How did ancients Egyptians use leaches for medical purpose?

Ancient Egyptians utilized leeches in medical practices primarily for bloodletting, which they believed could cure various ailments by balancing bodily humors. They applied leeches to wounds or specific points on the body to draw out "bad blood" and alleviate conditions like fever and inflammation. This practice was documented in medical texts such as the Ebers Papyrus, highlighting their understanding of the therapeutic benefits of leeches in ancient medicine.