Indications & Contraindications for a Leech Treatment Anton Ponomarev L.Ac., Oriental medicine Clinic Vladivostok. Russia 2014

Guidelines N 2002/78, the Ministry of Health of Russia. Using the hirudotherapy method in practical public health. Medical advice, indications and contraindications for hirudotherapy - medical leech therapy and the secret of its salivary glandsare noticed in that document. Hirudotherapy method can be used as monotherapy, and in the complex treatment in inpatient and outpatient settings. Broad clinical testing method has shown its effectiveness in public health practice.

INDICATIONS 1. Cardiovascular disease (ischemic heart disease, heart failure, I-II degree., Atherosclerotic and myocardial infarction, cardialgia, atherosclerotic circulatory encephalopathy, hypertension I-III c.). 2. Respiratory diseases (chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic pneumonia, chronic sinusitis). 3. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by spastic disorders or atopic disorders, gastritis, pancreatitis.

INDICATIONS 4. Inflammatory diseases of the liver and biliary tract. 5. Neurological diseases (diseases of the peripheral nervous system, vascular brain disease, traumatic lesions of the CNS and peripheral nerves, nerve pain, multiple sclerosis). 6. Vascular disease (limb occlusive disease, thrombophlebitis, hemorrhoids).

INDICATIONS 7. Inflammatory diseases of female genital mutilation. 8. Diseases of the genitourinary system (prostatitis, cystitis, enuresis). 9. Eye diseases (glaucoma, inflammatory diseases of the eye) 10. Skin diseases (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczema).

INDICATIONS 11. Surgical diseases (prevention of postoperative infiltrates thrombosis lymphostasis). 12. Diseases of the endocrine system (climacteric syndrome, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, obesity). 13. Dental disease (caries, stomatitis, cheilitis, glossalgia, periodontal disease, periodontitis, amphodontosis).

INDICATIONS 14. Trauma and orthopedic diseases (bruises, bruises, sprains and torn ligaments, muscles, joints dislocation effects, inflammatory processes, the effects of gunshot wounds, phantom pain, etc.). 15. Systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma. 16. Joint diseases (arthrosis, arthritis).

CONTRAINDICATIONS 1. Diseases accompanied by bleeding disorders. 2. Anemia. 3. Leukemias. 4. Erosive and ulcerative lesions and tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. 5. Acute febrile diseases with unclear diagnosis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS 6. Subacute bacterial endocarditis. 7. Active forms of tuberculosis. 8. State of acute mental excitement. 9. Drunk Intoxicated person.

CONTRAINDICATIONS 10. Drastic depletion. 11. Hypotension. 12. Condition after brain and spine surgery with using heparine. 13. Idiosyncrasy leeches.

HIRUDOTHERAPY COMPLICATIONS Сomplications in the application of medicinal leeches are extremely rare. One of the complications - allergy (0.01% of cases). hirudotherapy should be stoped and assign antihistamines are prescribed. Confuse the natural expression of leeches after falling from a common allergic reaction. Normal reaction - redness in the area of the bite, swelling and itching, especially manifested in the next two or three days. Itchy sores can be removed by treatment with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, iodine, alcohol, soda solution.

Complications Patients should be warned about the possibility of wound infection as a result of scratching the place where leechs bited and sites around them. Sometimes on the site of the bite may develop pyoderma, boils and carbuncles can be appeare. In most cases, they occur as a result of poor wound care and introducing infection: First, in case of a late change of dressings, Second, the dressing is changed by the patient without good hygiene, Third, by scratching the wound (for severe itching).

Complications When leeches are set on superficial vein lying under the skin thinning, excessive bleeding can occur. It should be stopped quickly, as blood loss can be significant. In such cases, pressure bandage sterile wad of cotton or gauze shoud be applied to the wound. It`s not recommended to place the leech on loose subcutaneous tissue (the scrotum, eyelids), as a significant hemorrhage may be formed there.

Case of leech treatment

Case of Leech treatment Requested with displays of fresh hematoma in front of the head. On examination - swelling of the soft tissues of the face, Deviated septum after impact. Shortness of breath, nosebleeds, swelling around the eyes. Back nasal tamponade was held. The place of the nasal septum was returned to, under local anesthesia. Put leeches. Acupuncture with electrical stimulation was performed. 10 days of treatment. Swelling disappeared on 6 day. Bruising formed in a minimum amount.

Case of leech treatment Bilaterally using points ChannelPoints GB1, GB2, GB14 GALL BLADDER 6 KI27 KIDNEYS 2 TB22 TRIPLE HEATER 2 SI18, SI19 SMALL INTESTINE 4 CV22 CONCEPTION VESSELS 2 USED POINTS 16

Thank you for your attention!