Leeches are a general name for animals from the class Hirudinea, found in freshwater, seas, and moist soils. Many of them live as external parasites on arthropods, mollusks, and vertebrates. Their body segments are fixed (34 in total), but since their skin is externally segmented, many more segments appear visible. They reproduce sexually and are hermaphroditic. Most of them are bloodsuckers and external parasites. Some are carnivores, feeding on small worms, snails, and insect larvae. There are approximately 290 known species. Among them, the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) has been used by humans since ancient times to reduce blood pressure.
The history of leech therapy can be traced back through ancient, medieval, and Renaissance times, with medicinal leeches providing invaluable assistance in medical practice throughout history. Those familiar with ancient Greek history and mythology know that there are references to leeches in the Greek mythological tales. For example, the White River Aheloy, named after the Greek gods Aheloy, Oceanus, and Tethys, is one such instance. According to ancient mythology, Hercules encountered a leech during a battle, which was the first recorded sighting of the creature. The Pindus Mountain inhabitants believed that leeches from the White River Aheloy lived in that river.
Thousands of years later, an early work on liver pathology related to leech therapy was written. This work was done by the Greek physician Galen, an imperial physician who wrote over 120 research papers on anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. However, his theories were supported in his country but not in Egypt. Under the orders of the Pharaoh, leeches were collected from ponds and sold in Asia and Africa, where many medical treatments, including salves, elixirs, and rituals, were used. Later, a doctor named Kleomen introduced leeches as "naivernejšeae agents," a discovery that proved crucial in medical therapy.
After several attempts, Cleopatra discovered the benefits of leeches for varicose veins. The Egyptian Pharaohs had leech depictions added to the tombs of later generations. Leeches were also popular in Rome, with their depiction found in ancient vases and artworks. Pliny the Elder, a Roman statesman, historian, and writer, wrote about medicinal products derived from animals, including leech therapy, in his work "Natural History." The depiction of leeches on statues and vases served as inspiration for artists.
There have been varying opinions on when and where leeches were first used. Some scientists suggest ancient Egypt, while others point to the third millennium or ancient China and India. It appears that the unique method of therapy was first discovered by the Israelites. However, it is not scientifically possible to pinpoint the exact time and place it originated.
What is most important is that scientists agree leeches have been a reliable, stable, safe, and effective method for treating various diseases since ancient times.
Leeches have been popular in various countries: Spain, England, France, and Italy. Initially, in Spain, by 1561, the highest import rate of leeches reached 3 million. By the 1800s, this number increased to 4.5 million.
In Thailand, a medieval principality, leeches were highly popular. In the Middle Ages, obesity was one of the largest problems, and in many states, people turned to leeches as an indispensable tool for health and weight loss.
In ancient Thai manuscripts, it is noted that after five sessions of leech therapy, patients lost five to ten kilograms. The safe and harmless weight loss method spread worldwide, and today, specialized clinics for leech therapy have emerged. In the past centuries, only leech therapists dealt with obesity, and some doctors were skeptical about its effectiveness in treating women's health and obesity.
The first person to attempt to use leeches for treating women's diseases was the Italian doctor and anatomist Fallopio in 1552. In his honor, after his death, the famous Fallopian tubes were named after him. However, detailed information about which women's diseases leeches should be used for and how much leech therapy was needed is not available.
In 1820, an unexpected effect was discovered by German surgeon Diffenbah. He found that leeches not only had therapeutic effects but could also act as analgesics and provide decontamination. Additionally, he found that two or three leeches could help relieve patient stress.
In 1812, French doctor M. Reynaud suggested treating French soldiers suffering from frostbite with leeches in Moscow. This method proved to be effective, and in 1862, it was named after him, and it became known as Raynaud's disease.
Leeches have had extensive use in China, starting from the 9th century. The Chinese used these creatures to treat nearly all diseases. Unlike other countries, leech therapy became popular in homes, with sessions widely practiced. In 1347, when the plague spread across Asia, Florence's Prince Marçioni di Koppo introduced leech therapy as a treatment for various diseases. By the 14th century, the plague had spread throughout Europe and Russia, and by 1351, it had reached all corners of the continent, killing millions.
In 1350, unexpectedly, the Florentine Prince stated that leeches were used to treat many diseases, which led to widespread belief in their effectiveness. People were no longer afraid to use leeches, and orders were issued to collect them across the country, even in small towns and villages. This led to a significant decrease in the plague, and it was reported that tens of thousands of lives were saved.
In 1904, German scientist and surgeon Friedrich August Esmarch was the first to explain the antiseptic properties of medicinal leeches. Although the positive treatment outcomes were evident, the German medical community did not allow further research in this field. Medical experiments had to be halted. For example, Norwegian anthropologist T. Heyerdahl couldn't find a solution for hemorrhoids until 1943-1947, and leech therapy continued to face skepticism.
Today, medical leeches remain popular in many countries around the world...
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