Description

Leech therapy, also known as hirudotherapy, is a practice that involves using medical-grade leeches (typically species such as Hirudo medicinalis) to treat various medical conditions. Leeches have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years and were especially popular in ancient civilizations like Egypt, India, and Greece. However, their use declined with the advancement of modern medicine and the discovery of antibiotics. The therapeutic use of leeches involves placing them on the patient's skin at specific points, where they attach themselves and feed on blood. During this feeding process, leeches secrete saliva containing various bioactive substances, including anticoagulants, vasodilators, anesthetics, and anti-inflammatory compounds. These substances are believed to have therapeutic effects, such as improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue healing .

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