Hirudotherapy History

Medicinal leech therapy ranges as far back as 1,500 B.C., with Sanskrit writings detailing the use of the practice. Hippocrates famously introduced leech therapy to Greece, but long before that the practice was well in use by ancient Mesopotamians, Mayans, Aztecs and Egyptians.

Leech therapy saw a renaissance in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries as it regained popularity, during which times the sudden high demand of leeches led to the virtual eradication of naturally occurring leech specimen in Ireland.

In medical environments, medicinal leech therapy regained popularity in the 70s as a tool during and after surgery. Medicinal leech therapy because an FDA-approved practice for the use in plastic and reconstructive surgery in 2004.

What are some of the major indications for Hirudotherapy?

✓ Cardiovascular (neurovegetative dystonia, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, ischemic heart disease, trophic ulcers, coronary heart disease, prevention of myocardial infarction, hypertension, etc)
✓ Neurological issues (Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s, carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathy, neuralgia, back pain, encephalopathy, early stage of Multiple Sclerosis)
✓ Urological issues (chronic cistitis, potency disorders, angiogenic, symptoms of chronic renal failure, prostatitis, priapism, and cystitis)
✓ Gastroenterological problem (inflammation of the duodenum and stomach, hemorrhoids, colitis, gastroesophageal reflux, pancreatitis, chronic hepatitis. Some other issues could be Meniere’s disease and vertigo, sinusitis, chronic tonsillitis, chronic otitis media in various locations)
✓ Gynecological issues (chronic and acute inflammation of the pelvis, alleviating the symptoms of menopause, infertility, uterine fibroids, inflammation of the appendages, etc)
✓ Ophthalmic issues (diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, post-traumatic hematoma of the eyeball, glaucoma, respiratory inflammation of ocular vascular, and more)

It’s important to notice that leech therapy includes an initial bite that is normally a painless bite, followed by the sucking of 5 to 15ml blood.

HIRUDOTHERAPY - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FAQ

How do I prepare for treatment?
Leeches respond to unnatural flavors and odors. Simply do not use any scented lotions, body washes, body cosmetics, etc., before the procedure.
Do you use wild leeches?
No. We use leeches grown in controlled, sterile environments at our biofarms and biolabs in Europe.
Does it hurt?
Leeches release an anaesthetic when they bite. You may feel a sensation similar to a mosquito bite for one moment, but then you will feel nothing at all thereafter.
How long does the procedure take?
Each treatment takes between a half an hour and one and a half hours. We recommend seven to nine treatments undertaken one to two times a week for maximum effects.
How often do I need to repeat treatment?
The benefits of the treatment typically last for six months to a year. As such, we recommend undergoing the treatment one to two times a year. Some of our clients have long-standing diseases and as such spend much of the year undergoing medical treatment otherwise. In these cases, leech therapy should not interrupt medical treatment.
Are there any contraindications to Hirudotherapy?
Yes. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before undergoing hirudotherapy. Other contraindications includes low blood pressure, excessive bleeding, arterial insufficiency, blood disease, leukemia, and some types of cancer. If you have any concerns about any of these, please consult one of our professionals to communicate your concerns.
How do you dispose of the leeches?
We never, ever re-use the same leech. We take steps to promote the utmost responsibility in practice. As such, we use sterile, medicinal leeches and every leech is disposed of in a sterile environment immediately after use in a single treatment.
Is Leech Therapy covered by health insurance?
No.
How do I get started?
Schedule your complimentary consultation today to see how Leech Therapy can benefit your health and well-being. CALL OR TEXT at (732)442-2287 to book an appointment with a Certified Hirudo practitioner.