and inject the anticoagulants through their saliva. The leeches are allowed to draw blood, 20 to 45 minutes at a time, from the person undergoing treatment. This is equivalent to a relatively small amount of blood, up to 15 milliliters per leech. Medicinal leeches usually come from Hungary or Sweden. 
There are several situations where leech therapy can be used. People who may benefit include those at risk of amputation due to side effects of diabetes, those diagnosed with heart disease, and those undergoing cosmetic surgery where they are at risk. to lose some of it. soft tissue. Therapy is also recommended to treat blood clots and varicose veins. People with anemia, blood clotting conditions, or compromised arteries are not candidates for leech therapy. Children under 18 and pregnant women are also often advised to avoid it. Medical Applications for Leech Therapy During a session, live leeches attach to the target area and draw blood. They release proteins and peptides that thin the blood and prevent clotting. It improves circulation and prevents tissue death. Leeches leave small Y-shaped sores that usually heal without scarring. Leeches are effective in increasing blood circulation and breaking down blood clots. It should not be surprising that they can be used to treat circulatory disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Chemicals derived from leech saliva are made into medicines that can treat: hypertension varicose veins Hemorrhoids skin problems arthritis Clinical trials suggest that leech therapy is a suitable treatment for osteoarthritis, a common joint disease. The anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties of leech saliva reduce pain and tenderness in the affected area of the joint. 
Leech therapy protocol
Medicinal leech therapy in head and neck patients return to: Leech Microvascular therapy and its Surgery Protocols; see Surveillance and free flap salvage. Theory behind the use of leeches Venous congestion occurs when the veins that drain blood from a tissue are unable to do their job due to coagulated blood within them or external pressure on the draining vein. Then the blood collects in the tissue because it cannot get out. This pooled blood can eventually destroy the integrity of the tissue and the tissue can die. Venous congestion in most cases is best treated by promptly returning the patient to the operating room to remove the venous obstruction. In rare situations this is not possible or indicated, and in these situations, leeches can be used to relieve venous congestion. Leeches produce an enzyme in their saliva called hirudin. Hirudin is a strong anticoagulant. They do this to prevent their host from forming a blood clot so they can more easily feed on blood. 
When you apply a leech, hirudin acts locally at the bite site to allow bleeding to continue for 2 to 3 hours after the leech is removed. While attached, the leech actively removes some of the pooled blood, relieving pressure within the tissue. After the leech is removed, the accumulated venous blood continues to flow from the site where the leech was attached, which is healing for the tissue. The effects of hirudin can last up to several hours. You can tell it is inactive when the blood flow stops. That's when you should put in another leech, unless the doctors tell you otherwise. In most cases, you only need to apply one or two leeches at a time. Then, when you apply the next leech, place it somewhere else in the area of tissue that needs to be treated. Sometimes if we are dealing with a very large flap, we will teach you to use more than one leech. Always, if you have any questions about how many leeches to use or where to put them, give us a call anytime. When you put in a leech, you need to keep it away from places where you don't want it to attach. Applying a small amount of D5 to the desired area will encourage the leech to begin feeding. Once you find a place where you're happy, you'll be hooked. Then when it's full, it will let go and go away. Active feeding of leeches should not be eliminated. It is at the critical moment when the leech is released that the nurse must catch the leech and euthanize it, or it may wander off and get lost, or worse, decide it wants to reattach itself somewhere else... such as the patient's eyes or mouth. 
It is the patient's nurse's responsibility to prevent this complication from occurring, and we realize that this is a very difficult treatment. All patients undergoing leech therapy should be given a fluoroquinolone (we usually use Levaquin), which should be started before the first leech is applied and continue up to 24 hours after leech therapy is stopped. If there are open or necrotic wounds in the treated area, antibiotics should be continued until they close. This is because leeches carry a lot of bacteria in their saliva (most commonly Aeromonas hydrophila) that can cause wound infections. If your patient is not taking Levaquin, discuss this with the OTO resident. If Levaquin is stopped too early, let us know as well. Instructions for handling medicinal leeches Ordered the leeches from the pharmacy. Leeches are placed on the tissue we want to treat. In most cases, this will be the skin of the inserted free flap. However, it can be any skin that appears dark after surgery, even if it is not a free flap. 
The OTO resident should "outline" with plastic curtains the area where the leeches will be placed. Plastic curtains can be arranged to help "contain" leeches within the area of interest. The patient was started on Levaquin. Ask the resident how many leeches should be used per session. (Usually just one, maybe two.) Ask the resident if they have questions about where to apply the leech.