Agreement
Before starting leech therapy, your therapist will discuss the treatment, including any risks and side effects. You will then be asked to read and sign this procedure. You confirm that you feel comfortable with the treatment process and understand what it involves.
Exactly before the procedure
• Together we will talk about your problems and the possibilities offered by Hirudotherapy. We will choose the most effective procedure or therapy complex. Hirudotherapy itself is not always effective. It is not a panacea for all problems.
• We will measure your blood pressure. Very low blood pressure is a contraindication to Hirudotherapy. You will be asked to go to the toilet and drink water or a refreshing drink. During Hirudotherapy, which may last up to 90 minutes, you will probably not be able to use the toilet.
• Drinking coffee, tea, carbonated or alcoholic beverages is not a good solution to quench your thirst during Hirudotherapy.
• You should also consider that leeches do not like and are reluctant to attach to the skin of people who have just smoked cigarettes or used vaporizers. So, keep a distance of at least two hours from smoking before visiting us.
• Additionally, caffeine and nicotine cause blood vessels to narrow, which may affect the success of treatment, and alcohol excludes the possibility of using leeches. Even after attachment, leeches become inactive in people who consume alcohol.
What happens during leech therapy?
• The therapist will disinfect the leeches intended for the treatment.
• The places on the skin where the therapy will be performed will be exposed and washed with warm water without any additives.
• Leeches will be provoked to suck on appropriate places on the skin. The process of sucking leeches itself varies in time for each person. It depends on body temperature and ambient temperature, as well as other situations, such as weather, time of year or day, as well as the location on the skin.
• You will need to remain in a relatively still position for the next several dozen minutes. Leeches are very sensitive to any movements. It is possible that they will fall off when you suddenly move them, or they will not be active for the next few minutes.
• Throughout the entire therapy period, when the leeches are on your skin, the therapist will be with you. This is a period of approximately 30 -60 minutes. You will have the opportunity to ask questions or engage in e.g. reading or monitoring leeches with your phone.
• After feeding on blood, the leeches will begin to fall off the skin on their own. (There are procedures in which leeches are kept on the skin for only a certain amount of time and the therapist provokes them to come off.) After the leeches are detached, they are immediately euthanized. Each leech is used only once.
• The leech wound will be cleaned and covered with a dressing that should not be removed until the next day.
Will I feel any pain?
The sensation experienced during leech therapy varies depending on the body location where the treatment is administered. However, it is not accurate to describe the feeling as painful. Leeches secrete a natural anaestheticsubstance that renders their attachment virtually painless. At most, patients may feel a slight initial pinching sensation as the leech attaches to the skin, but this quickly subsides. Most individuals who undergo leech therapy report minimal discomfort throughout the procedure.
Potential risks and side effects:
• Allergic reaction to leech saliva
• Infection at the attachment site
• Prolonged bleeding
• Scarring
• Small bruise around the wound
Herxheimer reaction:
In some cases, patients may experience a Herxheimer reaction, also known as a healing crisis or detox reaction. This occurs when the body releases toxins more quickly than it can eliminate them, leading to temporary worsening of symptoms. Symptoms may include fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and flu-like symptoms. While uncomfortable, this reaction is generally considered a positive sign that the body is healing. The therapist will provide guidance on managing these symptoms should they occur.
Contra-indications for Leech Therapy:
• Anaemia
• Haemophilia
• Pregnancy
• Very low blood pressure (prolonged) 80/60
• Severe exhaustion
• Strong allergic reaction to insect bites
• Any diagnosed blood disorders
• Recent treatment with anticoagulants
• Chronic alcoholism
• Hepatitis (any variety)
• HIV / AIDS
• Sexually transmitted diseases
Consent form
I have read and understood the leech therapy procedure, and I give my consent to the therapist to touch my skin and proceed with leech therapy. I confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, I do not belong to any contra-indicated groups. I confirm I do not have any COVID-19 symptoms at the time of the treatment. I understand the potential risks and side effects, including the possibility of a Herxheimer reaction, and agree to proceed with the treatment.
