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Bloodletting Therapy: “Releasing” Various Diseases!

Definition of Bloodletting Therapy

Bloodletting therapy is a unique acupuncture treatment method in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is one of the most commonly used treatment methods since the era of the “Huangdi Neijing” (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), which even considers bloodletting as the first choice for treating diseases and alleviating suffering.

Depending on the patient’s specific condition, a san leng zhen (three-edged needle) or a thick, sharp needle is used to puncture specific acupuncture points or superficial blood vessels on the patient to release a certain amount of blood, achieving therapeutic effects.

Effects of Bloodletting Therapy1Antipyretic Effect

In TCM, fever is primarily categorized into two types: Yang excess heat and Yin deficiency heat. The antipyretic effect of bloodletting is applicable to the former.

Since excess Yang energy leads to an abundance of blood, bloodletting can reduce this excess, thereby diminishing the evil heat in the blood vessels and normalizing the body’s Qi and blood.

2Analgesic Effect

TCM states that “where there is flow, there is no pain; where there is pain, there is no flow.” This means that diseases with pain symptoms must have blockages in their meridians.

Bloodletting can directly expel the stagnant pathogenic factors from the meridians, alleviating the blockage, thus restoring smooth flow and immediately relieving pain.

Many acute conditions, such as headaches and muscle pain, have shown rapid improvement with bloodletting therapy.3Detoxifying Effect

The detoxifying effect in TCM refers to the body’s inability to resist toxic evils due to pathological conditions, leading to symptoms such as “red thread sores” caused by excessive fire toxins.

Bloodletting not only helps expel the invading toxins from the body but also plays a crucial role in “regulating blood and Qi,” restoring normal bodily functions to inhibit the spread and regeneration of pathogenic factors.4Heat-Reducing Effect

TCM believes that internal heat disturbances can lead to various diseases, often manifesting as irritability, swelling and pain in the limbs, and even fever and confusion.

Bloodletting can directly expel the heat evils along with the blood, making it suitable for various heat syndromes.

5Anti-Edema Effect

Swelling and pain are often caused by Qi stagnation and blood stasis, leading to obstruction in the meridians.

Bloodletting can directly eliminate the stagnant Qi and pathogenic factors in the local meridians, promoting unobstructed flow and achieving the goal of reducing swelling.

6Anti-Itch Effect

Itching is a manifestation of wind evils present in the blood vessels, hence the treatment principle of “treating wind by first treating blood; when blood flows, wind is eliminated.”

Bloodletting regulates blood and Qi, ensuring smooth blood flow and eliminating wind evils, thus achieving the effect of relieving itching.7Relief of Numbness

Qi deficiency can prevent blood from reaching the extremities, or blood deficiency can fail to nourish, often resulting in numbness.

Using a fine needle to puncture the acupuncture points on the affected limbs to release a small amount of blood is guided by the theory of promoting blood flow to Qi, yielding good results.

8Anti-Nausea Effect

Acute vomiting is often due to excessive heat or rebellious liver Qi invading the stomach or food stagnation. Bloodletting can reduce heat and calm rebellious liver Qi, while also facilitating the downward movement of food stagnation in the stomach, thus alleviating nausea and vomiting.

Methods of Bloodletting Therapy01Segmental Bloodletting Method

This method selects acupuncture points for bloodletting based on the location of the disease. For conditions affecting the head, puncture the taiyang (temple) point; for conditions above the navel, puncture the chize (Cubital Valley) or quze (Curved Valley) points; for conditions below the navel, puncture the weizhong (Middle of the Knee) point. These points are located near superficial major veins and are suitable for puncturing; the “Lingshu: Nine Needles” states that the Taiyin, Jueyin, and Taiyang meridians are all blood-rich meridians. For those with abundant blood, bloodletting is advisable, and the temple point is an extraordinary point for treating head and facial diseases effectively, while chize and weizhong are connecting points that primarily address internal organ disorders, hence their frequent use.

In clinical practice, it is often necessary to combine other points for puncturing. This method is mainly used for deeper diseases or internal organ disorders, where there are both local primary symptoms and accompanying systemic symptoms.

For example, for headaches with red, swollen eyes accompanied by fever, puncture the temple point for bloodletting and also puncture the hegu (Union Valley) point; for headaches and sore throat with fever, puncture the temple point for bloodletting and also puncture the shaoshang (Lesser Shang) and quchi (Curved Pool) points; for red, swollen, painful breasts with fever, puncture the chize point for bloodletting and apply local heat; for upper abdominal pain and vomiting with fever, puncture the chize point for bloodletting and also puncture the zhongwan (Middle of the Stomach) and liangqiu (Beam Mound) points; for lower right abdominal pain with constipation and fever, puncture the weizhong point for bloodletting and also puncture the zusanli (Three Mile) and tianshu (Heavenly Pivot) points; for lower abdominal pain with pus and blood in the stool accompanied by fever, puncture the weizhong point for bloodletting and also puncture the quchi and tianshu points.

02Meridian Bloodletting Method

This method is guided by the theory of “where the meridian passes, the treatment applies” to perform bloodletting along a specific meridian or several meridians affected by disease. In clinical practice, the disease is categorized according to the meridian, and bloodletting is performed along the surface meridians, following the pathways of the meridians and collaterals.

This method is not limited to acupuncture points or painful areas but can also involve puncturing superficial veins along the affected meridian, emphasizing “better to lose the point than the meridian.”

For example: for acute low back pain on both sides of the spine, which belongs to the foot Taiyang meridian, puncture the weizhong point for bloodletting and also puncture the most painful area of the lower back; for pain along the spine, puncture the renzhong (Human Center) point for bloodletting and also puncture the qihai (Sea of Qi) and taichong (Great Rushing) points; for wind-heat affecting the throat with difficulty breathing, puncture the shaoshang point for bloodletting and also puncture the tianzhu (Heavenly Pillar) point; for vertex headaches, dizziness, and eye swelling due to obstruction in the foot Jueyin meridian, puncture the baihui (Hundred Meetings) and taiyang points for bloodletting and also puncture the fengchi (Wind Pool) point.

03Pattern Differentiation Bloodletting Method

This method is guided by the theories of organ differentiation, Qi and blood differentiation, and meridian differentiation to select acupuncture points and perform bloodletting.

For example: for women with dysmenorrhea and cold pain in the lower abdomen, where abdominal pain precedes menstruation, this indicates Qi stagnation and blood stasis, with obstruction in the foot three Yin meridians. Puncture the sanyinjiao (Three Yin Intersection) point for bloodletting, which benefits the liver and kidneys and regulates the menstrual cycle, similar to the effects of the Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction), and also puncture the qihai point to regulate Qi, and moxibustion on the guanyuan (Gate of Origin) point to warm the uterus, achieving the effects of regulating Qi and nourishing blood.

For skin itching and redness, indicating heat in the blood, puncture the sanyinjiao and xuehai (Blood Sea) points for bloodletting to regulate blood, clear heat, and regulate menstruation, supplemented by puncturing the quchi point to disperse wind and nourish the blood, and puncturing the shaofu (Lesser Palace) point to clear the heart and eliminate heat.

For acute ankle sprains, indicating local meridian Qi obstruction and blood stasis, puncture the ashi (Ah Shi) point and taichong point for bloodletting to promote Qi and invigorate blood.

For carbuncles and boils, based on the principle that “all pain and itching sores belong to the heart,” puncture the quze point for bloodletting to drain heat from the heart. If accompanied by fever, also puncture the dazhui (Great Vertebra) and quchi points. If the sores appear on the neck and back, also puncture the weizhong point for bloodletting to clear heat from the Taiyang meridian; if they appear on the ribs, also puncture the yanglingquan (Yang Mound Spring) point to clear heat from the Shaoyang meridian; if they appear on the limbs, puncture along the meridian or the ashi point for bloodletting to drain meridian heat and detoxify.

04Local Bloodletting Method

This method involves performing bloodletting at the site of the disease, either at acupuncture points or in localized areas, and is generally suitable for superficial and localized conditions.

For example: for swollen and stiff tongue, puncture the jinjing (Golden Liquid) and yuye (Jade Liquid) points for bloodletting; for toothache and gum swelling, perform bloodletting at the affected area and puncture the hegu point; for psoriasis with itching and scaling, use plum blossom needles to prick the local area for bloodletting, combined with cupping; for late-stage filariasis causing “rubber leg,” puncture the affected leg on all sides for bloodletting and also puncture the zusanli and sanyinjiao points; for joint sprains and swelling, perform bloodletting at the painful points.

05Emergency Bloodletting Method

This method is specifically used for emergencies and critical conditions, and the selected points have four main characteristics:

① Located at the extremities, or puncture the twelve jing points;

② Located at superficial major veins;

③ Use extraordinary points outside the meridians;

④ Select points on the governing vessel and pericardium meridians.

This method provides strong stimulation, rapid effects, and can open meridians, expel heat, and awaken consciousness.

For example, for syncope with inability to speak, puncture the shixuan (Ten Diffusions) points for bloodletting and also puncture the renzhong point; for stroke with locked jaw, puncture the taiyang, quze, and weizhong points for bloodletting, or puncture the twelve jing points and also puncture the yongquan (Bubbling Spring) and laogong (Palace of Labor) points; for snake bites on the upper limb, puncture the quze and baxie (Eight Evils) points for bloodletting; for snake bites on the lower limb, puncture the sanyinjiao and bafeng (Eight Winds) points for bloodletting.

For heatstroke, puncture the quze and shixuan points for bloodletting and also puncture the yongquan point.

Corresponding Acupuncture Points for Different Symptoms1Intracerebral Hemorrhage (Stroke)

For any bleeding, there is often unconsciousness, so puncture the yintang (Hall of Impression), taiyang, taichong, and shizhi (Ten Fingers) points to release 1-5 drops of blood, which can promote early awakening and reduce the severity of hemiplegia. Remember: if a patient is unconscious for more than 24 hours, the rate of hemiplegia is over 90%. If it exceeds 72 hours, there is a 100% chance of hemiplegic sequelae. Therefore, promoting early awakening is a priceless secret; once the patient awakens, puncture the dazhui, quchi, weizhong points for bloodletting to give the patient hope for recovery.

2Bone Nerve Pain

If it belongs to gallbladder meridian pain (outer thigh and calf pain), carefully examine the yanglingquan and fenglong points for any obstructed blood vessels; if present, bloodletting often leads to recovery.

3Long-lasting Sores and Boils

Puncture the xin (Heart) point after bloodletting.

4Initial Stage of Conjunctivitis or Stye

Puncture the taiyang point to release 7-9 drops of blood, and also puncture the tips of the second toes to release 3-5 drops of blood; this can lead to recovery by the next day.

5Rheumatism

Puncture 3 inches beside the third, fourth, and fifth thoracic vertebrae for bloodletting, which often yields significant results; many severe cases can be cured in 1-2 sessions.

6Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers

Puncture the blue veins from the neiting (Inner Courtyard) to the jiexi (Stream of the River) points, and also puncture near the outer ankle for bloodletting. For gastric ulcers, look for blood vessels within 0.5 inches above and 2.5 inches below the tiao (Belly) point.

7Chronic Nephritis

(1) Puncture the ruyu (Kidney Shu) point for bloodletting; if yellow fluid is present, the patient will recover once the fluid is gone.

(2) Puncture around the kidneys.

(3) Puncture around the navel (do not puncture the center of the navel).

8Hepatitis Bloodletting

Puncture the yangjiao, zusanli, quze, yanglingquan, and sanyinjiao points.

9Cirrhosis with Ascites

Use the acupuncture points for hepatitis and add: shenyu (Kidney Shu), yaoshu (Lumbar Shu), and tiao (Belly) points (0.5 inches above and 0.5 inches outside), and also puncture the gan (Liver) point.

10Effective Points for Hemorrhoids

(1) Puncture the chaojiao (Mouth of the Mouth) point, finding the white grain point inside the mouth; 1-3 sessions can lead to recovery.

(2) For red, swollen, and ulcerated anal areas, puncture the weizhong point, which will reduce pain.

11Insomnia

(1) Puncture the shenmen (Spirit Gate), xingjian (Walking Between), and zusanli points.

(2) Puncture the dazhui, shenda (Spirit Path), and zhongwan points, followed by cupping.

12Cervical Spondylosis

Puncture the tender points, tianzong (Heavenly Gathering), jianzheng (Shoulder Correct), and chize points.

13Chest Internal Injuries

Puncture the dazhui, jianjing (Shoulder Well), and then the injured area.

14Shoulder Periarthritis

Puncture the shenkang (Kidney Gate) point (1.5 inches below yanglingquan) and the chize point; often effective after one session.

15Acute and Chronic Throat Diseases

Puncture the dazhui, ear tip, ear back vein, shaoshang, quchi, and taiyang points; bloodletting will reduce pain.

16Impotence

(1) Puncture the shenyu, fuliu (Returning Current) points for bloodletting, and also puncture the guanyuan and bladder shu points, followed by cupping for 15 minutes.

(2) Puncture the sanyinjiao, mingmen (Gate of Life), and perform cupping on the xuehai point.

17Hypertension

Puncture the taiyang, dazhui, ear tip, ear back vein, and quchi points; bloodletting will lower blood pressure immediately. Note: do not drink water within one hour after bloodletting, or the effect will be diminished.

18Asthma

Puncture the dazhui, feishu (Lung Shu), fengmen (Wind Gate), gaomang, and lieque (Broken Sequence) points for bloodletting. Cupping on the zhongfu and dazhui points for 15 minutes.

19Hyperlipidemia

Puncture the dazhui, taiyang, yaoshu, weizhong, and quchi points.

20Rheumatic Heart Disease

Puncture the yangjiao, chize, and taiyang points.

21Otitis Media

Puncture the outer ankle joint for bloodletting.

22Epilepsy

(1) Puncture the taiyang, quze, weizhong, and yangjiao points.

(2) Puncture the shaoshang and renzhong points for bloodletting. Cupping on the gan (Liver) and dazhui points for 15 minutes.

(3) Locate the painful area at the lower part of the back of the neck and the neiguan (Inner Pass) point, and use plum blossom needles to prick for bloodletting.

23Mental Illness

Puncture the taiyang, quze, weizhong, shuchong, yangjiao, fenglong, and xinyu (Heart Shu) points; bloodletting followed by cupping.

For diseases that have not responded to any treatment, bloodletting at the ankles, elbows, wrists, and knees to find obstructed blood vessels can yield unexpected results.

Note: Bloodletting should generally not be performed at night; it is best done in the late morning or noon. This method is not suitable for individuals with weak constitutions, pregnant women, or those with coagulation disorders. It is particularly emphasized that the technique should be steady, precise, and gentle, avoiding excessive force, and the amount of bloodletting should not be too much.