Mehmet Uğuş, a hairdresser in Kayseri, has been the subject of a controversial debate after the method called “leech therapy”. While Uğuş has difficulty walking after the leech therapy he had on his leg to get rid of his varicose veins, all eyes have turned to alternative medical practices once again. While practices such as aromatherapy, ozone therapy, hypnosis, and leeches continue to threaten public health, many people do not give up on trying these practices. Uğuş, who was a victim of leech therapy, has not been able to go to work for 2 months due to his infected wounds; the wounds on Uğuş’s leg are getting bigger every day.
INFECTION RISK
Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ceyhan, stating that cupping therapy comes from Egypt and acupuncture from Far Eastern countries, said, “It is stated that cupping therapy cleans the dirty blood in the body. While this procedure is carried out in sterile environments in blood banks, we see that the areas where cupping therapy is applied remain covered in blood. It also causes cuts on the skin. “This application is not likely to benefit the patient. The risk of scarring and infection is also quite high.” he spoke.
FAR FROM SCIENCE
Orthopedic Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Korhan Özkan drew attention to the fact that sebaceous glands were also tried to be treated with leeches or cupping, “Practices completely far removed from scientific literature suggested and implemented by people who have no connection to the subject and no medical training. “It can complicate the condition of our patients and even lead to life-threatening consequences.”
CAN BE FATAL
Another name who made a statement to ‘Haberglobal.com.tr’, Hematology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çetiner, also underlines that the scientific evidence for alternative medicine methods is weak and adds: “These practices are carried out by uneducated people, and if they interact with substances in herbalists, they may have side effects. What’s more applications have the risk of causing serious and fatal errors.”
DO NOT LET BABIES DO IT
On the other hand, the Turkish Pediatrics Association warned against those who have their newborn babies cupped, saying “there may be fatal consequences”. The statement, which draws attention to the fact that cupping therapy can cause infection in babies and even send them into shock, emphasized that people who have their babies cupped despite all warnings should not be listened to. The President of the Turkish Pediatrics Association, Prof. Dr. Haluk Çokuğraş, drew attention to the risk of infection and said the following: “Such infections can spread rapidly in young babies and lead to serious consequences. It can lead to some circulatory disorders.”
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