Muhsine Zeynep Yavuz, MD
Complementary Medicine & Medical Aesthetic
Clinic - Istanbul (Nişantaşı)
January 19, 2026
5 min read
Muhsine Zeynep Yavuz, MD
Leech therapy, also known as Hirudotherapy, has been used for centuries to treat various diseases. In our Istanbul clinic, we combine this ancient wisdom with modern medical standards to ensure safety and effectiveness.
The most remarkable feature of medical leeches is their saliva, which contains more than 100 bioactive substances, including hirudin, calin, and hyaluronidase. These substances work together to improve blood fluidity and help expand narrowed vessels, promoting natural rejuvenation and healing.
In this comprehensive overview, we cover the science behind leech therapy, its benefits for anti-aging and joint health, the treatment process, safety precautions, and current pricing information for our Nişantaşı clinic.
Leech therapy, known as Hirudotherapy in the medical world, is a method with a history of approximately 2,500 years that has become a supportive part of modern medicine today. The medical leeches used in this treatment (Hirudo Medicinalis and Hirudo Verbana) work like a miniature pharmaceutical factory, secreting special enzymes the moment they attach to the body.
The leeches used in our clinic are certified medical leeches raised in sterile environments. They are not just simple organisms but complex "living devices" that inject over 100 bioactive substances into the bloodstream, which humanity has yet to fully replicate in a laboratory.
The primary benefit of the leech comes not only from the small amount of blood it removes (detox) but essentially from the valuable bioactive substances in its saliva. Here are the key effects of these enzymes:
Prevents blood clotting, reducing the risk of vascular blockage and significantly accelerating blood flow and oxygenation.
Acts as a powerful natural painkiller and anti-inflammatory, soothing chronic joint and soft tissue pain.
Has the ability to dissolve existing clots in the vascular system, improving overall circulation.
Supports the repair and regeneration of nerve cells and fibers, essential for neurological recovery.
At our clinic, we manage leech therapy as a precise medical procedure. Each treatment is tailored to the patient's health status, ensuring the best possible outcomes for skin rejuvenation and systemic health.
Before starting, we analyze your health history and current condition. A correct diagnosis and assessment are essential for a successful treatment journey.
Utilizing the natural enzymes found in medical leeches to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body's natural repair mechanisms.
We strictly follow hygiene protocols. Every medical leech is used only once and for a single patient, ensuring maximum safety and zero risk of cross-contamination.
Medical leeches are preferred as an adjunctive treatment for a wide range of diseases as they initiate systemic healing in the body through the enzymes they secrete. The areas where leech therapy (hirudotherapy) has proven to be most effective in our clinic include:
Thanks to the anticoagulant (clot-dissolving) and vasodilator effects in leech saliva, successful results are obtained in the treatment of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic venous insufficiency.
It acts as a natural analgesic in relieving chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis (joint calcification), rheumatism, fibromyalgia, and lumbar or cervical disc herniations.
It accelerates healing by regulating the skin's blood circulation and immune response in eczema, psoriasis, and chronic stubborn acne problems.
It is widely used in facial rejuvenation (anti-aging), removal of acne scars, and relieving venous congestion that prevents the risk of tissue loss (necrosis) after surgical operations.
While helping to repair nerve fibers with its neurotrophic effect, it provides significant relief in anxiety, depression, and stress disorders thanks to its bioactive antidepressant properties.
It helps balance intraocular pressure in the treatment of glaucoma; and offers support in tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and sudden hearing loss by increasing microcirculation in the auditory system.
Leech therapy is a clinical procedure that must be performed under sterile conditions by a certified medical doctor. The treatment process at Muhsine Zeynep Yavuz Clinic follows these professional steps:
The targeted area of the skin is thoroughly cleaned and dried to remove any chemicals or odors, as leeches are highly sensitive to scents.
The specialist doctor places a specific number of leeches on the determined points. Small, painless micro-incisions are made to help the leeches attach to the skin.
As the leeches bite, they inject a natural local anesthetic through their saliva, making the procedure virtually painless for the patient.
The leeches typically remain attached for 20 to 45 minutes, consuming approximately 5 to 10 ml of blood while simultaneously injecting over 100 beneficial enzymes into the bloodstream.
Once the leeches have finished feeding, they usually detach on their own. If necessary, the medical team removes them safely using clinical techniques to avoid skin irritation.
To eliminate the risk of infections like HIV or Hepatitis, each leech is used only once for a single patient and then disposed of as medical waste.
Medical leeches introduce anticoagulants and over 100 bioactive substances through their saliva. These substances increase blood fluidity, expand narrowed vessels, and promote natural healing.
Leech therapy improves blood circulation and oxygenation in the skin, which helps in cell renewal, reducing fine lines, and giving the skin a natural glow. It is often referred to as a natural non-surgical facelift.
The bite of a medical leech is often described as similar to a mosquito bite or a mild stinging sensation that dissipates quickly. Leeches secrete natural anesthetics in their saliva, making the procedure largely painless.
A typical session lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. The leeches naturally detach themselves once they are full.
Minor bleeding may continue for several hours (up to 24 hours) after the leeches fall off, which is normal and part of the therapeutic detox process. Some itching or mild redness may occur as the bite heals.
Although leech therapy is safe, there are specific limitations:
Post-treatment care is critical for the success of the therapy:
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