Leech therapy – another ancient therapy that has now made its way into modern medicine – provides a new form of pain relief. In the process of exploitation of leech power, the treatment helps to alleviate pains of all kinds. Leech therapy can also be a useful addition to your pain management plans, whether you’re suffering from chronic or acute injuries. Let’s see how this ancient cure works, and why it’s taking over modern medicine.

Understanding Leech Therapy
Leech therapy or hirudotherapy uses medicinal leeches for a wide range of diseases. These well-cultivated leeches latch on to the skin, grabbing blood and dumping out a toxic cocktail. Perhaps the most notably active compound they release is hirudin, an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting. Leeches also secrete anesthetics that anaesthetise the site and reduce discomfort so that the procedure is more manageable for the patient.

Leech Therapy To Reduce Pain How Leech Therapy Does It?

Leech therapy for pain relief works for many reasons. In the first instance, the leeches’ saliva carries anti-inflammatory enzymes that prevent the swelling and inflammation around the wound. As a result, this can reduce tension on nerves and tissue and reduce the pain significantly. The second is the blood-thinning effect of hirudin, increasing blood flow which can aid in healing and pain relief.

For instance, when you have osteoarthritis, you tend to suffer from joint pain due to inflammation and poor blood flow. Leeches can help with this by increasing circulation and inhibiting inflammation which is an natural pain reliever. The same applies to patients after surgery or an injury, where leech therapy can speed healing and reduce the post-operative pain.

Leech Therapy For Chronic Pain: Benefits Of Leech Therapy.

It’s not only arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines that are hard to control in the long run. Leech therapy has some merits that make it attractive for chronic pain patients. It’s natural, for one, which means it doesn’t have the negative side-effects of pharma pain medicine. And the treatment is minimally invasive, which makes it a great adjunct or complementary treatment to other therapies such as physical therapy or acupuncture.

Second, leech therapy is notoriously enduring. It is a common complaint among patients to see longer pain relief after therapy and thus greatly enhance quality of life. Because leech therapy works on both symptoms and cause of pain, it is a one-stop pain solution.

What to Expect During a Leech Therapy Session.

If you are starting leech therapy, you need to know what is happening. In the beginning, your illness will be evaluated by a medical professional who will prescribe the right kind of treatment. During the treatment, medical-grade leeches are smeared on the area in question. And the leeches stick on and get to work — which can take 30-60 minutes.

There will be some tingling when the leeches bite, but since they’re naturally anaesthetic, there is no pain at all. When the leeches have given up their meal, they are removed and the wound sanitised. After treatment, you’ll likely get a little bleeding and swelling that usually goes away in a few hours.

Safety and Side Effects
Leech therapy is generally safe as long as you’re treated by professionals. But as with all medical procedures, there are dangers and side effects. The most common side effects are slight bleeding, swelling and itchiness around the application area. A higher-risk complication (infection, allergic reaction) is uncommon, but check with your physician.

: You need to be certain to go to trained experts using high-quality leeches and keeping clean. Always make sure the leeches are from a good supplier and the clinic has strict sterilisation procedures.

Leech therapy, a mysterious synthesis of ancient and modern medicine, provides a novel, effective form of pain relief. Its natural method and low side effects make it a very attractive option for those in pain either acute or chronic. For the alternative medicine option to add to your pain management, check out the pros and cons of leech therapy.