17/04/2025
, also known as , involves the controlled application of medicinal leeches to the skin for therapeutic purposes. It’s rooted in ancient medical practices but is still used in modern medicine for specific conditions. Leeches secrete bioactive substances like hirudin, an anticoagulant, which can improve blood flow, reduce clotting, and promote healing.
↪️
1. :
🔘 : A potent thrombin inhibitor that prevents blood clotting, promoting blood flow and preventing thrombus formation.
🔘 : Inhibits platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding at the bite site.
🔘 : Further disrupt the coagulation cascade.
2. :
Substances like histamine-like compounds and acetylcholine dilate blood vessels, improving local blood circulation and reducing venous congestion.
3. :
🔘 Bdellins and egins reduce inflammation by inhibiting proteases and other inflammatory mediators.
🔘 Leech saliva modulates the immune response, potentially reducing swelling and pain.
4. :
Leech bites release endorphin-like substances or other pain-relieving compounds, providing localized pain relief.
5. :
Enzymes like destabilase break down fibrin clots, aiding in the dissolution of small thrombi and improving microcirculation.
6. :
Compounds such as hmentin and leech-derived peptides may prevent infection at the bite site.
7. :
Leeches remove stagnant blood (typically 5-15 mL per leech), relieving pressure in conditions like hematomas or congested tissues.
↪️ :
🔘 : Enhances circulation in areas with poor blood flow, like post-surgical skin grafts or reattached digits.
🔘 : Relieves blood pooling in tissues, often after reconstructive surgery.
🔘 : Used for conditions like osteoarthritis or varicose veins, as leech saliva contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
🔘 : In alternative medicine, it’s sometimes promoted for "cleansing" the body, though evidence here is limited.
↪️ : A trained practitioner places leeches on the target area. The leech bites, releases its saliva, and sucks blood for 20-60 minutes, detaching naturally when full. The site may bleed slightly afterward due to anticoagulants, which is part of the therapeutic effect.
↪️ :
🔘Improved local circulation.
🔘Reduced swelling and pain in some cases.
🔘Non-invasive for certain conditions compared to surgery.
↪️ :
🔘Infection (rare with sterile leeches).
🔘Allergic reactions.
🔘Excessive bleeding if not monitored.
🔘Not suitable for people with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants.
