New York/Stuttgart - Thieme Publishers is pleased to announce the release of "Medicinal Leech Therapy." Written by Andreas Michalsen, M.D., Manfred Roth, Ph.D., and Gustav J. Dobos, M.D., the book introduces the basic principles of leech usage in clinical practice while clearly addressing the ever-growing interest in natural health medicine.

Documented accounts of the use of the leech for medical purposes date back to about 400 BC during the time of Hippocrates. Currently, therapy utilizing leeches medicinally is undergoing a renaissance. Michaelsen, Roth, and Dobos write that the animals "...are classified as a medicinal product in Europe and as a medical device by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration." Leech therapy is used to address venous and rheumatic diseases. The book also includes case studies of the use of the animal in plastic surgery.

The meticulously researched book presents solid scientific evidence to negate general misconceptions regarding the animals. The chapter covering the indications for this particular therapy, including use for treatment for varicose veins, will convert the skeptics.

A study on leeching written by the authors was published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" and was featured in an issue of "The New Yorker." Their pioneering articles on medicinal leech and its therapeutic potentials continue to introduce a wider audience to this ancient form of treatment.

About Thieme
Thieme Publishers is part of the privately held Thieme Publishing Group. Thieme employs 900 people and maintains offices in seven cities, including New York, Beijing, Delhi, Stuttgart and three other locations in Germany. For 120 years, Thieme's high-quality books and journals have been a vital resource for students, physicians, researchers and academics. Thieme publishes 130 peer-reviewed journals and over 500 new books annually. All scientific and an increasing number of medical publications are also available online. Please visit www.thieme.com for additional information.

CONTACT:

Verena Diem, Associate Marketing Manager, Thieme Publishers New York, +1-212-584-4709, or Verena.Diem@thieme.com

Bettina Mack, Public Relations and Press Office, Thieme Publishing Group, +49-711-8931-488, or bettina.mack@thieme.de