Leech therapy is considered by those with experience with it to be the best therapeutic treatment for arthritis. The saliva of leeches introduces an anti-inflammatory agent to the joint, and the saliva also acts as a pain reliever due to the anesthetic component. Also, the saliva of leeches acts as a histamine and a vasodilator, which benefit the arthritis sufferer.
In 2004, the FDA approved the use of leeches treatment as a way to treat arthritis and other conditions.
Leech therapy, also known as hirudotherapy, remains the best hope for treating arthritis pain, far surpassing any prescription drug on the market. Given the benefits of the saliva of leeches, patients have reported a surge in energy, as well as the end of their arthritis pain. Patients have also reported a better night’s sleep after having leech therapy.
Arthritis treatment with leeches is often a one time treatment. The treatment usually takes only an hour, with a small leech positioned on the point of the arthritis pain. Because of the natural anesthetic released by the leech, there is no discomfort or pain with the procedure. Leeches also act to filter infection from the blood which also aids in inflammation and pain relief. Once the procedure is over, most patients report better movement and comfort by the day after the treatment. In most cases, treatment doesn’t require repeating for up to six months.
There are no side effects, and information on leech therapy shows pain relief for nearly a year.