Leech Therapy Training

Professional Diploma in Leech Therapy

leech therapy training course course

Our Professional Diploma in Leech Therapy course is accredited in the UK by The Complementary Medicine Association and internationally by CPD Standards Office. It offers comprehensive, in-depth, evidence-based training, integrating historical traditions, biological sciences, clinical applications, and practical treatment protocols. Designed for healthcare practitioners, complementary therapists, students of integrative medicine or just curious individual who wish to learn new skills or begin new career. The programme offers reliable, solid and very clearly laid out material for easy understanding and safe and effective practice. The curriculum begins with a historical overview of leech therapy from ancient times to modern day. We will review the biochemistry of leech saliva, with particular attention to bioactive compounds and their anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory effects among others. This is to help understand what makes leech therapy so unique and effective in treating various common health ailments.

This leech therapy training incorporates exciting practical component that teaches students  to prepare the clinical room, materials needed, application techniques, treatment planning (including detoxification protocols), safe leech removal and disposal, wound care, correct bandaging, post-treatment monitoring, management of bleeding and possible side effects. Study this leech therapy course to understand the most effective treatment frequency, the right amount of leeches to use, infection-control procedures and keeping paperwork.

The programme is further enriched by interdisciplinary bonus lectures in herbal medicine, therapeutic nutrition (green medicinal cocktails), and medicinal mushroom extracts. 

Like theory lessons the practical session is typically also presented online via live Google Meet session where you can see everything step by step as clearly as if you were in the room. Yet practice can also be arranged in person on request at our London clinic.

Overall, the Professional Diploma in Leech Therapy training programme offers a rigorous and clinically grounded in leech therapy education, equipping participants with the scientific knowledge, practical competence, and integrative perspective required for safe and beneficial treatment. 

Professional Diploma in Leech Therapy training course

Start any month, dates are flexible and chosen to suit students' needs. Instalments available!

DAY 1

THEORY

(all students)

Introduction to Medicinal Leech Therapy

1. History from ancient times to modern day.

2. Use of leeches in NHS, England.

3. Brief leech anatomy and interesting facts.

4. Biochemistry of leech saliva.

5. Multiple benefits of leech therapy.

6. Cardio-vascular issues – how leeches can help.

7. Inflammation  – how leeches can help.

8. Indications for leech therapy.

9. Contra-indications for leech therapy.

10. Some scientific discoveries.

11. How to look after leeches at home.

DAY 2

THEORY

(all students)

Practical aspects of Leech Therapy treatment

1. Preparing place and the patient for leech therapy.

2. List of materials needed and where to buy them.

3. Various methods of leech application.

4. The main (central) points of treatment.                                 

5. Full Body Detox course step by step.

6. How to remove leeches.

7. How to apply bandages correctly.

8. How to care for the bite area afterwards. Bleeding times.

9. How often to have treatments and how many leeches to put.  

10. Possible side effects and how to minimise them.

11. Safe disposal of leeches following infection control standards.

DAY 3

ADAVANCED THEORY

(for Professional Diploma students only)

Advanced Treatment protocols

Specific leech applications for multiple health conditions:

Allergies

Cardiovascular disorders: Stroke & heart conditions / Vein thrombosis & varicose veins; Poor blood circulation. Atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, haemorrhoids, etc.

Headaches / Migraines / High Blood Pressure / Hypertension

Stress / Anxiety. / Insomnia / Depression / Agitation / Panic attacks / Neurology disorders.

Joint problems: rheumatism, arthritis.  

Skin diseases: eczema, psoriasis, etc. 

Gynaecology / Urology (incl painful periods, difficult menopause, cycts, fibroids, pains, cramps, etc).  

Infertility, fertility & healthy baby conception.

First aid/ Injuries / accident help

Eyes / Ears / nose / Endocrinology

Dental, Diabetes  and more.

2) Documents for working in the UK
Discussion on how to organise your new practice and register with professional bodies in the UK and get insurance.
Where to buy leeches – bio-farms contact details.

DAY 4

ADAVANCED THEORY

(for Professional Diploma students only)

Paediatrics

Paediatrics (treating babies and children) with multiple  case studies
Beauty protocol

Bonus Lecture 1: Herbal medicine

Bonus Lecture 2: Green cocktails

Bonus Lecture 3: Medicinal Mushrooms

Herbal Medicine
Learn herbs that increase the effectiveness of leech therapy and help reduce side effects.

Green Cocktail
Learn the secret to make the healthiest green cocktail, which has shown top positive medicinal effect on human health.

Medicinal Mushrooms
Learn 11 of the most scientifically researched and used medicinal mushrooms and how to use them. Their exceptional effects on immune system and anti-cancer properties. 

DAY 5

PRACTICE

(for Professional Diploma students only)

PRACTICE

You will observe the full live leech therapy session which is normally done online where you can see everything as clearly as if you were in the treatment room. Occasionally this can be arranged in person too in our clinic in London.

Q&A – discussion of any questions you might have

DAY 6

TEST

EXAM

The exam (optional) can be taken few weeks after the course. Can be arranged if student desires.

Theory – 30 min – 1 hour online video discussion to see that student understands all relevant practical and safety requirements with regards to carrying out the MLT Treatment.

Practical – student can demonstrate online via Google Meet the practical leech application session on himself or another person.

leech therapy study programme

What our students say

We have received exceptionally positive feedback for our programme, please see reviews below.

Dr Oksana Chichur, Medical Doctor
Scotland
"I am Laboratory Doctor and also have a degree in Pharmacology. I knew about Leech-therapy for a long time since medical school. I really enjoyed the programme; the course is very interesting and full of useful information. I recommend it to people with medical as well as non-medical background. You will not be disappointed and will learn a lot not just about Leech therapy but many other interesting things."
Dr Daniel Silverstein, Medical Doctor
USA
I am a GP from New Jersey, USA and currently doing Yuliya Kostenko's medical leech therapy course. She is an excellent teacher in both hirudotherapy and general holistic practice including herbal and fungotherapy. The course has changed my entire view of medicine and has been an eye opener for me. I highly recommend it for anyone taking care of patients who wants to go deeper in their assessment and treatment.”
Nesrin Serdaroglu, Therapist
New Zealand
“I honestly cannot rate this course high enough! The classes have literally been amazing. With the knowledge and personal attributes Yuliya beholds, you will not find better a better teacher. All my questions answered with so much time, effort and care. She is professional, thorough and determined to help you become a good practitioner. Very pleased with the course, got much more than expected. Thank you so much Yuliya!!”
Javad Darehshiri, Naturopath
Montreal, Canada
“I am a Naturopath living and working in Montreal, Canada. I took Leech therapy course which I greatly enjoyed. Yuliya has put together a wonderful and very well-structured programme. She is incredibly inspiring teacher and I learned a lot. I can highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to improve personal health or take their career in complementary medicine to a new level.”
Jessica Cavallina, Holistic therapist
Ibiza, Spain
Just finished my Leech Training Course and I couldn’t have asked for better!!! The program is absolutely clear, full of notions (as it should be) and Yuliya adds a lot of details that make it more and more interesting. Her competences and passion create a great mix for who really wants to jump into a professional leech course.

Highly recommended!!!!”
Diana Masjukevica - Leech Harmony
Exeter, UK
The course was by far one of the best trainings I have invested in for my business. As a new therapist, I knew I had to study with someone who was at the top of the industry. The amount of experience Yuliya has is clearly reflected in her knowledge and skills. Her style of teaching is so much needed in the leech’ therapy world, because she wants to see therapists succeed. I highly recommend taking her course!
Josephine Garmon, TCM practitioner
London, UK
This course is a hidden germ. The Professional Diploma covers a range of topics and I learned a lot. After completion I was able to perform my own treatments without having to pay again £250 for a single session in West London! Much pleased with the quality and clarity of the training materials. This is an amazing therapy that can help with more health issues that I could have imagined! Huge thank you for the course!!
Alicja Golicz, Nurse
Manchester UK
Professional Diploma course is definitely highly recommended. Yuliya is very experienced and knowledgeable tutor. I do feel all aspects of Leech Therapy training were well covered. She is also friendly and approachable all the way during your new Leech adventure. Thank you for this unique and inspiring training. I now successfully practice Leech Therapy in Manchester.
Ilona Sirveliene
London, UK
Initially I was Yuliya’s private patient. While official medicine failed me, Yuliya’s treatments and wise advice got me out of dangerous health situation so I decided to train with her. The Leech therapy course has been super interesting and was probably the most useful programme I have ever attended. Never imagined that leech therapy could help with so many issues. Thank you for a great information. It was worth every minute spent.
Marina Kovalska, Nutritionist
Preston, UK
I am delighted to have completed the Leech therapy course. Yuliya was very focused and dedicated to ensure that I received the best possible learning experience. I had support even after completing the course which was very reassuring.  Today I work as a Leech Therapist in Preston. I highly recommend attending the course to gain fundamental knowledge in Leech Therapy.  Anyone attending this course will greatly benefit from it.
Estera Franczewska
London, UK
Brilliant course! so happy I found it. Yuliya has lead the training professionally and made sure that students understood what was being covered. Very nice atmosphere as well as in-depth tuition. She genuinely cares a great deal for her patients and is very passionate about the subject. Would recommend to anyone who is looking for a leech therapy teacher 💯 Don’t hesitate to take this programme, such knowledge is guaranteed to pay off over and over !
Amanda, Natural Therapies specialist
London, UK
Yuliya is an amazing teacher with incredible knowledge! Patient and supportive during and after the course. To enhance Leech therapy treatments, she added information on Herbal medicine and medicinal mushrooms. One of the key discoveries was to learn that LT is a safe and effective tool protecting us against post-Covid blood clotting! I felt that I had the knowledge and skills to practice competently and with confidence. Many Thanks!! 🙏🏻