2. Leeching: The application of a
living leech to the skin to initiate blood flow or deplete blood from a
localized area of the body.
Historically, the leech has been
used to treat a variety of ailments -- everything from headaches and stomach
aches, fevers, and more.
Leeching was widely practiced in
World War I to prevent coagulation of war wounds.
Leeching has been in use since the
time of the ancient Egyptians.
Modern Applications
Leech therapy is making a big
comeback in modern medicine. Leeches have been found to relieve pain and
inflammation. It seems their saliva contains compounds that have an
anesthetic effect.
Plastic and reconstructive
surgeons currently depend on leeches to drain excess blood and prevent clotting
after operations to re-attach severed fingers.
Formal Clearance by FDA
Despite its wide and
growing use in modern medicine, it wasn't until the first week in July, 2004,
that the Food and Drug Administration, for the first time, cleared the
commercial marketing of leeches as medical devices.
