Leech therapy: a history
Research article published in Journal of the history of dentistry (2005)
Abstract
Bloodletting is an ancient procedure that was utilized for curing the ills of man. This article traces the use of leeches for bloodletting therapy from ancient Greek times to the Chapin Harris era in the 1840s to modern day usage by plastic surgeons. The leech is described as both a parasite and a therapeutic agent. The techniques used by both medicine and dentistry are historically documented.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Bloodletting is an ancient procedure that was utilized for curing the ills of man. This article traces the use of leeches for bloodletting therapy from ancient Greek times to the Chapin Harris era in the 1840s to modern day usage by plastic surgeons.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This historical article traces the use of leeches for bloodletting therapy from ancient Greek times through the Chapin Harris era of the 1840s to modern-day usage by plastic surgeons, documenting techniques employed in both medicine and dentistry and describing the leech as both parasite and therapeutic agent. For ASH's domain, the article provides historical context for hirudotherapy, illustrating the enduring recognition of the leech as a therapeutic agent from antiquity through to contemporary practice. As a historical article, it offers narrative documentation rather than original data, quantitative outcomes, or clinical evidence; its scope is limited to the specific periods and settings identified in the abstract and does not address mechanisms, efficacy, or safety of leech therapy.
Citation
Added to ASH library: March 18, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026