HirudotherapyRegistered therapistSingle-use

Leech therapy (hirudotherapy)

Leech therapy is the clinic's principal service, carried out by a registered leech therapist. Medicinal leeches are applied to the treatment area, where they help the body's own healing by improving local blood flow. Each leech is used once and safely disposed of afterwards.

Sessions are unhurried and fully explained before anything begins. Most people need a short course rather than a single visit, and you'll be given clear aftercare guidance to take away.

  • Carried out by a registered leech therapist
  • Single-use, medical-grade leeches
  • Full aftercare advice provided
Your safety comes first. A short consultation before treatment makes sure leech therapy is suitable for you. Some conditions and medications mean it isn't advised, and you'll be told clearly if that's the case.
A personal note

How many more days will you let joint pain decide what you can and can't do?

My name is Agnieszka, and I have arthritis myself.

I know what it's like to wake up with stiff fingers that you can't bend properly straight away. I know what it's like to put off going for a walk because your knee has swollen up again. I know what it's like to sit in a doctor's waiting room and leave with another prescription for tablets that ease the pain for a few hours — but don't address the underlying problem.

A few years ago, I decided to look for something that could genuinely help rather than simply mask the symptoms. Leech therapy made such a difference to my own daily life that I went on to gain full qualifications and insurance so that I could offer this therapy to others.

If you recognise yourself in any of the problems below, get in touch. You don't need to explain to me how exhausting and frustrating it can be — I understand it better than most people might imagine.

Agnieszka Marciniak Registered leech therapist, The Leech Clinic

Do you recognise any of these problems?

These are the everyday problems people tell us about before their first session.

  • Joint pain and stiffness that you wake up with every morning
  • Painful knees, hips or hands during normal everyday movements
  • Morning stiffness that lasts for hours rather than easing quickly
  • Swelling around the joints that doesn't settle despite rest
  • Pain that wakes you during the night or makes it difficult to fall asleep
  • Feeling that painkillers only provide temporary relief rather than addressing the problem
  • Giving up activities you once enjoyed — walking, gardening or playing with your grandchildren
  • Frustration that your GP seems to have little more to offer than another medication

What the treatment involves

Medicinal leeches can support local blood circulation and the body's natural healing processes.

The saliva of medicinal leeches contains a range of biologically active substances. When a leech feeds, its bite and saliva combine to increase local blood flow to the treatment area — which is why hirudotherapy is used to support circulation and the body's own healing.

Treatment is provided by a qualified and insured therapist in a clean, professional clinical environment. Each leech is used once and safely disposed of afterwards, and your session is unhurried and fully explained before anything begins.

How it is performed

  1. 1

    Consultation first

    Your visit begins with a short consultation about your health, your symptoms and any medication you take. This makes sure leech therapy is safe and suitable for you before anything else happens.

  2. 2

    Preparing the area

    The treatment area is cleaned, and everything used is sterile and single-use. The leeches are supplied fresh for your appointment.

  3. 3

    The leech attaches

    One or more medicinal leeches are placed on the treatment area. They attach and feed for around 20 to 40 minutes — most people describe the sensation as gentle rather than painful. The leech drops off naturally once it has finished feeding.

  4. 4

    Removal and dressing

    The leech is removed and safely disposed of. The bite site is dressed, and you'll be given clear, written aftercare guidance before you leave.

  5. 5

    Planning your course

    Most people benefit from a short course of sessions rather than a single visit. Following your consultation, you'll receive a personalised plan so you know what to expect.

What it may help with

Hirudotherapy may be used as a complementary therapy to support people with:

  • Varicose veins
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Spider veins
  • Swollen legs and lymphatic congestion
  • Heavy or tired legs
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (as supportive therapy)
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Knee, hip and shoulder pain
  • Back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Muscle tension and chronic pain
  • Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
  • Migraines and recurrent headaches
  • Tinnitus (selected cases)
  • Poor microcirculation
  • Slow tissue healing
  • Bruising and haematomas
  • Post-operative recovery
  • Scar management
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Sports injuries
  • General support for the body's natural regenerative processes

Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual following a detailed health consultation. Hirudotherapy is a complementary therapy and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment provided by your doctor.

When it isn't recommended

Hirudotherapy is not recommended for people with:

  • Haemophilia or other bleeding disorders
  • Severe anaemia
  • Active bleeding
  • Severe blood clotting disorders
  • Known allergy to medicinal leeches or leech saliva
  • Acute infection with fever
  • Very low blood pressure
  • Severe immune deficiency
  • Pregnancy (unless approved by a healthcare professional)
  • Severe liver disease
  • Patients taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication, unless considered appropriate after medical assessment

Good to know before you book

A few things worth knowing before you book your first session:

  • An initial consultation is required before your first treatment, so we can confirm leech therapy is suitable for you.
  • A £20 deposit secures your appointment. Sessions are £120 each for the first three, then £100 thereafter.
  • Tell us about any health conditions — and especially about blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medication. Some conditions and medicines mean this therapy isn't advised.
  • After treatment, the bite site may continue to bleed or ooze gently for several hours. This is normal and part of how the therapy works.
  • Plan to take it easy afterwards: leave the dressing in place, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for 24 hours.
  • Leech therapy is a complementary therapy. It supports — but does not replace — medical diagnosis and treatment from your doctor or specialist.
Leech Therapy Aftercare

Thank you for choosing medicinal leech therapy.

Leech therapy supports the body's natural healing processes. It is normal for the bite site to continue bleeding or oozing for several hours after treatment.

After Your Appointment
  • Leave the dressing in place as instructed.
  • Keep the treated area clean and dry.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for 24 hours.
  • Do not scratch the bite site, even if it becomes itchy during healing.
  • Follow any personalised advice given during your appointment.

Please contact us if bleeding becomes excessive, you develop signs of infection, or you have any concerns about your recovery.