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.
Jadual kandungan
1 Introduction
2 History of Leech Therapy
3 The Biology of Leeches
4 The Technique of Leech Therapy
5 Indications for Leech Therapy
6 Leech Therapy in Rheumatic Disorders
7 Leech Therapy in Plastic Surgery
8 Contraindications
9 Safety and Adverse Effects of Leech Therapy
10 The Scientific Basis of Leech Therapy
11 The Biochemistry of Leech Saliva
12 Bacterial Flora of the Medicinal Leech (Hirudo medicinalis)
13 Medicinal Leeches in Integrative Medicine
14 Legal Aspects of Leech Therapy in the EU and USA
Appendix