A recent Instagram reel, which has over 230,000 likes, claimed that leech therapy can cure cervical pain in seven sessions. The post was shared by Sehatplusshorts, who has close to 92,000 followers, and suggested treating cervical issues with leeches will nearly eliminate pain after the treatment.
In the video, we see a leech biting a woman's neck, and we are told that the woman has "cervical problems," and that she was being given a "leech therapy" for it.
Pointing to her neck, a man says that she has swelling around her neck, and that after the treatment the woman would be able to say if she is feeling any better.
After the treatment, the woman is asked if she is feeling any better, and she says she feels about 5% better.
"After doing this, I feel the therapy is good. It is a natural therapy, and one should get it done," the woman then says.
The Instagram page has many more such videos that speaks of the benefits of 'leech therapy' for the treatment of aches and pains.
Many of these videos also have a disclaimer at the end which says the claims in the videos are "based on the knowledge and experience of the doctor," but the channel or its doctors are "not responsible for any consequences or side effects arising from it," and viewers must consult their own experts before using the information.
So does the humble leech really have magical powers that will help alleviate pain?
Leech therapy, also known as hirudotherapy, has been used for centuries and shows potential benefits for various conditions. Some studies indicate it may help alleviate pain in certain inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain.
Leech Therapy has also been used as a treatment and research is being carried out on it.
Leech therapy isn't without risks. Side effects can include itching, redness at the application site, and prolonged bleeding. These potential complications should be considered before pursuing this treatment.
But there's no clinical evidence or study relating leech therapy and cervical pain. The viral post's claim that patients can expect nearly complete relief from cervical pain after seven sessions is not backed by scientific evidence and thus is misleading. This could lead individuals to forgo more established treatments.
First Check tried to contact the person on the contact number shown in the video multiple times, but received no response.
Also read: Fact-check: Easy remedies for muscle cramps
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