• Leech therapy is one of the oldest known treatment methods in history.
• It was widely used until the early 20th century and maintained its importance.
• In ancient European languages, it was used to mean "doctor" or "healer."
• The term "finger" was used in Old English as "læcfinger" (leech finger), in Latin as "digitus medicus," and in Greek as "daktylus iatrikos." This is because it was believed that the vein in the fourth finger was directly connected to the heart. The finger was considered directly linked to health and the heart, which is why rings were worn on this finger as a symbol of commitment during wedding vows.
• The first leech institute in Russia was established 200 years ago.
• Leech therapy started to decline in Europe after the discovery of blood-thinning medications in the early 1900s.
• Its widespread use continued in Russia and other Soviet countries.
• In 1868, Louis Pasteur suffered a stroke due to a brain artery blockage, and after leech therapy applied by his doctor, he recovered and continued to contribute to the advancement of medicine.
• Famous figures who regularly used leech therapy include Napoleon, Stalin, Russian Tsars, and Russian aristocrats.
• Currently, there are two leech research institutes in Germany, in Essen and Berlin.
• In Germany, the UK, and other Northern European countries, research on leeches has been increasing, especially since the 1960s.
• In the USA, leech therapy was approved in 2004 for use in plastic surgery and in 2005 for use across all medical fields, and its medical application is spreading rapidly.
• It was once believed that leeches only sucked "bad blood," but in the late 19th century, it was discovered that they secrete an enzyme called hirudin.
• Later, it was found that leeches secrete many other enzymes, and the medical and biological effects of about 30-40 of them have been well studied. Studies using electrophoresis methods have shown that leeches secrete over 100 enzymes, many of which have not yet been fully studied.

Hirudotherapy, which means treatment with leeches, has been used by physicians since ancient times. The earliest sources on leech therapy date back to Babylonian doctors of the 15th century BC. It was also one of the essential treatments used by Egyptian doctors in the 3rd century BC. Furthermore, the Greek physician Nicander, who lived in the 2nd century BC, and the Greek physician Pliny, who lived in the 1st century AD, practiced leech therapy. Galen, who lived in the 2nd century AD, also used leeches in his treatments. Leech therapy is mentioned in the books of Ibn Sina (Avicenna).

However, in the 20th century, as humans distanced themselves from nature, leech therapy was forgotten. It wasn’t until a few decades ago when American researcher Roy Sawyer revealed the potential therapeutic effects of leeches and established the world’s first modern leech farm (Biopharm – UK)…
An ancient artifact, believed to be 2,000 years old, proves the use of leeches in Chinese medicine...
A historical sculpture found in Mesopotamia, estimated to be about 4,000 years old, shows evidence of leech use...
A hieroglyph found in Egypt proves the medical use of leeches. It shows that leeches were used in the treatment of amputations and after circumcision for men.

History of Leeches and Hirudotherapy

Leeches are a type of segmented worm. They are defined as ectoparasites that survive by sucking the blood of living organisms. There are 650 known species of leeches, but the one used in medical practice is the "Hirudo medicinalis."
The medical leech has eyes on its head and three jaws in its mouth. It has salivary glands around its throat, which secrete hirudin, a substance that prevents blood clotting. Using its sharp jaws, a leech can bite to a depth of about 1.5 mm, and the amount of blood it can suck is about 5-15ml. After it detaches, bleeding may occur in the treated area for 3 to 24 hours. In one treatment session, typically 5 to 12 medical leeches are applied.

Leeches have been used for therapeutic purposes for thousands of years. It has been confirmed that Egyptian pharaohs used leeches in their treatments. Later, famous doctors such as Hippocrates, Galen, and Avicenna used leeches to alleviate patients’ pain. During the medieval period in Europe, leeches were used for the treatment of many diseases, and their official use was approved. History of Leeches

Hirudotherapy became widely used around the end of the 18th century and the middle of the 19th century. However, at that time, doctors gave great importance to the use of leeches in medicine. Doctors used leeches for many diseases and cured over 200 conditions. The uncontrolled use of leeches led to skepticism about Hirudotherapy, and many doctors rejected this treatment method.

Today, the growing interest in medical leech therapy shows a trust in this treatment and a return to natural healing methods.

Hirudotherapy is not a praise, but a sign of cautious and rational behavior in terms of human health.
The therapeutic effect of Hirudotherapy produces various effects.

Reflex System and Biological Effects

Leeches are generally applied to points on the patient’s skin that trigger reflex movements. The leech activates the mechanism at the bitten point and is highly effective in promoting blood flow. Secondly, blood flow continues in the area where the leech bit. Thirdly, while sucking the blood, the leech releases its saliva, which contains over 100 enzymes, in a gentle motion into the human body, drawing up fluids that are accumulated inside and cannot be expelled, helping to regulate the human organism. History of Leeches

Aeromonas Hydrophila / History of Leeches

The bacterium "Aeromonas hydrophila" is found in the leech's intestines and aids in digesting the blood it consumes. This bacterium has been observed to cause allergies in individuals with weak immune systems. If such an allergy occurs, we recommend consulting your doctor. Hirudotherapy has been proven to be effective in treating many diseases.
Clinical information has recorded that between 5 and 12 leeches are used in 5-10 sessions, yielding good results.

Basic Effects of Medical Leeches on the Human Body:

• Prevents blood clotting
• Facilitates the dissolution of clots
• Regulates hypoxia
• Increases the oxygen content in the blood
• Normalizes low blood pressure
• Regulates high blood pressure
• Accelerates the healing process of inflamed wounds
• Regulates blood circulation in the veins
• Helps dissolve fats
• Regulates pulse, nerves, and muscles
• Regulates general reflexes
• Regulates blood vessel walls
• Acts as an antibacterial protector

Some Areas Where Medical Leeches Are Used:

• Cardiology
• Pneumology
• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Gynecology