Birmingham College Professor John Haykraft in 1880, studied the benefits and harms of treatment with leeches - the representatives of one of the subclasses belonging to the annelids.
The result of laboratory tests was the discovery of the hirudin - special substance constituting the saliva of these animals, and has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system.
The content of the article:
- 1 Features of medical leeches
- 2 Benefits and harms of girudoterapii
- 3 The effectiveness of hirudotherapy
- 4 Indications for treatment with leeches
- 5 What doctors are engaged hirudotherapy?
- 6 Features girudoterapii
- 7 Hirudotherapy in vascular diseases
- 8 Hirudotherapy in diseases of the nervous system
- 9 Hirudotherapy in oncology
- 10 Hirudotherapy in dentistry
- 11 Hirudotherapy during pregnancy
- 12 Are girudoterapiya for children?
- 13 Contraindications
- 14 Complications and side effects
- 15 Is it dangerous to leech therapy
- 16 Can I use leeches for medicinal purposes at home?
- 17 Comments and opinions of patients
- 18 Videos about treatment with leeches
Features of medical leeches
In healing, used medicinal leech - giruda.
According to some classifications it is divided into subspecies:
-
pharmacy (Hirudo medicinalis officinalis), which has an orange stripes on the upper body and greenish abdomen;
Treatment with leeches. The procedure has benefits and harms. You need to learn the contraindications and to choose the right method of treatment. - East (Hirudo medicinalis orientalis) differs black abdominal side and the dorsal part of the light;
- therapeutic (Hirudo medicinalis medicinalis) in coloration has dark bands and spots from both sides of the upper torso.
Wild forms of medical leeches are found in the Krasnodar region, the Caucasus, the Rostov Region, central Russia.
In the medicinal leech rather strong jaw, equipped with special chitinous teeth. Carrying out sawing jaws movement, this leech is able to bite through the skin of animals and humans. In this type of worm saliva contains numerous enzymes and biologically active substances, which have a therapeutic effect on the human body.
There are kinds of leeches, having resemblance to medical: horse and lozhnokonskaya. However, these species differ in the weak development of the jaws and can not bite through a pretty thick skin of mammals. Usually, they attach themselves to the mucous membranes or are predatory lifestyle. The therapeutic effect of the use of these types do not.
In girudoterapii use leeches grown in the laboratory. The danger from the bite of wild representatives associated with the possibility of entry into the body of pathogenic organisms, which the worm has received from the previous owner. Furthermore, symbiotic bacteria living in the intestine leeches, are the causative agents of human diseases such as colitis, gastroenteritis and others.
It is believed that the wild leech bite will not lead to infection if it is starving for at least four months. Specially grown leeches are sterile and can not be a source of infection.
Benefits and harms of girudoterapii
Any treatment can have both beneficial and adverse effects on the body. The benefits of the use of leeches is undeniable.
But the damage can only be the fault of the person: the unqualified appointment and conduct treatment, using untrusted of biomaterial and incorrect patient behavior after procedure.
| benefits girudoterapii | harm girudoterapii |
|
|
The effectiveness of hirudotherapy
Impact leech on the human body is carried out by mechanical and chemical means. The mystery of the effects of the bite of the annelid worms is associated with a unique chemical composition of saliva. Actually leech "launches" the program self-healing organism.
Blood loss stimulates the human body to develop a new blood, which leads to her purification and enhances immunity, raising the mood and enhance physical condition.
The saliva of the medical leech contains:
- hyaluronidase - stimulating antibody formation, improves the permeability of cell membranes;
- hirudin - created by nature an anticoagulant, a blood thinner that inhibits clotting, promotes better blood flow, the dissolution of blood clots;
- orgelaza - stimulates the formation and restoration of the capillary;
- Kalin - prevents the formation of blood clots;
- destabilase - has a dissolving effect on blood clots;
- bdellin - inhibits the enzymes that provide blood clotting;
- lipase - it has a devastating effect on the adipose tissue;
- histamines - expanding the lumen of blood vessels;
- apirazai collagenase - do not allow red blood cells stick together, break down cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels;
- bradykinin - anti-inflammatory effect;
- Eglin - stimulate the blood-forming processes;
- vasodilators - contribute to improving blood flow through the vessels;
- proteinase inhibitors - complexes which inhibit the action of degrading enzymes body proteins;
- anesthetics have an analgesic effect.
This is a small part of the chemicals entering the bloodstream via the saliva of the worm.
Medical uses live leeches, as well as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, which are created from the biological material of the worm. Thanks to the development of genetic engineering, it is possible to allocate from the body leech genes responsible for synthesis of the desired substance. Genes are implanted into the DNA of bacteria that begin to create a chemical compound.
Indications for treatment with leeches
Leeches are used for the treatment and for prophylaxis of various diseases. They can be used to significantly increase the level of immunity of the body, to accelerate recovery from operations or postponed serious diseases.
Hirudotherapy indicated in patients having such diseases and disorders, such as:
- Hypertension.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Angina.
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Phlebeurysm.
- Violations of the liver.
- Diseases of the digestive tract.
- Depression, neurosis.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Skin diseases.
- Headaches, insomnia.
- Pancreatitis and gastritis.
- Gynecological problems.
- Prostatitis and sterility.
- Low back pain, pinched nerves.
- Arthritis and arthrosis.
- Cystitis.
- Post-operative adhesions.
- Moved stroke and heart attack.
- Thyroid dysfunction.
- Diabetes.
- Fractures, fractures, dislocations.
- Rhinitis and otitis.
- Dental disease.
This is an incomplete list. Hirudotherapy can use in pediatric patients, for cancer patients, during pregnancy. In each of these cases, some restrictions apply.
What doctors are engaged hirudotherapy?
Hirudotherapy or bdelloterapiya - naturopathy direction using medicinal leeches. Girudoterapevt - a doctor-naturopath with higher education, specially trained. Initial doctor's specialization in this case is irrelevant.
The competence girudoterapevt includes:
- determination of the duration of treatment session and individually;
- appointment by the number of leeches;
- determining worms staging points;
- directly conducting the procedure;
- interaction with the doctor who sent the patient to hirudotherapy.
Features girudoterapii
Leech therapy, the benefits and harms of which is directly dependent on experts performing the procedure, popular in various fields of medicine. Treatment session lasts between 30 minutes to one and a half hours.
In preparation for the procedure, it is desirable to eliminate the use of deodorants, perfumes and other perfumes and cosmetic products, smoking and alcohol. It is not necessary to wash in the shower and eat a lot, and deal with any kind of physical exercise. performing procedures on an empty stomach is most effective.
The specialist before a session processes the patient's skin with alcohol and hot water. Leeches are planted on dry skin. In the presence of hair on the body, they must be removed. The place will be put leeches, massage to redness and a small rise in temperature.
Worm placed on the skin using forceps, a syringe, vacuum devices. Active hungry leeches typically attach themselves directly in the process of feeding oscillate and become wet. In some cases it is necessary to make a small skin puncture to leech could smell blood.
Following a leech can be put only after the previous locks. Worm is applied to the "active" life points with responsibility for specific organs. Acupuncture points on the human body surface is known about 600.
Leech instinctively finds exactly the point that stimulates the patient's body.
Little healer is able to drink 3 times more blood than it weighs itself. Typically, the worm leaves the body as long as it will not be sated. After that leech simply "fall off" from the wound. Sometimes it is necessary to remove using cotton wool soaked in alcohol. You can not take your own leech or touch the wound with his hands. This may cause serious injuries and microbial penetration.
On wound remaining on the bite site, impose sterile wipes. Within days after the procedure, the wound can bleed - this is a normal reaction of the body. If the blood does not stop for more than 24 hours, medical attention is required.
After the procedure, the wound should be dry and covered with a crust. Take water treatments can not be up to this point.
girudoterapii course lasts 1 - 2 months. Number leeches gradually increases from 2 individuals in the first procedure to 10 - 14 pieces. As independent therapy treatment leeches are used rarely in pulmonary diseases for the prevention and maintenance of immunity. Most often, hirudotherapy is used in conjunction with other forms and methods of treatment.
Hirudotherapy in vascular diseases
Treatment with leeches, the benefits and adverse effects which may sometimes appear used in vascular diseases: thrombophlebitis, varicose veins. Leeches are placed in a staggered manner along the vessel. Distance between worms - about 5 cm, until the vessel - not less than 2 cm.
Leech, got on a vessel can bite through his wall, causing severe bleeding.
Places leeches attaching: at the front of the lower leg, above the knee, at the calf, zadnyayapoverhnost thigh, groin. Singly used from 6 to 14 leeches. a two-day break is made between the two procedures. The course was repeated after 2 months. The therapeutic effect is achieved due to the ability of the worm's saliva thin the blood and dissolve clots.
In addition, improved patency of vessels are restored affected areas, reduces inflammation and edema. Contraindication is purulent thrombophlebitis step.
Hirudotherapy in diseases of the nervous system
Treatment with leeches, benefits and harms that are incomparable, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, helps to restore the nervous tissue. Sessions conducted after a stroke, help to avoid paralysis and restore the patient's health.
Studies have show that leeches are able to cope even with Alzheimer's disease.
Sciatica, a concussion, multiple sclerosis, neuralgia, neuritis - an incomplete list of diseases of the nervous system, in which you can use leeches. The number of sessions and ways of raising worms depends on the disease. The usual course consists of 5-10 sessions with 10 worms once.
Hirudotherapy in oncology
For cancer patients girudoterapiya not bring benefits. In patients under the influence of specific treatment parameters are reduced blood clotting and immunity levels, anemia observed. Hirudotherapy can cause loss of consciousness or bleeding.
In exceptional cases, leeches are used in combination with medications after chemotherapy and radiotherapy to stimulate hematopoiesis and raise immunity.
Hirudotherapy in dentistry
Treatment with leeches to use more often used in clinics for the treatment of a number of dental diseases:
- periodontitis;
- periodontitis;
- nevralgiyahlitsevyh nerves;
- alveolitis;
- paralichelitsevyh muscles;
- zabolevaniyahslyunnyh glands;
- glossalgia;
- silnyhzubnyh pain;
- periodontal disease;
- stomatitis.
Patients get relief after the first exposure. qualified professional work can not bring harm to the body of the patient.
Hirudotherapy during pregnancy
Hirudotherapy shown only in the first trimester of pregnancy. It was at this time with the help of leeches can prevent miscarriage associated with vascular thrombosis. In the second and third trimester of this method of treatment, on the contrary, it may lead to termination of pregnancy, as the blood of the future mother is liquefied under the influence of physiological processes.
Using leeches can cause bleeding. Hirudotherapy recommended to use when planning pregnancy, as it contributes to the stimulation of the pelvic organs, raising the function of the prostate gland.
Are girudoterapiya for children?
In some sources you can read about the inadmissibility of the use of hirudotherapy in pediatrics. However, most experts say the opposite: it shows even newborns. There is no doubt that the child must be under the constant supervision of a qualified physician.
Treatment is with caution, but the use of leeches in the early stages of life may help avoid serious consequences in adulthood.
Features and indications hirudotherapy in children:
- Newborn child no longer pose a leech, over the years, an increasing number of up to 3. The treatment regimen for adolescents is similar to adult.
- When a child begins to fear of leeches (usually up to 3 years, no such problems), your doctor should be able to explain everything to the kid and be able to deal with him.
- Hirudotherapy help under such severe diagnoses as cerebral palsy, perinatal encephalopathy.
- Leeches cope with the consequences of birth injury, increased intracranial pressure, impaired motor function and coordination.
- Good effect can be achieved in the fight against enuresis, frequent colds, rhinitis and otitis.
- Hirudotherapy promotes the adaptation of the child in society, improve memory and attention.
- In adolescence, often have such violations as vascular dystonia and disorders of the digestive tract. In setting such diagnoses also shows the use of hirudotherapy.
Contraindications
Leech therapy, the benefits and harms of which are discussed constantly, has contraindications associated primarily with the work of the circulatory system and blood quality.
The list of contraindications:
- Anemia. Any blood loss anemia leads to a decrease in hemoglobin and deterioration.
- Hemophilia. Bites worms can lead to bleeding, that with such a diagnosis are dangerous for the life of the patient.
- Hypotension. Blood loss contributes to greater reduction of pressure and possible loss of consciousness.
- Oncology is contraindicated in most cases due to the risk of bleeding manifestations.
- Pregnancy. The use of leeches depends on the period.
- Lactation.
- Menstruation.
- Hemorrhagic diathesis.
- Individual allergy to the saliva of a live leech and drugs with their use. It is rare, but can have very serious consequences.
- Viral infections.
- Immunodeficiency.
- Skin fungal infections.
- Pathology of the heart.
- Various locations tuberculosis.
- Cachexia (pathological exhaustion occurring in cancer patients, anorexia, after prolonged starvation).
Complications and side effects
Hirudotherapy good because it has few contraindications and passes without adverse effects, if running a professional and the patient follows all the doctor's recommendation. The procedure is almost painless, leech bite can be likened to a mosquito bite.
Depending on the individual behavior of the organism to the biomaterial leech, a person can appear itching, redness, swelling, fever and other symptoms of allergies. These symptoms disappear when you stop exposure to leeches, or decreasing their number for a single statement. If necessary, the doctor prescribes the patient antihistamines.
Adverse consequences may be associated with blood vessels close proximity to the skin surface, the body is too low immunity.
If improperly conducting the session, independent treatment or misconduct patient (Combing sores, exploring baths, the use of drugs), the consequences can be seriously.
For example:
- Bruising, hematoma.
- Prodolzhitelnoekrovotechenie.
- Vospalenielimfouzlov.
- Inflammation result of falling microbes in the wound.
- OtokKvinke (very rare)
Is it dangerous to leech therapy
Using leeches to lift his immunity, recovery after undergoing operations, and for the treatment of chronic diseases is absolutely safe. The exceptions are some diseases and body condition, are in the list of contraindications.
In any case, start hirudotherapy is possible only after consultation with a specialist. The doctor evaluates the patient's health condition, take into account the allergic reactions of the body, carry-forward of the disease, assigns tests. Only after that is determined by the possibility of treatment.
Can I use leeches for medicinal purposes at home?
Hirudotherapy apply yourself at home, of course, possible.
But we need to consider some important points:
- Leeches that are sold in pharmacies, may be wild caught in the local pond. In the best case, after use, there is no need of therapeutic effect. At worst - infection can occur through the saliva of leeches. It is no secret that in the pursuit of big money, committed fraud in the most different areas of life. "Leech business" is flourishing in our country. So before you buy leeches, check the certificate on their cultivation.
- Before the procedure is necessary to study the location of active points on the body and learn the practice of setting a leech. Otherwise, the procedure may have unfortunate consequences: hematoma, bleeding in the bite of a large vessel, loss of consciousness and other violations of life. The desire to save may cost much more.
- The procedure is carried out in the home, in exceptional cases and only with a light manifestation of the disease.
Comments and opinions of patients
Those who tried to currently treated with leeches has been a rapid therapeutic effect on the accepted sessions. In most cases, this occurs after the first procedure. Patients talk about pain relief, improving the overall health and mood. worms staging procedure is not painful, patients notice a comfortable state during a session.
Modern clinics that deal hirudotherapy, providing quality biomaterial assistance of highly qualified specialists and provide an individual approach to each patient. The possibility of infection transfer from leech human patient and harm the body is eliminated, since each individual is disposed after use.
Treatment with leeches is available most of the price, and in the use of this method of improving the health status can not be doubted.
Registration of the article: Lozinski Oleg
Videos about treatment with leeches
Benefits and harms of hirudotherapy:
