ANCIENT MEDICAL PRACTICES

Yes , this still exists . The first use of leeches in medicine dates back to 800 B . C ., according to the British Medical Journal , when they were used in bloodletting ( a practice believed to cure fevers , headaches and serious illnesses ). Today , leeches are used to stimulate blood circulation after skin grafts and reconstructive surgery . The leech ’ s saliva contains enzymes and compounds that act as an anticoagulation agent . The most prominent of these anticoagulation agents is hirudin , which binds itself to thrombins , effectively inhibiting coagulation of the blood . Leeching might sound primitive , but the FDA approved leeches as “ medical devices ” in 2004 to drain pooled blood after surgery .

This form of alternative medicine was developed in China approximately 4,000 years ago . Its intended purpose was to restore the body ’ s inner balance by placing needles at specific pressure points . In today ’ s times , patients may seek acupuncture treatment for relaxation and pain relief . Acupuncture has also found a place in preventative care , particularly for its effects in the setting of hypertension . Studies conducted have found that regular acupuncture treatments can lower blood pressure .

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