Treatments

Leech Therapy

Medicinal leech therapy at the Bristol clinic, offered as a complementary therapy. Clinic and home visits available.

See available times

What the appointment involves

  1. Choose your time

    Select a date and time above for a clinic appointment. Home visits are arranged by phone.

  2. Consultation

    Your medical history, medications, symptoms and goals are reviewed to decide whether leech therapy is appropriate for you.

  3. Your treatment

    Medical-grade leeches are applied to the treatment area. They usually stay attached for 20 to 60 minutes and then detach on their own.

  4. Dressings and aftercare

    Professional dressings are applied and you are given full aftercare instructions before you leave.

Aftercare

Some bleeding after treatment is expected and is part of how the therapy works.

  • Keep the dressing in place as advised
  • Expect light bleeding for several hours
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
  • Avoid swimming, hot tubs and saunas for 24 to 48 hours
  • Contact the clinic if anything concerns you

You are given written aftercare before you leave, specific to the treatment you had. Follow that in preference to anything on this page.

Questions

Does it hurt?

Most clients describe it as a small pinprick that settles quickly. The leeches release a natural local anaesthetic as they attach, which is why the sensation fades.

How long does treatment take?

Usually between 60 and 90 minutes. The leeches themselves stay attached for 20 to 60 minutes and detach on their own rather than being pulled off.

Will I bleed afterwards?

Yes, and that is expected. Light bleeding or oozing from the site continues for several hours afterwards and forms part of how the treatment works. You are sent home with dressings and told what to watch for.

Are the leeches ever reused?

Never. Every medicinal leech is used once, for one person, and is then disposed of safely as clinical waste. They are bred under controlled conditions and supplied by licensed breeders.

Is there anyone it is not suitable for?

Leech therapy may not be appropriate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have significant anaemia, a bleeding disorder, uncontrolled diabetes, an active infection or severe immune suppression, or if you take anticoagulant medication. A full consultation is completed before any treatment.

Can I change or cancel my time?

Call the clinic on 07586 609909. The terms that apply are shown while you book and repeated in your confirmation.