Don't Amused, Leech Therapy Many Benefits

Leeches often make people feel amused or disgusted when they see it. However, this animal is actually known to have a variety of health benefits, namely through leech therapy. Leech therapy has been known for a long time, even before modern medicine. Previously leech therapy is believed to overcome nervous system abnormalities, teeth and skin problems, relieve pain, treat inflammation, and infections. However, not just any leech is used for therapy. Leeches used for treatment are Hirudo types, namely Hirudo medicinalis, Hirudo troctina, Hirudo nipponia, Hirudo quinquestriata, Poecilobdella granulosa, Hirudinaria javanica, Hirudinaria manillensis, Haementeria officinalis, Hirudo orientalis, and Haementeria depressadan which are developed in special environments. The leech bite will leave a Y-shaped mark, which will heal without scars.

Benefits of Leech Therapy

Leeches that are specifically used for treatment, generally saliva containing more than 100 types of protein when sucking blood, although only a few that have been tested can cure. This protein has medical effects, such as improving blood circulation, relieving pain, to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

• Blood circulation and prevent blockage

Leech saliva is anticoagulant (prevents blood clots) so that the aspirated blood does not clot. Peptides and proteins released by leeches are also believed to prevent the blockage of blood vessels. Many plastic surgery and micro surgery procedures utilize leech therapy because of these two benefits. Leech therapy can maintain blood circulation to the site of the wound to help the recovery process. Surgical procedures that use leech therapy include surgeries that attach broken fingers, and reconstructive surgery on the nose, lips, ears, or scalp. However, the effectiveness and safety of leech therapy as an anticoagulant still needs to be studied more deeply.

• Helps prevent cardiovascular and blood vessel disease

Leech therapy is known to be very effective in blood circulation while preventing blood vessel obstruction, making leeches widely used to treat disorders of blood circulation and cardiovascular disease. In addition, leech saliva is thought to have anti-pain, anti-inflammatory, and dilate blood vessels. Leech saliva is now widely used as a mixture of high blood pressure medications, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and skin disorders. This is due to the effect of protein on leeches which can prevent blood vessel blockage, and help destroy blockages in blood vessels so that blood flow to the affected part.

• Avoid complications in diabetics

Diabetes has a risk of complications, including blood vessel disorders that allow obstruction of blood flow to his hands, feet, and fingers. This can cause tissue death, which is one of the reasons for amputation in diabetics. Studies show that leech therapy can be useful to prevent this. Because leech therapy can improve blood circulation so that blood flow can reach the location of the tissue, without creating the risk of blockage. Researchers in the latest study revealed that four leeches in each therapy session can reduce the risk of amputation.

• Helps prevent the aging process

Besides being believed to help speed up the healing process after plastic surgery, leech therapy is also used as an antiaging treatment process because it contains antioxidants. This can then make someone feel more refreshed. However, the effectiveness of leech therapy's effect on aging-related diseases in general has not been widely studied clinically.

• Relieves pain in people with osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder in which cartilage is damaged. When the cartilage is damaged, friction between bones occurs so that the patient feels pain. Research shows that leech therapy reduces pain and stiffness felt by people with osteoarthritis. Alleged researchers, leech saliva contains several anesthetic substances, which can help reduce pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of leech saliva also help reduce inflammation, reducing joint swelling.

Consider the Risk

Leech therapy was chosen because it is relatively easy to do and the risk of side effects is relatively small. However, leech therapy also has risks that must be considered both for medical therapy or for cosmetic procedures. The first thing to note is the type of leech used. Although it is called leech therapy, what is used is not wild leeches in a free environment. Leeches used must be a special type of Hirudo treatment, stored in clean water that has been given chlorine, and must be in the temperature of 5-27 ° C. Then, the leech must also be protected from direct exposure to sunlight. In addition, keep in mind that not everyone can undergo leech therapy. For those of you who experience the following conditions, you should avoid this therapy.

• Having blood clotting diseases, such as hemophilia, so the risk of prolonged bleeding after leech therapy.
• Have chronic anemia.
• Allergy to leech protein.
• Is pregnant.
• Having a weak immune system.

Leech therapy also has a risk of bacterial infection. Therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor about the use of leech therapy, including for beauty procedures, if you are interested in trying it. Before using leech therapy, ask your doctor first about its effectiveness and safety. Also make sure that leech therapy is done by a professional medical staff. Leech therapy may have a variety of benefits, but don't rush into it. Always consult your doctor first and choose the recommended therapy location.