Hirudotherapy: how a session goes and who it is not suitable for
Hirudotherapy is treatment with medicinal leeches, a method with a centuries-long history that today is used as a supportive one. I completed training in hirudotherapy and use it as an addition to osteopathic work when appropriate.
What matters about the leeches. Only medicinal leeches grown at a specialised biofactory are used — never ones from a pond. Each leech is used once and disposed of after the session. This is a matter of principle for safety.
How it works. Leech saliva contains a complex of biologically active substances, the best known being hirudin, which affects blood clotting. Classically the method is seen as influencing local microcirculation and venous outflow in the area of application.
How a session goes. First we discuss your condition, history and contraindications. Then the leeches are placed at specific points — their number depends on the task. The moment of attachment feels like a mosquito bite or slight tingling; after that there is usually no discomfort. A session takes about an hour. Afterwards a sterile dressing is applied: the small wounds may bleed for several hours, which is expected, and I explain in detail how to care for them.
The course. Usually it is not a single session but a course — as a rule around 10 procedures with intervals. Pricing: a session is 3,500 ₽, a course of 10 sessions is 30,000 ₽.
Who it is not suitable for. The method has clear contraindications: blood clotting disorders (including haemophilia), marked anaemia, taking anticoagulants, pregnancy, cancer, persistently low blood pressure, individual intolerance, acute conditions and fever. This is not a complete list, so every case is assessed individually.
Important. Hirudotherapy is not a replacement for treatment prescribed by your doctor and does not cure everything. I use it as an addition to the main work and only when there are no contraindications. If you have a chronic condition or take medication, be sure to tell me before the session and agree the procedure with your doctor.