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Leech Therapy

BEFORE & AFTERCARE

We want your Leech therapy to work the best for you.

 

There are some things to do before you start your treatment and certain aftercare practices to ensure you get the best results from your treatment.

We do NOT treat people on Anticoagulant medication,
Anemic, Hemophilic or with Severe Allergies. 

Do​

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  • Shower before your treatment 

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  • Don't use any strong shower gels, perfumes, etc. 

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  • Drink plenty of water, ensure you are well hydrated

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  • Wear loose, clean and comfortable clothing to your session, which can be washed at 90°C 

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  • Prepare heaps of sterile absorption dressings where the blood can be absorbed

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  • Prepare sterile water to clean the wounds

 

  • Prepare Baking soda ( in case you get itchy)

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  • Prepare Antihestamin medication 

       

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(if you have encountered past allergies to

foreign proteins)

Don't

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  • Don’t overeat 2 hours before your treatment

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  • Don’t take any over-the-counter medications that contain blood thinners for at least 24 hours.
    These include Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Aspirin etc.

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  • Temporarily discontinue high doses of fish oil tablets or ginkgo Biloba products (if applicable)

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  • Don't shower straight after your treatment. Wait at least 15 hours and don't use any soap unless the wounds are closed.

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  • Don't engage in strenuous physical activities for 48 hours after the treatment

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  • Don't engage in air travel and swimming for at least 4 days

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Medical Leech Therapy Info Care 

One should understand and accept the possibility that there will be temporary bite marks left on your body that may last between a few weeks or a month before one decides to undergo Medicinalis Leech therapy.
During the Hirudo Leech Therapy
 
The anti-inflammatory and anesthetic compounds in the leech saliva act to numb the bite area and reduce pain during your treatment. You may feel a tingling sensation during the first 30 seconds of your Hirudo Leech therapy. 
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After the Leech Therapy

After your Leech therapy, the bite wounds can bleed for up to 15 hours
(approx. 2 tbsp. of after bleeding you can expect).
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It is essential that you regularly change the dressing and clean the wounds with sterile water. Keep the dressing- pads loose and the dressing tap secure to increase the maximum of bleeding.
Do not stop the bleeding by putting pressure on it.
It is essential to let the bleeding take place in the dressing this serves as a disinfectant and gets rid of unwanted lymph fluid.
 

The bleeding should reduce after 15 hours.

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If you get ITCHY, DO NOT scratch the wounds.

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The scratching will cause an infection.

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Reducing the ITCHYNESS

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You need Sterile Water and Baking Soda.

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Use your index finger to make the wound moist with sterile water, now soak your index finger in the baking soda and gently rub the baking soda onto the closed wound,
repeat every hour if necessary for the next 24- 48 hours, especially before going to bed for the next 4 days. 
This will completely ease the itchiness and prevent you from scratching.

Please be aware that the bleeding has prior stopped.

The itchiness is the result of histamine build-up within the first skin layer and is nothing to worry about. 

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You can visit the Gallery for a visual picture of Leech bites and the

appropriate wound dressing. 

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If you're unsure, please get in touch with your therapist for advice.

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In case of an allergic reaction

If you have experienced light allergies in the past to foreign proteins we recommend preparing antihistamine medication. ​

We do not treat a person with severe allergies to foreign proteins which could result in an Anaphylactic shock. Please consult with your GP before booking. 

Leech therapy is Not Recommended for a person with any of the following conditions:

  • Anemia

  • Taking anticoagulant medication: Clexane, Heparin, Warfarin, etc.

  • Erosive gastritis and potential gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Wound healing disorder 

  • Haemophilic

  • Immune compromised patients 

  • Infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis, etc.) 

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding 

  • Severe allergies to foreign proteins 

Common Side Effects 

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  • Short-term reddening of the skin and itching around the bite mark

  • After bleeding for up to 15 hours (works as a disinfectant and removal of unwanted lymph fluids) 

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Leeching rarely ever leads to severe complications, but cases worldwide have been reported, and you should be aware of them. 

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Rare Side Effects

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  • Temporarily enlargement of lymph nodes

  • Scaring at the bite site

  • Temporarily swelling of the treated body part

  • Skin infection 

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Recommended Antibiotics for infection due to Aeromonas hydrophilathis bacterium:

Cephalosporin or Gyrase inhibitors.

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Recommended Vitamins
 
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin B
  • Zinc 
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