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Review
. 2014 Mar;164(5-6):95-102.
doi: 10.1007/s10354-013-0236-y. Epub 2013 Oct 1.

Medicinal leech therapy in pain syndromes: a narrative review

Detlev Koeppen  1 , Michael Aurich, Thomas Rampp
Affiliations
Review

Medicinal leech therapy in pain syndromes: a narrative review

Detlev Koeppen et al. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2014 Mar.

Abstract

Medicinal leech therapy is used in a variety of conditions; most of which have pain as a major symptom. Its mode of action relies on the injection of leech saliva into patients' tissues during the process of blood withdrawal. Leech saliva contains active ingredients with anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, anti-coagulant and blood- and lymph-circulation enhancing properties. A specific analgesic substance within the leech saliva is yet to be identified. Pain relief from leech therapy is rapid, effective and long-lasting in many conditions. This review compiles studies and case reports that provide clinical evidence for leech therapy's analgesic effects.

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