Medicinal Leech Therapy

Front Cover
Thieme, 2007 - Medical - 178 pages

Medicinal leech therapy has undergone a renaissance in recent years, both in terms of how well the effects of using leeches are understood,and in the discovery of new clinical applications that have resulted in remarkable outcomes. This timely book introduces the basic principles of using leeches in clinical practice, and clearly sets out the methodology and potential applications. Emphasis is given to those areas of medicine where scientific studies have already provided firm evidence of success -- treatment of arthrosis and pain is already benefiting from this highly effective therapy.

Excellent instructions for the use of leeches cover the full spectrum of possible applications, while the encouraging new developments in research are also addressed. This valuable guide for physicians to this important therapy comes from the acknowledged experts in the field.

 

Contents

Contents
1
The Biology of Leeches
13
Anatomy and Function
21
Skin Muscles Nerves and Senses
28
Leech Behavior Habitat and Care
37
Reproduction
46
The Technique of Leech Therapy 58
58
Indications for Leech Therapy 66
66
Contraindications
103
Hypotension and Vasovagal Attacks
109
The Scientific Basis of Leech Therapy
115
Special Features of Clinical Research with Leeches
129
Bacterial Flora of the Medicinal Leech
141
Gustav Dobos MD
152
Legal Aspects of Leech Therapy in the EU and USA
158
Has the Patient Been Properly Informed about How to Recognize
164

Rheumatic Diseases
76
Leech Therapy in Plastic Surgery
92
Marco Blessmann MD Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
97
Appendix
166
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