The Health Benefits of Medicinal Leech Therapy

Therapy based on leech activity has been used as an efficient treatment for a variety of disorders and diseases for hundreds of years now. Today, leech therapy also known as hirudotherapy is making a comeback in conventional medicine.

However, this specific therapy is applied only for specific health issues where it was scientifically proven that the therapy can help. It’s been 12 years since the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the use of leeches for healing and prevention.

 

The Health Benefits of Leech Therapy

According to historical records, leech therapy was especially popular 3500 years ago. At this time, the therapy became popular worldwide. This trend continued and reached the highest level in the beginning of the 19th century when leeches were labeled as endangered species due to their use for medicinal purposes.

In the beginning of the 20th century the popularity dropped all of a sudden because it didn’t match the requirements of modern medicine.

However in the 1960s, leech therapy found its way back and many doctors started using it during surgical procedures and in cases of arthritis, migraines and vascular diseases. Medicinal leeches or Hirudo medicinalis are the leeches that are part of this therapy today.

This specific type of leeches has the ability to produce saliva that comes with more than 55 different types of proteins. Thanks to this process, the leeches are able to maintain the best liquidity of human blood and boost blood circulation in the area where they are used.

We have made a short list of cases where leech therapy is applied today.

1. Cardiovascular Diseases

This term refers to a group of disorders that have impact on the work of the cardiovascular system especially on the arteries, veins and heart.

Hirudotherapy or medical leech therapy is often applied as an additional treatment or replacement for cardiovascular problems because the leeches’ saliva should be able to boost blood circulation and enhance hyperalgesia or improved pain sensitivity in connective tissues.

A scientific study conducted 5 years ago and revealed in the popular Alternative Medicine Review has shown that external leeching enhanced walking ability, eased pain and swelling and eliminated the discoloration in phlebitis patients (a health problem in which blood clotting occurs in the deep vein located on the legs). Researchers have used between four and six leeches directly to the affected area.

The saliva produced by leeches is very efficient in treating cardiovascular diseases and disorders because it comes with natural blood thinners and these thinners can prevent and heal blood clotting.

2. Reconstructive Surgical Procedures and Microsurgery

Not every surgery is finished without side effects. In some cases people may experience bleeding that comes from small blood vessels. In case this is occurrence is not handled properly, tissue cells may die.

According to a huge number of physicians medicinal leech therapy is able to keep the tissues healthy during and after surgery.

When the surgical procedure begins, leech therapy acts by letting leeches absorb the drainage of blood that appears as a result of the work of surgeons.  The saliva provides blood thinning effects which lower the chances of developing venous congestion a frequent problem related to reconstructive surgery and traumatic injuries that lead to cellular death, slowed down blood flow and edema.

The majority of people are worried about possible wounds that come in the form of letter Y caused by leech bite. However, doctors claim that even though these wounds appear in almost every case, they will eventually heal and won’t leave any mark to the skin.

Finally, leeches should be able to boost blood circulation after surgery. A scientific study revealed in the Journal of Plastic Surgery has confirmed that leeches can help with this task after surgery.

3. Cancer

Eight years ago, More than 13% of deaths in the world were contributed to cancer. This is definitely shocking information, but what is even worse is that these figures are constantly growing each year.

Scientists believe that the mixture of numerous protease inhibitors, anticoagulants and other elements found in leech saliva should be able to replace cancer drugs.

A study has found that their saliva contains a compound called ghilanten which may prevent the emergence of prostate cancer, lung cancer, melanoma and breast cancer.

The salivary glands of leeches used for medicinal purposes also come with a

peptide known as hirudin. This peptide provides great blood anticoagulant effects and may have anti-cancer properties too.

A scientific research revealed in the famous European Patent has shown that a synthetically-made hirudin injection has the ability to block the emergence of different tumor cells like those found in leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoma, pulmonary carcinoma, colorectal cancer and bladder cancer.

In addition, a study conducted 12 years ago has confirmed that thanks to hirudin leeches can block the growth of tumor and its spreading in the organs and blood.

4. Diabetes Issues

Diabetes is another serious medical condition that affects millions of people around the world. The number of people dealing with this disease is growing year by year and it is believed that it will reach 370 million patients 15 years from today.

We must point out that there are no studies focused on the effects of leech therapy in treating diabetes patients. However, this therapy may be very effective in dealing with diabetes issues and complications like high levels of blood lipids, coronary atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperglycemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, adhesion disorders and coagulation components.

Medicinal leech saliva may prevent blood clotting associated with diabetes due to its ability to bind thrombin, an enzyme in the plasma that causes the clotting of blood. Additionally, leeches have other coagulation factors that may interfere with proteins and peptides, which could be of therapeutic use to those with diabetes 1.

The International Wound Journal has released a research that suggests that leech therapy was able to protect the foot of a woman suffering from diabetes. If it wasn’t for this therapy, the leg would have been removed.

People suffering from diabetes may experience improper blood flow to their legs and arms due to gangrene. Gangrene must be managed by boosting blood circulation and reducing the levels of lipids in the blood and controlling blood pressure.

Numerous therapies used by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine are based on leeches as a way to boost blood flow throughout the body in order to ease coagulation issues.

5. Infectious Diseases

Unfortunately, infectious diseases are on the rise too and this is the reason why the sale of antibiotics is going up every year. Even though these drugs can be effective, they also come with certain disadvantages. Namely, they have made many people resistant to antimicrobial agents. This is where leeches come into play because they can treat such infections.

The Chemotherapy magazine has revealed a scientific research which showed that leeches have extract that comes with destabilize, a protein believed to provide strong antibacterial effects that combat bacterial strains.

Thanks to these antibacterial effects, people are able to eliminate the cellular elements of these strains found in bacterial infections.

A scientific study conducted 13 years ago has indicated that leeches include antimicrobial and neuro-signaling peptides that block and ease infections caused by bacteria and enhance the response of endangered cells.

6. Osteoarthritis

Individuals dealing with osteoarthritis concentrated in the knees have confirmed that they felt much better one day after using leech therapy.  Their testimonies were part of a study revealed in the popular Journal of Research in Ayurveda.

The study lasted for a few weeks and during this period; scientists have concluded that the stiffness and pain related to osteoarthritis was reducing with each leech therapy.

The scientists were convinced that leech therapy can serve as an efficient treatment for the symptoms of osteoarthritis that appears in the knees.

7. Ear Issues

Leeches were already used for tinnitus treatments, chronic and acute otitis (ear inflammation) and rapid hearing loss with great success. In cases like this, healers usually use two leeches put right behind the ear and on the jaw next to the ear.  The entire treatment lasts for 4 days and requires three treatments a day.

8. Oral Health

There are some people who claim that by applying leeches on the tongue people can reduce swelling of the tongue related to some serious health complications like airway blockage. Leeches have also been used in cases of abscess inflammation and gum diseases.

Leech Therapy – Safety Measures

Even though leech therapy has proven to be very efficient in many different cases, we should always be cautious. Many doctors warn their patients that leech therapy can actually lead to infections although the number of such side effects is very low.

On the other hand, there are no documented cases of diseases spread through leech therapy, but there are certain strains that are resistant to specific kinds of antibiotics like penicillin and they can significantly increase the chances of experiencing an infection.

Tissue damages, blisters and itching are some other symptoms linked to leech therapy. Even though the bites by leeches tend to heal the area fast, there are cases when they leave marks on the skin. Make sure to consult your doctor before conducting leech therapy and always use professional help during this procedure

10 Effective Physical Therapy Exercises To Treat Shoulder Pain and Tightness

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and bring your awareness to your shoulders, noticing how they feel. Chances are you’ll feel some pain, tension, or sensation in this area.

Shoulder pain or tightness is common, affecting 18 to 26 percent of adultsTrusted Source. Luckily, you can take steps to relieve discomfort in your shoulders.

Read on to learn how to do 10 simple shoulder exercises to relieve pain and tightness. These lengthening and strengthening exercises will also improve flexibility, increase your range of motion, and bring greater comfort and ease to your movements. 

 

Tips for these exercises

Do these simple exercises three to six times per week to relieve shoulder pain. Start with a 10-minute routine and gradually increase the duration as you get stronger and more flexible.

While doing these exercises, focus on relaxing and releasing any tension in your shoulders and anywhere else you feel tightness.

Stretch only to the degree that is comfortable on any given day. Don’t push yourself beyond your limits, and discontinue the exercises if you experience pain that goes beyond mild discomfort.

1. Across-the-chest stretch

This exercise helps increase flexibility and range of motion in your shoulder joint and the surrounding muscles. When doing this exercise, lower your arm if you feel any pain in your shoulder.

1. Bring your right arm across your chest.
2. Place it in the crease of your left elbow or use your left hand to support your arm.
3. Hold this position for up to 1 minute.
4. Repeat on the opposite side.
5. Do each side 3–5 times.

 

To deepen the stretch, lift your arm to shoulder height.

2. Neck release

This exercise is a gentle way to loosen tension in your neck and shoulders.

1. Lower your chin toward your chest. You’ll feel a stretch along the back of your neck.
2. Gently tilt your head to the left to stretch your right shoulder.
3. Hold this position for up to 1 minute.
4. Repeat on the opposite side.
5. Do each side 3–5 times.

 

To deepen this stretch:

1. Place 1 hand on your shoulder and 1 hand above your ear to gently guide the movement.
2. Lower your chin toward your chest. You’ll feel a stretch along the back of your neck.
3. Gently tilt your head to the left to stretch your right shoulder.
4. Hold this position for up to 1 minute.
5. Repeat on the opposite side.
6. Do each side 3–5 times.

 

3. Chest expansion

This exercise promotes flexibility and range of motion in your shoulders.

1. While standing, hold an exercise band, strap, or towel behind your back with both hands.
2. Broaden across your chest as your move your shoulder blades toward each other.
3. Lift your chin and look up toward the ceiling.
4. Hold for up to 30 seconds.
5. Repeat 3–5 times.

 

To deepen the stretch, place your hands closer together along the towel or strap.

4. Eagle arms spinal rolls

This exercise stretches your shoulder muscles. If the arm position is uncomfortable, do this exercise by holding opposite shoulders.

1. While seated, extend your arms out to the sides.
2. Cross your elbows in front of your body with your right arm on top.
3. Bend your elbows, placing the backs of your forearms and hands together.
4. Reach your right hand around to bring your palms together.
5. Hold this position for 15 seconds.
6. On an exhale, roll your spine as your draw your elbows in toward your chest.
7. On an inhale, open your chest and lift your arms.
8. Continue this movement for 1 minute.
9. Repeat on the opposite side.

 

5. Seated twist

This exercise stretches your shoulders and neck. Keep your hips facing forward during this exercise. Allow the twist to start in your lower back.

1. Sit in a chair with your ankles directly under your knees.
2. Twist your upper body to the right, bringing the back of your left hand to your thigh.
3. Place your right hand down wherever it’s comfortable.
4. Hold this position for up to 30 seconds.
5. Repeat on the left side.
6. Do each side 3–5 times.

 

6. Shoulder circles

This exercise is good for warming up your shoulder joints and increasing flexibility.

1. Stand with your left hand on the back of a chair.
2. Allow your right hand to hang down.
3. Circle your right hand 5 times in each direction.
4. Repeat on the opposite side.
5. Do this 2–3 times per day.

 

7. Doorway shoulder stretch

This stretch opens your chest and strengthens your shoulders.

1. Stand in a doorway with your elbows and arms forming a 90-degree angle.
2. Step your right foot forward as you press your palms into the sides of the door frame.
3. Lean forward and engage your core. Hold this position for up to 30 seconds.
4. Repeat the stretch with your left foot forward.
5. Do each side 2–3 times.

 

8. Downward Dog Pose

This inversion pose strengthens and stretches the muscles in your shoulders and back.

1. Start on your hands and knees. Press into your hands to lift your hips up toward the ceiling.
2. Maintain a slight bend in your knees as you press your weight evenly into your hands and feet.
3. Keeping your spine straight, bring your head toward your feet so that your shoulders are flexed overhead.
4. Hold this pose for up to 1 minute.

 

9. Child’s Pose

This restorative pose helps relieve tension in your back, shoulders, and neck. Place a cushion under your forehead, chest, or legs for support.

1. From Downward Dog Pose, bring your big toes together and your knees slightly wider than your hips.
2. Sink your hips back onto your heels and extend your arms in front of you.
3. Allow your chest to fall heavy toward the floor, relaxing your spine and shoulders.
4. Stay in this pose for up to 5 minutes.

 

10. Thread the needle

This pose relieves tightness in your chest, shoulders, and upper back. Place a cushion or block under your head or shoulder for support.

1. Start on your hands and knees. Lift your right hand up toward the ceiling with your palm facing away from your body.
2. Lower your arm to bring it under your chest and over to the left side of your body with your palm facing up.
3. Activate your right shoulder and arm to avoid collapsing into this area.
4. Keep your left hand on the floor for support, lift it toward the ceiling, or bring it around to the inside of your right thigh.
5. Hold this position for up to 30 seconds.
6. Relax in Child’s Pose before repeating this stretch on the left side.

 

How to prevent shoulder pain

In addition to doing these exercises, you can prevent shoulder pain by following a few simple tips and guidelines:

• Practice good posture and avoid slouching or hunching over while sitting, standing, and doing your daily activities.
• Pay attention to how you’re carrying your body throughout the day and make adjustments as necessary.
• Get plenty of rest and take time off from any activity that causes pain.

Take care when you do activities that involve reaching for something overhead, carrying heavy objects, or bending forward. If you have to do these activities as part of your job, decide how you can move your body to minimize discomfort.

If you play sports that cause shoulder pain, make sure you’re using proper form and technique.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor or physical therapist if you are unable to move your shoulders or if your pain worsens or doesn’t improve after two weeks of treatment.

You should also see a doctor immediately if you have severe pain in both shoulders or both thighs or you have a fever.

To determine what’s causing the pain and the best treatment plan, a doctor may do an X-ray, ultrasound scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

Takeaway

While shoulder pain is common, it can be prevented and treated. Do these exercises on a regular basis to relieve and prevent shoulder pain.

You can also try home remedies to treat shoulder pain on your own. Continuing the exercises and treatments even after you feel better will help prevent the pain from coming back.

Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program if you have any medical conditions that could be affected.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Separate Yourself From Troubling Thoughts and Emotions

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that teaches people to observe distorted thoughts that are not grounded in reality. ACT doesn’t ask you to evaluate or dispute your thoughts; instead, it recognizes that sometimes our worst thoughts are grounded in reality, but that we can learn to step back and observe them — and the negative emotions they bring up. In this way, we come to accept them, rather than get entangled in them. In many ways, ACT takes its cues from mindfulness, and even from Buddhism’s notion of detachment, or letting go.
Face Your Thoughts and Feelings

“With ACT, we recognize that there are difficult times in life, and people are going to have thoughts and emotions around those difficulties. The tendency is to turn away, but if we can learn to be present to them, that’s more helpful,” says Megan Call, PhD, a psychotherapist and associate director of the Resiliency Center at University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City, and an ACT practitioner.

Be Aware of Your Thoughts About RA Pain

A person experiencing pain from rheumatoid arthritis, for example, might have thoughts about how terrible the pain is, and how it has ruined their life. ACT therapy helps you become aware of the thoughts, and encourages you instead to be mindful. For example, Dr. Call says, “elite runners also experience great pain, but they don’t buy into the notion that it limits them.”
Defuse Thoughts

One of the processes used in a session is called “defusion,” where a thought is noticed with the aim of being able to have a more flexible response to it. A person might name the thought, watch their mental process as if it were a volleyball game and they're on the sidelines, or even give the thought a shape, color, of form.

Once you’ve accepted your reality (the “A” in ACT), you're better positioned to commit to taking actions that align with your values. The name of the therapy, ACT — pronounced as one word — indicates the therapy’s emphasis on helping you define your core values and make changes that are consistent with them.

Speak to Your Rheumatologist

Because medication often cannot control all pain, many rheumatologists are open to the notion of using behavioral therapies to keep the disease from limiting your life more than is necessary.

Still, Gustavo Carbone, MD, a rheumatologist at the University of Miami Health System and assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida, cautions people to speak to their doctor before starting this or any therapy. “I am a big believer in cognitive therapies. But first I want to see how much the RA drugs help with the pain, so we can add to or reduce the doses of the drug therapy. Once we have that down, these therapies can help someone who's not in remission deal with lingering chronic pain.”

Know That Small Studies Point to Benefits
In a study published in June 2017 in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, scientists examined the results from eight weeks of ACT therapy in more than a hundred rheumatology patients with persistent pain. They found that even six months after the therapy, people reported reduced depression and anxiety, increased pain acceptance, and more engagement in activities. While this wasn't a randomized controlled trial — the gold standard in medical research — the researchers from Ulster University and Limerick University in Ireland conclude that the “positive outcomes suggest ACT is a helpful intervention for people with persistent pain.”

Earlier research published in September 2012 in the Journal of Pain Management queried 67 people with rheumatoid arthritis about the tenets of ACT, asking them to complete questionnaires about their uses of mindfulness, pain acceptance, and values-based action. Patients who were more likely to use these strategies were also more likely to report better health, including less pain. The study also asked whether the participants would be interested in formal ACT therapy, once it was explained to them; around three-quarters thought it would help.

A review published in October 2014 in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science analyzed ACT’s effects on chronic pain in controlled trials, and concluded that “ACT is efficacious particularly for enhancing general, mostly physical functioning, and for decreasing distress, in comparison to inactive treatment comparisons.” Still, the authors called for more research on the subject.

Find an ACT Therapist

Six sessions of ACT are considered the minimum number needed to get results. Many therapists suggest 8 or 10, although they caution that some people might need more to get the results they desire.

To locate an ACT therapist, go to the Psychology Today website and enter your city or ZIP code. Once you get a listing of local therapists, click on ACT under the “treatment orientation” category on the left side. You can also click on your insurance provider to find therapists who may take your plan.

A small number of ACT therapists are also listed on the website of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, which also has information on the therapy.