During a hirudotherapy treatment, one leech drinks between 5 and 15 ml of blood. The number of leeches that will be used for treatment is based on the size of the affected area.
Leeches attach to the skin through a mouth ending in small teeth. They must not be detached. Importantly, the procedure is painless. As the leech begins to attach and prick the skin, the patient may feel a gentle sting, similar to a mosquito.
They are mainly used in cases related to circulatory disorders such as varicose veins, venous thrombosis or haemorrhoids. The use of hirudotherapy can also help diabetics as it improves blood circulation in the fingers and toes. Leeches are now recognised as the most effective medicine for improving the functioning of the circulatory system. Substances present in the saliva of leeches have anticoagulant and analgesic properties and help improve blood circulation. In addition, hirudotherapy can be used to treat inflammatory joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or arthrosis.
Hirudotherapy can be used to treat pressure sores, especially in cases where traditional treatments are unsuccessful. Medicinal leeches can help to cleanse the wound, stimulate the healing process and reduce inflammation.
Contraindications are mainly diseases, related to the circulatory system. Patients with deep vein thrombosis, haemophilia and severe anaemia should not be treated with leeches. Other contraindications include the use of chemotherapy, HIV infection, skin cancer, high fever, active tuberculosis, and mental illness.
The history of the use of leeches goes back to ancient times when hirudotherapy was used to improve mood and wellbeing. Today we know that it has to do with the secretion of endorphins, known as happy hormones. They induce sedation, euphoria and have an analgesic effect. Consequently, medicinal leeches are used in neuroses, depression and to treat nervous tics. In addition, leeches secrete neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, histamine and acetylcholine, which are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system.