Leech therapy: procedure and costs
If you are dealing with alternative treatment approaches, you have certainly heard of leech therapy. We explain what it is and give you a rough overview of the costs.
Cost and procedure of leech therapy
Leech therapy is one of the oldest traditional therapeutic approaches. The first records date from around 3, 300 BC. The process is as follows:
- The leeches are placed in the desired location for treatment. The bite leads to a small bloodletting. The anticoagulant substances contained in the saliva cause subsequent bleeding.
- Leech therapy is said to improve wound healing. It is used primarily for transplanting ears and fingers or skin grafts.
- The leech sucks about 10 milliliters of blood per hour.
- Strict hygiene regulations ensure that the patient cannot be infected with diseases by the leech.
- The wound is checked the next day of treatment. Usually there is also a change of association.
- The costs for the therapy consist of a consultation, treatment and follow-up appointment. You can expect a total cost of around 200 euros.
- Statutory health insurance companies do not normally bear the costs. However, some private health insurance companies cover the costs.
- The effectiveness of leech therapy has hardly been scientifically proven.
Leech therapy is also said to help with osteoarthritis. Alternatively, you can try Schüssler salts for osteoarthritis.