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July 31, 2008, 8:47 pm
Flag as Inappropriate JennieA  

Do they still uses leeches for some things these days, or have they found better ways to do the same thing leeches used to? We got a couple on us at the pond the other day and were joking about it, but I've got no idea if they still use them.

I just saw a documentary where they were showing people that still used leeches. They are supposed to be helpful in some things but I think you need to have a professional around. They might make things worse in some matters I think.

But I'd rather use a doctor myself and leave the leeches to wherever they live.

I am all for alternative medicine, and use it as my primary form of healing. However, I do think the idea behind leeches is quite antiquated, we have learned so much with germ theory and it is just silly to think you can drain "poisoned blood" from a person.

Many of the reasons leeches are used today isn't to drain "poisoned blood" but to increase circulation to a wounded or repaired area thus helping the healing process. Leeches have a unique talent to do this at a local level where if you gave someone blood thinners it affects the entire body.

Draining poisoned blood from our modern perspective sounds complete stupid. It did sometimes appear to work. Modern approach mentioned here by Sean makes a lot of sense and I would not hesitate to try it.

I know they use them sometimes but nothing I remember seeing has stated when exactly it was done. I dont think I could ever use them, its probaly one of the few things in life that can creep me out fully to the max.

I don't know- I know that I would not use them. I would go to the doctor and use medicine to fix the problem.

I remember when they were used for certain things too - actually I heard about it.

Now I am all for alternative medication and therapies, but I really do not like creatures, and believe they should stay at home, rather than be crawling on my body!!!

I saw a documentary about leeches, perhaps it's the same one you saw. It was a long time ago, so I do not remember much, but they did provide some medical explanations of why leeches help, what they do, etc. So it's not just some old superstition about "bad blood," there's some grounds to it. With that being said, I would NOT want to be treated with leeches!! LOL! :)