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Example of varicose veins for more info call New Zealand 094191694 life clinic
Our venous system is one part of the important network of blood vessels that bring nutrients and oxygen to and from the cells.
Venous disease refers to any disease or injury to the venous system, and can be caused by many factors. The lifestyle of an individual can increase the risk for venous diseases. If a person is obese or a person smokes, drinks excessive amounts of alcohol or eats fatty foods, it can lead to blood thickening and obstruction of the vessels by fatty deposits or plaque formations. Pregnancy as well as medications can also lead to problems of the venous system. Likewise, this system can also be damaged by trauma or illnesses and diseases like diabetes.
Example of spider veins
Varicose veins are considered a venous disease, a condition where superficial veins bulge and can be further increased through pregnancy.
Venous thrombosis is a condition where the vein is occluded by a blood clot and is more common in the legs. There are two types of venous thrombosis � superficial and deep vein thrombosis. Superficial vein thrombosis is the milder of the two, whereas deep vein thrombosis can be life threatening especially if the thrombus is dislodged and travels to major organs like the lungs, heart or brain. In this type of condition, the patient will need anticoagulation medications to keep the blood thin and prevent the formation of blood clots.
Example of spider veins
Leech therapy has been proven to help patients suffering from venous diseases. It can help reduce the pain and the swelling felt from varicose veins, and can help dissolve blood clots that have formed. But leech therapy is not effective for patients whose venous disease is caused by insufficient valves and inadequate vessel dilation.
The saliva of leeches is known to contain beneficial enzymes. They have anticoagulation properties that help prevent blood from coagulating or thickening. Aside from this, there is also an enzyme that breaks up formed blood clots which can occlude the veins. These two properties function to make the blood thin so that it flows freely in the veins. To further aid in this function, another enzyme acts as a vasodilator to allow better flow of blood.
Leech’s saliva also has antibacterial properties, which helps individuals who have open sores complicated by venous disease.
Leech therapy is best used in conjunction with compression stockings, wei|
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Life Clinic Hirudotherapy & Healing provides natural therapy using leeches, one of the most ancient methods
Posted in new zealand leechtherapySince the early days of the 20th century, people have been using leeches to treat cardiovascular diseases because of the Hirudin enzyme in the leeches saliva, a substance which has systemic anticoagulative effects. A physician would usually prescribe the use of leeches when a person suffered a stroke or heart attack. Also, Hirudin stimulates segmental reflex mechanisms and this contributes to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
It was only when anticoagulants such as aspirin and heparin were invented that the use of leeches declined. The effects of aspirin which are the inhibition of platelet aggregation and for the dissolving of thrombus or embolus, or thrombolysis, were found to be much more effective in treating cardiovascular conditions. However, scientists began to investigate further uses of Hirudin for cardiovascular conditions and they found Recombinant Hirudin was useful for Myocardial Infarctions (MI) and unlike heparin; hirudin was actually a direct thrombin inhibitor which did not need to have a cofactor like antithrombin III. Also, hirudin could inactivate fibrin-bound thrombins. However, the effects of the drugs derived from hirudin were much too potent and caused quite massive hemorrhagic adverse effects. Because of this, hirudin was not considered a good primary treatment for myocardial infarction; however, they found that it was a good treatment for Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia Type 2.
Leeches shown during treatment
of varied conditions
Natural leech therapy that is, the actual application of live leeches on the skin, was believed to have been an effective treatment for thrombosis and other coronary syndromes and Leeches have also been used to treat hypertension. Because leeches suck a hosts blood and its hirudin has anticoagulation, it may cause hypovolemic hemodilution which are two of the things that will reduce the pressure of the blood flow on the walls of the blood vessels, thus leading to reduction in blood pressure. However, it should be noted that since there are much more effective treatments for the reduction of blood pressure, such as anti-hypertensive drugs, leech therapy is now mostly considered as an adjuvant therapy rather than an actual first-line treatment.
Aside from those mentioned above, there are many conditions where leech therapy is considered useful. Leech therapy is sometimes used for Coronary Heart disease, where atheromatous plaques accumulate within the walls of the arteries that provide the blood supply for the myocardium.
Leeches shown during treatment
of varied conditions
It is also used for ischemic heart disease, where the blood supply to the heart is reduced. For this condition, leeches are applied to specific areas. During the first session, only about two to three leeches are used in each area, but as the treatment progresses, as many as 12 leeches can be used. During the first week, leech therapy can be applied every day if possible, leading to three times a week, over a course of approximately three to four weeks, depending on the individual.
For cardiovascular diseases, a minimum of three to four leeches can be applied to each specific area during the first session. Thereafter, up to 14 leeches can be applied. This treatment is usually applied three times a week for a total of ten applications, depending on the severity of the disease.
For Valvular heart diseases, again, leeches are placed in specific areas twice a week. Treatment is usually applied for a minimum of twelve sessions.
Blood expelled after different treatments
Leech therapy is effective against these diseases, including hypertension because of its ability to relieve the stagnation of the blood in the vessels. When a leech is applied over a certain area, the blood flow to that area will increase, leading to better circulation. In fact, there are several cases where the patient’s overall wellbeing is improved after leech therapy and rejuvenation takes place.
Posted in new zealand leechtherapyExample of spider veins
Leech therapy has been proven to help patients suffering from venous diseases. It can help reduce the pain and the swelling felt from varicose veins, and can help dissolve blood clots that have formed. But leech therapy is not effective for patients whose venous disease is caused by insufficient valves and inadequate vessel dilation.
The saliva of leeches is known to contain beneficial enzymes. They have anticoagulation properties that help prevent blood from coagulating or thickening. Aside from this, there is also an enzyme that breaks up formed blood clots which can occlude the veins. These two properties function to make the blood thin so that it flows freely in the veins. To further aid in this function, another enzyme acts as a vasodilator to allow better flow of blood.
Leech�s saliva also has antibacterial properties, which helps individuals who have open sores complicated by venous disease.
Leech therapy is best used in conjunction with compression stockings, weight management, diet, and exercise.
Posted in new zealand leechtherapyExample of varicose veins leech therapy for venous disease for more info call New Zealand 09 4191694
Our venous system is one part of the important network of blood vessels that bring nutrients and oxygen to and from the cells.
Venous disease refers to any disease or injury to the venous system, and can be caused by many factors. The lifestyle of an individual can increase the risk for venous diseases. If a person is obese or a person smokes, drinks excessive amounts of alcohol or eats fatty foods, it can lead to blood thickening and obstruction of the vessels by fatty deposits or plaque formations. Pregnancy as well as medications can also lead to problems of the venous system. Likewise, this system can also be damaged by trauma or illnesses and diseases like diabetes.
Example of spider veins
Varicose veins are considered a venous disease, a condition where superficial veins bulge and can be further increased through pregnancy.
Venous thrombosis is a condition where the vein is occluded by a blood clot and is more common in the legs. There are two types of venous thrombosis � superficial and deep vein thrombosis. Superficial vein thrombosis is the milder of the two, whereas deep vein thrombosis can be life threatening especially if the thrombus is dislodged and travels to major organs like the lungs, heart or brain. In this type of condition, the patient will need anticoagulation medications to keep the blood thin and prevent the formation of blood clots
Posted in new zealand leechtherapyMany athletes and sports enthusiasts experience injuries.
Injuries can occur due to body contact, poor co-ordination, trauma, lack of balance, repetitive movement, jolting or excessive force, but regardless, any kind of sport damage encounters pain to the injured part of the body, usually followed by inflammation and swelling.
Blood clots can also form as a response to tissue damage and when bleeding occurs, coagulation of blood takes place to block leakage, encouraging repair to damaged blood vessels.
Prolonged inflammation of an injured area can lead to a chronic condition and destruction of surrounding normal cells and tissues, further delaying the healing process, which can lead to a temporary loss of function.
Leech therapy is extremely beneficial in the healing process of sport injuries due to enzymes found in leech saliva, which are known to reduce pain, inflammation and dissolving blood clots.
Enzymes found in leech saliva dilate vessels and work together with other enzymes to flush out toxins and promote healthy circulation to accelerate the healing process, as well as containing antibacterial enzymes that help prevent and eliminate the production of bacteria.
Leech therapy diminishes inflammation, swelling and pain of an injured area, leading to an accelerated normal function.
During therapy, leeches also inject an anesthetic enzyme which deadens the pain, as well as an antibacterial enzyme, which destroys the bacteria present, preventing further infection of the site, all of which work together to speed up the healing process of sport injuries.
Duration of leech therapy is dependent upon the severity of the sport injury. Likewise, the frequency of the sessions and the number of leeches used in the treatment also vary per individual.
Posted in new zealand leechtherapyIf this occurs, skin grafting can be repeated in the hope that the graft will be successful the next time, but nowadays, many surgeons use leeches to avoid the above from happening.
Leech therapy has been used for many years as a treatment for many conditions, especially when it comes to infection, so studies were done and it has been found, tested, and proven that leech therapy can really aid in the healing process of skin grafts.
Leeches shown during treatment of
varied conditions
As soon as the leeches attach themselves to the skin graft site, they begin to suck blood. While sucking, they also release a component called hirudin from their saliva. This component is very important in the inhibition of platelet aggregation (the process where the platelets clump or stick together) and coagulation cascade (a series of processes that ends with fibrin clot formation).
If these two detrimental complications are present in a skin graft, there will be marked venous congestion, which slows down the healing process of the skin graft. When the skin graft receives poor circulation, the site becomes cyanotic [a condition in which the skin and mucous membranes take on a bluish colour because there is not enough oxygen in the blood], then it hardens and cools until the transplanted tissue dies. Now, because of the hirudin and the Factor Xa inhibitor present in the leech�s saliva, these processes are inhibited. Since there is a vasodilator component in their saliva too, venous congestion is further reduced, promoting good blood flow into the skin graft. After continuous medicinal leech therapy, the skin graft will soon turn warm and pinkish, a good sign that there is an adequate blood supply.
Blood expelled after different treatments
Medicinal Leeches suck on the area for up to an hour or more, where they can consume one to two teaspoons of blood. Two days after leech therapy, the skin graft site will show a noticeable increased blood supply to the area.
The frequency of leech therapy in patients with skin replants is about four days to five days, while the frequency in patients whose skin grafts became compromised is about six to ten days.
Not all patients who undergo skin grafts are a candidate for leech therapy. Those who have AIDS or HIV are not recommended to undertake medicinal leech therapy because it could put them at risk of bacterial sepsis. Likewise, patients who take immunosuppressive drugs are also not advised to undergo leech therapy due to the same reason.
Although the risk of acquiring an infection is small, patients with skin grafts that have become unsuccessful are not always given leech therapy.
Posted in new zealand leechtherapyLeeches shown during treatment of
varied conditions
Leeches, as we all know, can be viewed by many as quite disgusting creatures to look at, especially when they are full and bloated after gorging themselves on blood. Many people fear leeches and most stay away from them. Just the thought of having a leech attach themselves to a part of the body is enough to scare anybody. But remember, there are leeches that serve many purposes, especially when it comes to the medicine world. These medicinal leeches have long been used in the treatment of illnesses and diseases, and they have also been used in the healing process of skin grafts.
When a patch of skin is taken from the same individual and transplanted to another part of their body, it is called skin grafting or skin transplant. The patch of skin taken from an individual is removed from an area of the body that has good circulation to increase the chance of healing quickly and properly. Common areas where skin grafts are taken are those that are hidden underneath clothes, usually from the buttocks or inner thighs. After skin harvesting, the donor site is covered with sterile and non-adhesive dressing so as to prevent the occurrence of infection.
Leeches shown during treatment of
varied conditions
After the patch of healthy skin is harvested, it is carefully spread over the required area. To keep it in place so as to promote good healing and good revascularization, well-padded dressings that exert gentle pressure are placed over the skin graft. Stitches can also be used to keep the skin graft in place to allow growth of new blood vessels, supplying the transplanted skin with blood, thus, increasing the healing process.
Skin grafts, although taken from the same individual, can still present a lot of risks. Infection of the recipient site can occur and delay healing and complications can also arise such as poor venous drainage leading to skin graft tissue death, and this is most especially true for patients whose vascular system is compromised.
If this occurs, skin grafting can be repeated in the hope that the graft will be successful the next time, but nowadays, many surgeons use leeches to avoid the above from happening.
Leeches shown during treatment of
varied conditions
Boils are infections deep in the skin. A boil begins as a red area and gradually becomes tender and firm. An ‘eye’ forms at the center and contains yellow fluid called pus, which is composed of white blood cells, dead bacteria and proteins.
During leech therapy, leeches are placed directly over the eye of the boil, so they can feed directly on the pus and at the same time, other leeches will be placed around the area to rid the body of pooled blood. This is important, because pooled blood causes pressure, leading to tenderness and will relieve the patient of pain.
Shingles [Herpes Zoster] is a viral skin disease in adults and occurs due to reactivation in adulthood of dormant viral matter leftover from a bout of chickenpox in childhood. Although lifelong immunity to chickenpox is commonly spoken about, the viruses that cause it may lie dormant for years in sensory nerve cells, reactivating themselves and causing an attack of shingles at times when the immune system is weak, resulting in inflammation, pain, and a rash of small skin blisters.
Example of psoriasis
The skin manifestation of herpes zoster is not serious, but the pain caused by the inflammation of the underlying nerve can be severe, lasting for weeks.
Treatment for Shingles is designed merely to limit the severity and duration of pain because there are usually post infection complications like neuralgia [chronic severe pain around a nerve path]. Leeches saliva contains a substance that has analgesic [pain killing] effects. Pain relief is known to be more powerful and longer lasting than general pain relieving tablets.
There are many skin diseases that can be treated with Hirudotherapy and one disease worth mentioning is Psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that occurs when the skin cells replace themselves too quickly. There are many different types, but the most common is chronic plaque psoriasis.
Blood expelled after different treatments
The extent of the disease can vary from a few tiny lesions here and there on the body, but are most commonly seen on knees, elbows, the chest and scalp, appearing as red, scaly patches that reveal fine silvery scales when scraped or scratched and often itch and feel uncomfortable. This condition can cause sufferers to become withdrawn and uncomfortable in forming relationships because of the way people react to the appearance of their skin.
Why psoriasis occurs is unknown, which makes it quite impossible to prevent. However, many things are thought to trigger the condition, including skin injury, sore throats/chest infections, some drug treatments, sunburn and even stress. As hopeless as it all may sound, ancient doctors have been using Hirudotherapy to improve the outcome of skin diseases like psoriasis. Not only are leeches useful for sucking pooled blood, their saliva also contains active substances that are bactericidal [fights off bacteria that proliferates over thick layers of excess skin cells]. Other substances in the leech�s saliva also cause gradual slowing of skin cell production, giving noticeable relief for patients.
Posted in new zealand leechtherapy