Hirudotherapy - gaining popularity and efficient method treatment of many diseases. It is clear that, although it is powerful, it is not universal remedy: leeches cannot be used thoughtlessly - for some diseases they will be useful, but for some categories of people this method is contraindicated. In this article, we would like to talk about the features of this method.
Indications for use
The list of cases where hirudotherapy will be useful includes many diseases:
- cordially- vascular diseases: leech saliva is a strong coagulant and thrombolytic agent, it reduces blood clotting and destroys blood clots. In addition, hirudin improves the supply of oxygen to the tissues of the body through the blood, helps to fight edema, has a draining effect - all this has led to the effectiveness of the method in ischemic disease, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis and heart defects. In general, hirudotherapy is very effective for any diseases associated with blood congestion.
- gastroenterology: leeches can help with gastritis, chronic cholecystitis, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, food allergies and other similar diseases. Patients with digestive problems, as a rule, feel an improvement in their condition rather quickly.
- neurology and rheumatology: headaches, dizziness, tremors, migraines, neurosis, radiculitis, arthritis, osteoarthritis are also well treated with leeches.
- nephrology and urology: cystitis, cystalgia, urolithiasis disease, renal failure, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, prostate adenoma - this is far from full list diseases genitourinary system, in which hirudotherapy is indicated.
- respiratory problems: this method is recommended for bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, emphysema or candidiasis of the lungs.
- gynecological diseases: leeches help to improve blood supply in the ovarian and pelvic area, they are used to treat uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, colpitis, fibromastopathy, endometritis, endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome and others. Menopause will be easier too.
- cosmetic problems: psoriasis, acne, eczema, warts - this method of treatment will help get rid of many skin diseases... And when varicose veins are treated with leeches, not only improvement occurs appearance, but pain in the legs also stops.
- surgery: hirudotherapy helps with furunculosis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins veins.
- endocrinology: obesity, diabetes, goiter is another set of indications for treatment in this way.
- ear-nose-throat: various sinusitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis and pharyngitis suggest the setting of leeches.
In all these cases, hirudotherapy acts not only as an independent method of treatment, but also as one of the additional measures in a complex of various effects on the body - a person can undergo a course of treatment with a certain medicine and put leeches along the way. Moreover, in some cases, leeches can only facilitate painful sensations, and not to cope with the disease completely.
It should also be noted that hirudotherapy is not necessarily used to treat specific diseases - it has an immunostimulating and analgesic effect, improving the condition of even a healthy person.
Contraindications
Everything has both positive and negative sides... Hirudotherapy is no exception, there are a number of contraindications for treatment with leeches:
- the first block of diseases for which the technique is contraindicated is blood diseases. In no case should it be used to treat people with hemophilia. In case of anemia, hirudotherapy is also not recommended - there are not enough erythrocytes and platelets in the patient's blood anyway, and after the procedure there will be even fewer of them.
- low blood pressure - it is better not to risk it.
- pregnancy is also a contraindication to leeches - this is the case when it is better to play it safe than to take risks.
- menstruation - blood is already flowing out of the woman's body, you should not aggravate it.
- hemorrhagic diathesis.
- oncological diseases.
- individual intolerance - rarely, but this happens, in this case, the patient does not tolerate any components of the leech's saliva.
Ideally, you need a doctor who knows when you can and when you can not use hirudotherapy, his consultation will help to avoid many problems. But, as can be seen from the list above, there are not so many contraindications for treatment with leeches. And the benefits are enormous.
A professor at Birmingham College, John Highcraft, in the 1880s, studied the benefits and harms of treatment with leeches - representatives of one of the subclasses related to annelids.
The result laboratory research was the discovery of hirudin - a special substance that is part of the saliva of these animals and has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system.
In healing, a medical leech is used - giruda.
According to some classifications, it is subdivided into subspecies:
Wild forms of the medicinal leech are found in the Krasnodar Territory, the Caucasus, the Rostov Region, and central Russia.
The medicinal leech has enough strong jaws equipped with special chitinous teeth. Carrying out sawing movements with its jaws, such a leech is able to bite through the skin of animals and humans. The saliva of this type of worm contains numerous enzymes and biologically active substances, which have a therapeutic effect on the human body.
There are types of leeches that have an outward resemblance to the medical one: horse and pseudo-horse. However, these species are characterized by poor jaw development and cannot bite through the rather thick skin of mammals. Usually they stick to mucous membranes or lead a predatory lifestyle. There is no therapeutic effect from the use of these types.
In hirudotherapy, leeches grown in laboratory conditions are used. The danger from a bite of wild representatives is associated with the possibility of penetration of pathogenic microflora into the body, which the worm received from the previous owner. In addition, symbiont bacteria living in the intestines of the leech are the causative agents of human diseases such as colitis, gastroenteritis and some others.
It is believed that the bite of a wild leech will not lead to infection if it has been fasting for at least four months. Specially grown leeches are sterile and cannot be a source of infection.
The benefits and harms of hirudotherapy
Any treatment can have both beneficial and negative consequences for the body. The benefits of using leeches are undeniable.
But harm is possible only through the fault of the person himself: with unqualified prescription and treatment, with the use of untested biomaterial and improper patient behavior after the procedure.
| The benefits of hirudotherapy | The harm of hirudotherapy |
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The effectiveness of hirudotherapy
The influence of the leech on the human body is carried out mechanically and chemically... The secret of the effect of the bite of these annelids lies in the unique chemical composition their saliva. In fact, the leech "launches" the body's self-healing program.
Blood loss stimulates the human body to produce new blood, which leads to its purification and helps to increase immunity, raise mood and strengthen physical condition.
The saliva of the medicinal leech contains:
- hyaluronidase- stimulates the formation of antibodies, improves the permeability of cell membranes;
- hirudin- an anticoagulant created by nature, thinning the blood, suppressing clotting, promoting better blood flow, dissolving blood clots;
- orgelase- stimulates the formation and restoration of capillaries;
- viburnum- prevents the formation of blood clots;
- destabilase- has a dissolving effect on blood clots;
- bdellin- inhibits enzymes that ensure blood clotting;
- lipase- has a destructive effect on adipose tissue;
- histamines- expand the lumen blood vessels;
- apiraz and collagenase- do not allow red blood cells to stick together, destroy cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels;
- bradykinin- has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- eglins- stimulate hematopoietic processes;
- vasodilators- contribute to the improvement of blood flow through the vessels;
- proteinase inhibitors- complexes that suppress the action of enzymes that destroy body proteins;
- anesthetics have an analgesic effect.
This small part chemical compounds entering the bloodstream through the saliva of the worm.
Medicinal leeches are used live, as well as medicinal and cosmetics which are created from the biological material of the worm. Thanks to the development of genetic engineering, it became possible to isolate genes from the leech's body that are responsible for the synthesis of the desired substance. Genes are implanted into the DNA of bacteria, which begin to create this chemical compound.
Indications for treatment with leeches
Use leeches for treatment, as well as for prevention various diseases... With their help, you can significantly increase the level of immunity of the body, accelerate recovery after surgery or serious illness.
Hirudotherapy is indicated for patients with diseases and disorders such as:
- Hypertension.
- Haemorrhoids.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Angina pectoris.
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Phlebeurysm.
- Disorders of the liver.
- Diseases digestive tract.
- Depression, neuroses.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Skin diseases.
- Headaches, insomnia.
- Pancreatitis and gastritis.
- Gynecological problems.
- Prostatitis and infertility.
- Osteochondrosis, pinched nerves.
- Arthritis and arthrosis.
- Cystitis.
- Postoperative adhesions.
- Postponed stroke and heart attack.
- Thyroid dysfunction.
- Diabetes.
- Fractures, cracks, dislocations.
- Rhinitis and otitis media.
- Dental diseases.
This incomplete list... You can use hirudotherapy in pediatrics, for cancer patients, and during pregnancy. In each of these cases, some restrictions apply.
Which doctors are engaged in hirudotherapy?
Hirudotherapy or bdellotherapy is a branch of naturopathy that uses medicinal leeches. A hirudotherapist is a naturopathic doctor with higher education who has passed special training. The initial specialization of the doctor does not play a role in this.
The competence of a hirudotherapist includes:
- determination of the duration of treatment and session separately;
- appointments by the number of leeches;
- determination of the points of setting worms;
- directly carrying out the procedure;
- interaction with the doctor who referred the patient to hirudotherapy.
Features of hirudotherapy
Treatment with leeches, the benefits and harms of which directly depend on the specialists performing the procedure, is popular in various fields of medicine. The treatment session lasts from 30 minutes to one and a half hours.
When preparing for the procedure, it is advisable to abandon the use of deodorants, perfumes and other perfumery and cosmetic products, smoking and alcohol. No need to shower and eat a lot, as well as engage in any kind physical exercise. The most effective procedure is on an empty stomach.
Before the session, the specialist treats the patient's skin with alcohol and hot water... Leeches are planted on dry skin. If there is hair on the body, it must be removed. The place where the leeches will be placed is massaged until redness and a slight increase in temperature.
The worm is placed on the skin using tweezers, a syringe, vacuum devices. Active hungry leeches usually stick right away, during the feeding process they make oscillatory movements and become wet. In some cases, you have to make a small puncture of the skin so that the leech can smell the blood.
The next leech can be placed only after the previous one has fixed. The worm is applied to the "active" vital points, which are responsible for the work of specific organs. There are about 600 known acupuncture points on the surface of the human body.
The leech instinctively finds exactly the point that stimulates the work of the diseased organ.
The little healer is able to drink 3 times more blood than he weighs himself. Usually the worm is left on the body until it is full. After that, the leech simply "falls off" from the wound. Sometimes it has to be removed using cotton wool soaked in alcohol. You cannot tear off the leech yourself or touch the wound with your hands. This can lead to serious wounds and microbial penetration.
Sterile wipes are applied to the wound remaining at the site of the bite. Within a day after the procedure, the wounds may bleed - this is normal reaction organism. If the blood does not stop for more than 24 hours, a doctor's help is required.
After the procedure, the wounds should be dry and crusty. Accept water treatments up to this point it is impossible.
The course of hirudotherapy lasts 1 - 2 months. The number of leeches gradually increases from 2 individuals in the first procedures to 10-14 leeches. As an independent therapy, treatment with leeches is rarely used: for mild diseases, for the prevention and maintenance of immunity. Most often, hirudotherapy is used in combination with other forms and methods of treatment.
Hirudotherapy for vascular diseases
Treatment with leeches, benefits and harmful effect which can sometimes manifest itself, is used for vascular diseases: thrombophlebitis, varicose veins. The leeches are staggered along the vessel. The distance between the worms is about 5 cm, to the vessel - at least 2 cm.
A leech caught on a vessel can bite through its wall, causing severe bleeding.
Places of attachment of leeches: on the front of the lower leg, above the knee, on the calves, back of the thigh, groin. From 6 to 14 leeches are used once. There is a two-day break between the two procedures. The course is repeated after 2 months. The healing effect is achieved due to the ability of the worm's saliva to thin the blood and dissolve blood clots.
In addition, vascular permeability improves, the affected areas are restored, inflammation and edema are relieved. A contraindication is the purulent stage of thrombophlebitis.
Hirudotherapy for diseases of the nervous system
Treatment with leeches, the benefits and harms of which are incomparable, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, promotes the restoration of nervous tissue. Post-stroke sessions help prevent paralysis and restore the patient's health.
Studies have shown that leeches can even cope with Alzheimer's disease.
Sciatica, concussion, multiple sclerosis, neuralgia, neuritis - an incomplete list of diseases nervous system for which you can use leeches. The number of sessions and the method of placing the worms depends on the disease. The usual course consists of 5-10 sessions using 10 worms once.
Hirudotherapy for oncological diseases
For cancer patients, hirudotherapy will not be beneficial. Patients under the influence specific treatment blood clotting and immunity levels decrease, anemia is observed. Hirudotherapy can cause loss of consciousness or bleeding.
In exceptional cases, leeches are used in combination with drugs after chemotherapy and X-ray therapy to stimulate hematopoiesis and raise immunity.
Hirudotherapy in dentistry
Treatment with leeches is increasingly used with benefit in clinics in the treatment of a number of dental diseases:
- periostitis;
- periodontitis;
- neuralgia of the facial nerves;
- alveolitis;
- paralysis of the facial muscles;
- diseases of the salivary glands;
- glossalgia;
- severe toothaches;
- periodontal disease;
- stomatitis.
Patients receive relief after the first exposure. The work of a qualified specialist cannot harm the patient's body.
Hirudotherapy during pregnancy
Hirudotherapy is indicated only in the first third of pregnancy. It is at this time that leeches can be used to prevent miscarriage associated with vascular thrombosis. In the second and third trimester, this method of treatment, on the contrary, can lead to abortion, since blood future mother liquefies under the influence of physiological processes.
Using a leech can cause bleeding. It is recommended to use hirudotherapy when planning pregnancy, as it helps to stimulate the pelvic organs, to raise the function of the prostate gland.
Is hirudotherapy used for children?
In some sources, you can read about the inadmissibility of using hirudotherapy in pediatrics. However, most experts say the opposite: it is shown even to newborns. There is no doubt that the child must be under constant supervision by a qualified doctor.
Treatment is carried out with caution, but the use of leeches on early dates life can help avoid dire consequences in adulthood.
Features and indications for hirudotherapy in children:
- A newborn child is given no more than one leech, increasing the number over the years to 3. The treatment regimen for adolescents is similar to that of an adult.
- When a child begins to be afraid of leeches (usually up to 3 years of age such problems do not arise), then the doctor must be able to explain everything to the baby and be able to negotiate with him.
- Hirudotherapy will help with such severe diagnoses like a child cerebral paralysis, perinatal encephalopathy.
- Leeches deal with the consequences birth trauma, increased intracranial pressure, violations motor functions and coordination of movements.
- A good effect can be achieved in the fight against bedwetting, frequent colds, rhinitis and otitis media.
- Hirudotherapy contributes to the adaptation of the child in society, improving memory and attention.
- In adolescence, disorders such as vegetative-vascular dystonia and disorders of the digestive tract often occur. When making such diagnoses, the use of hirudotherapy is also indicated.
Contraindications
Treatment with leeches, the benefits and harms of which are constantly discussed, has contraindications associated primarily with the work of the circulatory system and the quality of blood.
List of contraindications:
Complications and side effects
Hirudotherapy is good because it has few contraindications and goes without negative consequences if a professional works and the patient observes all the doctor's recommendations. The procedure is almost painless; a leech bite can be compared to a mosquito bite.
Depending on the individual attitude of the body to the biomaterial of the leech, a person may experience itching, redness, swelling, fever and other manifestations of allergies. These symptoms disappear when the exposure to leeches ceases, or when their number decreases in a single setting. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe antihistamines to the patient.
Negative consequences may be associated with the close location of blood vessels to the skin surface, too low level the body's immunity.
With an illiterate session, self-treatment or improper behavior of the patient (combing the wound, visiting a bath, using drugs), the consequences can be more serious.
For instance:
- The appearance of bruises, hematomas.
- Prolonged bleeding.
- Inflammation of the lymph nodes.
- Inflammation as a result of germs entering the wound.
- Quincke edema (very rare)
Is leech treatment dangerous?
The use of leeches to raise your immunity, recover from surgeries and to treat chronic diseases is absolutely safe. Exceptions are some diseases and conditions of the body that are on the list of contraindications.
In any case, hirudotherapy can only be started after consulting a specialist. The doctor evaluates the patient's state of health, takes into account allergic manifestations organism, transferred diseases, prescribes tests. Only after this is the possibility of treatment determined.
Can leeches be used at home for medicinal purposes?
It is, of course, possible to apply hirudotherapy on your own at home.
But there are some important points to keep in mind:
The use of leeches in medicine was known thousands of years ago. It was these creatures that were described by such great people as Hippocrates, Ibn Sin and many other scientists. These people were the first to describe the treatment with leeches, the benefits, harms, indications for heart disease, hemorrhoids, pressure, migraines. About leeches, as healers, they even knew in ancient Egypt and, oddly enough, the ancient Maya.
About hirudotherapy
In Russia, leeches were one of the main tools of zemstvo doctors; this type acquired widespread use during the wars, when leeches were placed on lacerated wounds and fractures. After all, the ability of leeches to disinfect and anesthetize saliva saved many wounded soldiers from death.
V modern world hirudotherapy has again become in demand and relevant. Indeed, more and more often you can find human allergic reactions to a variety of pharmaceuticals.
Information about why leeches are so popular and what diseases they cure will be described below.
Hirudotherapy and its benefits
As you know, leeches have healing saliva, which contains many useful and necessary elements for the body.
The benefits of using leeches are as follows:
- Leeches help unload circulatory system and the emptying of blood vessels.
- this worm is on a par with acupuncture, which allows not only to benefit, but also to start the active functioning of many body systems. After all, suction occurs mainly on biologically important points of the human body.
- The secretions in saliva are saturated with biologically active substances that can improve the condition of the blood and its blood flow.
The benefit of a leech bite lies in the ingestion of a whole complex of substances into the human blood, which can be conditionally divided into three groups, namely:
Useful material:
- Immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory.
- A group that acts on, has anti-ischemic and anti-atherosclerotic action.
- A group capable of stimulating the flow of blood and lymph.
Also now hirudotherapy is in demand in. After all, the properties of the secret glands of the leech can improve the condition of the skin, make it more beautiful, elastic, soft and firm.
Treatment with leeches: indications
For the use of leeches as therapy and treatment, there are certain indications of the state of the body. The effectiveness of treatment with this type of worms will be maximum for the following diseases:
- Cardiovascular diseases. This category includes the following diseases - heart disease, hypertension, ischemia, heart attack, stroke and many other ailments associated with blood vessels and blood flow.
- Gastroenterological diseases. Leeches are effective when your liver is not functioning well. And also there are problems with the digestive system.
- Neurology and rheumatology. If you are worried about nerves, arthrosis, sciatica, osteoarthritis, arthritis, dizziness.
- Nephrology and urology. Prostatitis, cystitis, renal failure, cystalgia can all be treated with leeches.
- Respiratory diseases. This section includes eczema, pleurisy and other diseases.
- Gynecology. Leeches are also effective in the treatment of such a variety of gynecological diseases as fibroids, ovarian cysts, fibromastopathy, endometritis and others.
- Cosmetology. Hirudotherapy occupies a special place in modern cosmetology, and is used in the presence of problems such as acne, warts, eczema, psoriasis.
- Surgery. Worms in surgery can treat hemorrhoids , boils,
- Endocrinology. Leeches are used if you have obesity or diabetes.
- Pathology of the musculoskeletal system. Treatment with leeches is effective, if you have osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia... Also in cases where your spine is affected by chronic diseases.
- It is worth paying attention to the fact that leeches can improve blood circulation and heal sore joints.
Contraindications for the use of leeches
Since leeches are a healer, given to people nature, there are few contraindications for their use:
- Hemophilia.
- Anemia.
- Low pressure.
- Pregnancy.
- Menstrual cycle.
- Oncology.
- Allergy to some substances from saliva secretion.
Leeches and infertility
Have you wondered what any worms have to do with getting pregnant? Then, we will help you with the answer. Of course, if you have been diagnosed with infertility due to the absence of fallopian tubes, ovaries, then, unfortunately, few people are able to help you, but do not despair, you can always become a mother!
If you have been diagnosed with adhesions in the fallopian tubes, inflammation in the genitals and if there are problems with the male semen, then leeches will come to the rescue here too!
Important! If you decide to treat infertility with the help of hirudotherapy, then be sure to do it with a qualified doctor, and in a clinic that has all the necessary permits and certificates.
Treatment with leeches at home
We would like to note right away that all information about the treatment is provided for informational purposes only, and we strongly recommend that you undergo a course of treatment exclusively under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
Do you want to improve your health? At the same time, have you decided that you will do it with the help of leeches? Then you need to know the following:
- Leeches must be purchased from specialized nurseries, so-called farms.
- You need to know your exact diagnosis.
- You need to know the points where to put the leeches.
In order for you to be able to conduct a home session of hirudotherapy, a standard treatment regimen is offered for your review.
This treatment regimen is based on 10 sessions, which take place at intervals of 3 days. After the end of the course, you must take a break for a quarter and repeat the course again.
As mentioned earlier, a doctor's consultation is required, because only he can develop the correct and effective scheme, which will be able to have the maximum result.
For informational purposes, we lay out a standard diagram of how to correctly place leeches for the most common diseases.
The figure shows all the points to which the leech is attached. And what is the point, what disease it refers to, see the transcript below:
Point 1, 8- hypertension, eye diseases, hot flashes during menopause, migraine.
Point 2- sinusitis and others inflammatory processes in the sinuses.
Point 3- with diseases of the organs of vision.
Point 4- heart attack.
Point 5.8- problems of the liver and gallbladder.
Point 6- appendicular infiltrates.
Point 7- diseases of the teeth and gums.
Point 9- gynecological diseases, inflammation sciatic nerve.
Point 10- varicose veins, thrombophlebitis (staggered around the vein).
Point 11 – trophic ulcers.
Point 12- joint inflammation.
Point 13- high arterial pressure.
Treatment with leeches summing up
From all of the above, we can conclude that leeches are good way make the veins and blood vessels of our body healthier, and the blood cleaner.
Also therapy with medicinal leeches can help in the treatment of many diseases and ailments of the human body.
It is important to note that misusing or reusing leeches can harm your health! Therefore, be sure to consult your doctor before any action.
We will also be grateful for your feedback if you have practiced hirudotherapy and tell you how it helped you.
This is a treatment with leeches or prepared and processed ingredients obtained from medicinal leeches for medicinal, prophylactic and health-improving purposes.
How does the therapeutic effect take place?
The therapeutic effect is based on three factors: biological, mechanical and reflex. In order about each. When bitten, a leech injects over 150 biologically active substances into the bloodstream, which thin the blood, relieve swelling and inflammation, and improve delivery nutrients and oxygen to cells.
Blood with lymph flows out of the wound, which leads to renewal lymphatic system and strengthening the immune system. Leeches stick to the skin at acupuncture points, or nerve-reflex points, thereby enhancing the effect of enzymes.
Are all leeches medicinal?
In hirudotherapy, 3 subspecies of worms of 1 type are used - medical (a total of 400 types of leeches are distinguished).
For therapeutic, prophylactic and recreational purposes, hirudotherapy is used only for them. Only these 3 species have unique properties useful to the human body. They are grown in biofactories.
How is the leech treatment carried out?
The hirudotherapist plants the leech on dry, warm, clean skin without foreign odors. Before the session, do not use scented shower products, perfumes.
When the leech is full, it falls off. Early weaning of the worm is sometimes acceptable (with partial exposure).
After the bite, blood oozes from the wound. The hirudotherapist treats the area and applies a sterile dressing with an absorbent pad. The wound cannot be wetted for several days.
Hirudotherapy: contraindications for medical leeches
1. Diseases accompanied by blood clotting disorders.
2. Anemia.
3. Leukemia.
4. Erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Acute febrile diseases with an unclear diagnosis.
6. Subacute bacterial endocarditis.
7. Active forms of tuberculosis.
8. The state of acute mental agitation.
9. State of alcoholic intoxication.
10. Sharp emaciation (cachexia).
11. Hypotension.
12. Pregnancy.
13. Condition after operations on the brain and spine.
14. Oncological diseases.
15. Individual intolerance to leeches, allergic reactions that occur in 0.01% of the population.
Hirudotherapy: indications
List of diseases for which a leech can be used
1. Diseases of the cardiovascular system ( ischemic disease heart, heart failure I-II degree, atherosclerotic and postinfarction cardiosclerosis, cardialgia, discirculatory atherosclerotic encephalopathy, hypertonic disease I-III century).
2. Diseases of the respiratory system (chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic pneumonia, chronic sinusitis).
3. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by spastic or atonic disorders, gastritis, pancreatitis.
4. Inflammatory diseases of the liver and biliary tract.
5. Neurological diseases (diseases of the peripheral nervous system, vascular diseases of the brain, traumatic lesions of the central nervous system and peripheral nerves, neuroses, multiple sclerosis).
6. Diseases of blood vessels (obliterating endarteritis of the extremities, thrombophlebitis, hemorrhoids).
7. Inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs.
8. Diseases of the genitourinary system (prostatitis, cystitis).
9. Eye diseases(glaucoma, inflammatory diseases eye).
10. Skin diseases (psoriasis, neurodermatitis, eczema).
11. Surgical diseases(prevention of postoperative infiltrates, thrombosis, lymphostasis).
12. Diseases endocrine system (climacteric syndrome, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, obesity).
13. Dental diseases (caries, stomatitis, cheilitis, glossitis, periodontal disease, periodontitis, alveolar pyorrhea).
14. Traumatological and orthopedic diseases (inflammatory processes, consequences gunshot wounds, phantom pain syndrome, etc.).
15. Systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma.
16. Diseases of the joints (arthrosis, arthritis).
Hirudotherapy: indications and contraindications. Reviews
With proper placement of leeches under the supervision of an experienced hirudotherapist, patients observe improvements already at 1-3 procedures (depending on the disease).
Based on my feedback, I can say the following, often it is possible to establish certain indications and contraindications only at the reception, or after the examination, since each patient is a single whole, interconnected by various components of direct and feedback.
Hirudotherapy: indications and contraindications. Prices
The cost of treatment depends on the number of leeches used.
Consultation with a hirudotherapist 1000 rubles
Procedure for setting 1 leech 500 rubles
Hirudotherapy for 3 leeches 1500 rubles
Hirudotherapy with the setting of 5 leeches 2500 rubles
Holistic medicine. Tradition and modernity
Olga A. Starchenko
Hirudotherapy - treatment with leeches
From ancient times to the present day as medicinal products thousands of different substances and creatures have been tested. The memory of many of them was erased by inexorable time. However, there are many that not only continue to be used in traditional medicine, but also actively studied by modern science.
Today we will talk about a very ancient method of treating many diseases - hirudotherapy (from Latin words"Leech" and "treatment"). He is mentioned in ancient Egyptian and ancient Indian treatises, the works of Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna. On the walls of Egyptian tombs, murals were found depicting the treatment with leeches.
What is the secret of the effectiveness of hirudotherapy? Why are synthetic analogs not so effective compared to the use of leeches? In what cases is it worth contacting a hirudotherapist? These and other questions are answered by a specialist in hirudotherapy and abdominal straightening at the clinic of Dr. Zager Olga Starchenko.
Olga Alexandrovna, due to what is the therapeutic effect of hirudotherapy?
OA: I noticed that in the articles of Internet communities devoted to hirudotherapy, the effect of the leech is associated with only one biologically active substance - hirudin. I believe that this is rather outdated information. The anticoagulant substance hirudin was isolated from leeches in 1903 by F. Franz. To date, dozens of unique biologically active substances with a powerful healing effect have been found in the saliva of a leech, many of which have not yet been synthesized.
In answer to the question, due to what mechanisms is the therapeutic effect of the leech, two of the most studied can be distinguished.
The first is microcirculatory, i.e. outflow regulation venous blood, lymph and arterial blood flow, during which the intercellular space is unloaded. It is very important! After all, the leech does not suck blood as such, it bites through the skin by 1-1.5 mm and feeds on the intercellular fluid and blood from the damaged capillary. But “a holy place is never empty,” and as a result, due to diffusion, liquid from the intercellular space enters the capillary bed, and therefore the viscosity of the blood decreases.
The second mechanism is the action of biologically active substances. During its feeding, the leech secretes a secret of various composition, i.e. on the different stages nutritional saliva has a different composition. This is functionally justified and allows you to solve various problems. First - the destruction of tissues and microvessels of the "victim", then - blockade of hemostasis mechanisms, and finally - counteraction to the protective reactions that develop in the tissues in response to damage.
Scientific studies of the mechanisms of action of leeches on humans began in the late 19th - early 20th centuries with the work of John Haycraft, who discovered the anticoagulant effect of leech extract. In 1884 he discovered an enzyme from leech saliva - hirudin.
In the textbook of Kamenev-Baranovsky, dedicated to hirudotherapy, currently known biologically active substances are divided into 4 groups: The first group - enzymes with lytic properties (from the Greek "lysis" - "separation", "dissolution"): hyaluronidase destroys hyaluronic acid, collagenase - collagen (components of connective and other tissues), peptidase - proteins, etc. These substances are found in the first or second portion of the leech secretion.
The second group consists of anticoagulants and antihemostatics. This group includes a large number of substances. Of these, hirudin is the most common. All substances work in different ways. Thus, hirudin blocks the thrombin pathway (it is a direct inhibitor of thrombin), other substances prevent platelet aggregation and adhesion (adhesion and adhesion), etc. The third group is represented by blockers defense reactions organism. They are produced by the leech so that in the body, which serves as food for the leech, there is no edema, pain, vasospasm. These include pain relievers, decongestants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and even blood pressure-promoting substances (such as girustazine).
The fourth group is auxiliary substances that help everyone else to fulfill their functions and enhance their effect. For example, lipids shield proteins introduced with leech secretion from macrophages, thereby saving them from destruction in the human body. This allows biologically active substances from the saliva of the leech to be in the body long time and exert its effect gradually.
The Russian word "leech" comes from "piti" - "to drink". This word refers to animals belonging to the subclass of annelids from the class of girdle worms, living mostly in fresh water bodies.
What problem is it worth deciding on hirudotherapy? After all, leeches are often not taken very seriously.
OA: It happens that men about 40 years old come to the clinic without obvious health complaints, for a purely preventive purpose - to improve the quality of blood. According to the test results, they have high blood viscosity. At the first setting, the leeches are removed after an hour (there is no point in waiting longer). For the fourth - fifth time, the leeches fall off on their own, and from the wound left, it can be concluded that the quality of the blood has improved markedly.
I have repeatedly received information from vascular surgeons about negative reviews about leeches. The fact that they have to treat trophic ulcers formed after hirudotherapy sessions. But this is not the fault of the method, but the wrong practice of its application. Apparently, these people had problems with the lower extremities (varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, etc.), blood outflow was impaired, tissue nutrition was impaired lower limbs... And they (patients) were immediately put leeches on these zones (lower extremities). In such situations, in no case should you start with such zones. First, the body needs to be prepared.
When I was studying with a candidate medical sciences Konstantin Vasilyevich Sukhov, who is a member of the College of hirudotherapists and leech healers of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, paid great attention to the above problems. Until the central settings have been carried out - the navel and sacrum have not been worked out (since in this zone there are vessels through which blood returns from the lower body), you should not work on the lower extremities. At the same time, it is necessary to work with such a patient, to improve his condition, without using the indicated zone.
And what do you mean, "have worked out this zone"? Is this also done with the help of hirudotherapy?
OA: This means that a set of measures has been completed, including multiple staging of leeches and, possibly, abdominal massage. At the same time, thanks to leeches and massage of the abdomen, blood flow, and venous outflow, and lymphatic drainage of tissues are improved. For a patient with diseased vessels of the lower extremities, leeches are not immediately put on the legs. They are repeatedly placed on the stomach, sacrum, on certain points of the body, and only after that, in some cases, it is possible to place them on the legs.
Are you using active points?
OA: Yes, I do. At the same time, I take into account the recommendations of the acupuncturists of our clinic, when we treat the same patient together. However, I prefer to start with the abdomen and sacrum. I think this is important. If there are rhinitis, sinusitis, periodontitis, I put leeches on the mucous surface of the mouth and nose.
That is, whatever the patient comes to you with, do you start with the abdomen and sacrum?
OA: Not always. For example, if a person comes with a recent injury, then I often work locally at the site of the injury. In case of injuries, the method of setting leeches works very well! For example, a woman fell from a horse, injured her knee, followed by severe swelling. Literally after the first setting, the edema decreased significantly. Another woman's leg got between the platform and the train, and a giant bruise formed on her thigh. She came to the appointment the same day she was injured. Leeches were delivered, and hematoma regression immediately began.
It is believed that hirudotherapy is indicated in case of vascular problems. This is very wide range problems. Since in case of illness internal organs, for example, the liver, gallbladder, in the peri-organ space, the work of the vessels worsens. And as a result of the restoration of blood and lymph outflow, the work of these organs improves.
Are there any contraindications?
OA: Contraindications are all blood diseases in which there is increased bleeding, oncology, febrile conditions (there is a risk of bleeding, because with elevated temperature bleeding is also increased).
Is high blood pressure also a contraindication?
OA: No, high blood pressure is often treated. During the session, the pressure may not decrease. But during the course, relief comes. In any case, it is better to undergo a course of hirudotherapy, and not one session.
Of course, the reasons high blood pressure maybe a lot. And you need to deal with the reasons.
How do you diagnose patients? After all, hirudotherapy is not a diagnostic method.
How many sessions does one course include?
OA: Each patient can have their own individual number of sessions.
If the leech quickly becomes saturated and falls off after about 30 minutes, then that's great! This suggests that she has already well prepared herself a "victim", she is quickly saturated.
The action of leech saliva lasts three months. Chronic illness always harder to heal. If possible, a good treatment rhythm is as follows: two weeks, twice a week, then once a week, then once every two weeks, etc. The result is a prolonged action. Some go for it, some find it hard.
How did hirudotherapy become your method of choice?
OA: I came to leeches through my illness. Thanks to complex treatment, including visceral massage, leeches, herbal medicine, managed to avoid two surgical operations.
An alternative surgical intervention what kind of hirudotherapy can become?
OA: For example, hemorrhoids. Here you can work, fight. Endometriosis is going very well. And the remission is very stable. Baker's cyst (an abnormal fluid formation in the popliteal fossa) also goes away well with leech therapy.
This is very important. Many people grab onto any straw to avoid surgery.
OA: Not all. Many do not realize the consequences of the operation. They do not understand what powerful adhesions are triggered. But all the same, if there is an opportunity and time to do without surgical intervention, it should be used.
If the patient is treated in a complex manner, for example: using leeches, needles or homeopathy, abdominal massage. If at the same time the person himself has a desire to work in order to be healthy, then all taken together will certainly bring a positive result.
To be healthy, you need to put things in order first of all in the head. Form positive mental images and not blame your ill health on age, lack of time, etc., as this is a trick so as not to work on yourself. At any age, a person needs to work in order to feel in good condition. Engage in feasible physical activity, continue to develop, train your brain, because new neural connections can form in old age; do not torment your body with alcohol and smoking. And smile.
