Leech Therapy
Traditional and Complementary Medicine Center
Leech Therapy (Hirudotherapy)
English patient information translated from the center's source brochure.
About Leech Therapy
Hirudotherapy, meaning treatment with medicinal leeches, has been used by physicians since ancient times. Early references extend to Babylonian physicians in the 15th century BCE. It was also used by Egyptian physicians in the 3rd century BCE, by Nikandros on the Aegean coast in the 2nd century BCE, by the Greek physician Pliny in the 1st century CE and by Galen in the 2nd century CE. Leech therapy also appears in the writings of Ibn Sina (Avicenna).
Its legal basis in Türkiye is the Regulation on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices, published in Official Gazette No. 29158 on 27 October 2014.
The medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis is recognized as a medicinal product under German law. The source brochure also notes that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared medicinal leeches for medical use in 2004.
Before Treatment
- If your physician approves, stop taking blood-thinning medicine 1–3 days before the appointment.
- Avoid foods that may have a blood-thinning effect, such as lemon, sweet cherry and sour cherry, when in season.
- Do not apply perfume, cosmetic products or gel to the treatment area. Tell your physician if you have used any of these products.
After Treatment
- Avoid strenuous activity for 12 hours.
- Change the treatment dressing after 24 hours.
- Take a warm shower 24 hours after treatment.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages after treatment.
- Drink plenty of water or freshly squeezed fruit juice.
- Consult your physician if you notice an unexpected effect.
During treatment, there may be a sensation similar to a mosquito bite, needle prick or nettle contact, as well as itching, bleeding or anxiety.
Conditions in Which It May Be Used
It may be used as a supportive method in treatment for:
- Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis).
- Pain related to varicose veins of the lower extremities.
- Pain in conditions such as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
- Venous congestion after flap surgery, replantation or revascularization procedures.
When It Must Not Be Used
- Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or an active bleeding site.
- Severe anemia, before surgery or while using blood-thinning medicine.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding; allergy to leeches or other organisms.
- Severe psychiatric illness affecting treatment adherence or leukemia.
- Bone-marrow suppression, gastrointestinal bleeding or liver cirrhosis.
- Patients receiving dialysis, people with a pacemaker or during menstruation.
- Active infection (including HIV positivity), chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Children under 18 years of age.
How It Works
While feeding, leeches release saliva containing many bioactive substances. The source brochure states that some inhibit blood clotting, some help dissolve existing clots, some may have pain-relieving properties and some affect blood-pressure regulation. It also reports findings on antidepressant, antibacterial and antioxidant activity.
This page is an English translation of the institution's existing Turkish patient-information brochure. It does not replace a physician's evaluation.