The anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties in the leech’s saliva reduce pain and tenderness at the site of the affected joint. It should be no surprise that they can be used to treat circulatory disorders and cardiovascular disease.Ĭhemicals derived from leech saliva have been made into pharmaceutical drugs that can treat:Ĭlinical trials suggest that leech therapy is an appropriate treatment for the common joint disease osteoarthritis. Leeches are effective at increasing blood circulation and breaking up blood clots. The leeches leave behind small, Y-shaped wounds that usually heal without leaving a scar. This improves circulation and prevents tissue death.
They release the proteins and peptides that thin blood and prevent clotting. Children under the age of 18 years old and women who are pregnant are also usually advised to avoid it.ĭuring a session, live leeches attach themselves to the target area and draw blood. People with anemia, blood clotting conditions, or compromised arteries are not candidates for leech therapy. The therapy has also been recommended to treat blood clots and varicose veins. People who may benefit include those who risk limb amputation due to the side effects of diabetes, those who have been diagnosed with heart disease, and those who are undergoing cosmetic surgery in which they risk the loss of some of their soft tissue. There are several situations in which leech therapy may be used. Medicinal leeches most often come from Hungary or Sweden. This equates to a relatively small amount of blood, up to 15 milliliters per leech. The leeches are then allowed to extract blood, for 20 to 45 minutes at a time, from the person undergoing treatment.
#Leech definition skin#
They pierce a person’s skin with their teeth and insert anticoagulants through their saliva. Medicinal leeches have three jaws with tiny rows of teeth.
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