Appeal of leech therapy grips more patients

They’re dark, slimey and, given half a chance, will sink their teeth in before gorging themselves on your blood. Leeches are not the most popular of animals among humans, but patients in Western Switzerland are nonetheless turning to leeches to combat rheumatism, haematomas and tendonitis.

“In Europe the use of leeches for medical purposes is most popular in Germany and German-speaking Switzerland, but increasingly patients are turning to this in Valais, Vaud and now Geneva”, Dr Dominique Kaehler Schweizer, an expert in leech therapy, told Swisster.

Since the nineteenth century, when the application of up to 100 leeches on a patient’s body for medical purposes sometimes resulted in death, many studies – predominantly in Germany and Russia – have demonstrated the benefits of leech therapy, she explained.

Leeches can drain haematomas and carbuncles of their blood. Research also shows that when applied to the back of the ears, they can reduce the ringing sound caused by tinnitus.

Their blood draining capacity incites the body’s bone marrow to create more blood. They also also inject two agents: one thinning to prevent coagulation and another that acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Schweizer provides training courses for the 100 or so naturopaths and doctors around the country to show them how to apply the creatures to the skin. Leeches possess a sucker at each end of their body, and once in place, can pierce the epidermis and start drinking.

There they remain on the patient for up to 20 minutes although this can be longer if they are positioned in areas with fewer blood vessels, like on the back and shoulders.

“Leeches can absorb up to ten times their own body weight,” said Schweizer, up to 25 millilitres of fluid. Once finished,they generally drop off the skin. The small wound then continues to bleed for two to 12 hours.

The bite usually leaves small red marks that ensure for up to three days. Itching is another consequence. Infections are generally rare but can be prompted by scratching.

Patients who are pregnant, have had an organ transplant, haemophiliacs or those following an anticoagulation therapy are not permitted this treatment as it can cause health problems.

While some might consider these creatures repugnant, Schweizer disagrees. “In photos they look black but in reality they are pretty and have nice patterns on their bellies," she told Swisster. “They’re not parasites, as we tell them where to work,” she added.

Dr Schweizer also breeds leeches to supply them to the medical profession, and currently possesses a stock of between 5,000-6,000. Leeches used for medicine, the green European leech and less frequently an Asian variety, are endangered species and breeders require a permit issued by the federal health authorities.

The majority of Swiss medical complementary insurance policies cover a course of hirudotherapy, which can require more than one session, depending on the ailment.