Definition of Bloodletting
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 Nei Jing, which even considers bloodletting as the first choice for treating diseases and alleviating suffering.
According to the patient’s different diseases, a three-edged needle or a thick and sharp needle is used to puncture specific acupuncture points or superficial blood vessels on the patient to release an appropriate amount of blood, achieving the therapeutic purpose.
Effects of Bloodletting1Antipyretic Effect
In TCM, fever is mainly classified into two types: Yang excess heat and Yin deficiency heat. The antipyretic effect of bloodletting is applicable to the former.
Since Yang Qi is abundant, blood must also be abundant; bloodletting can reduce the excess blood, thereby decreasing the evil heat in the blood vessels and normalizing the body’s Qi and blood.
2Analgesic Effect
TCM believes 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 therapy can directly expel the stagnant evil from the meridians, adjusting the blocked situation, allowing the meridians to flow freely, and pain can be immediately alleviated.
In clinical practice, many acute diseases, such as acute gastroenteritis and others, have shown rapid and effective results with bloodletting therapy.
3Detoxifying Effect
The detoxifying effect in TCM refers to the symptoms that arise when the body cannot resist toxic evils due to pathological conditions, such as “red thread carbuncles” caused by excessive toxic fire, and other conditions caused by toxic evils.
Bloodletting can not only expel the invading toxic evils with the blood but, more importantly, through the effect of “regulating blood and Qi,” restore normal body functions to inhibit the expansion and regeneration of the evil.
4Clearing Heat Effect
TCM believes that internal heat disturbance can lead to various diseases, often manifested as irritability, limb pain and swelling, irritability, and even fever, confusion, and other symptoms.
Bloodletting therapy can directly expel the heat evil with the blood, applicable to various heat syndromes.
5Reducing Swelling Effect
Swelling and pain are often caused by Qi stagnation and blood stasis, leading to obstruction in the meridians.
Bloodletting can directly expel the stagnant Qi and evil from the local meridians, promoting unobstructed meridian flow, thus achieving the purpose of reducing swelling.
6Anti-Itch Effect
Itching is a manifestation of wind evil existing in the blood vessels; thus, there is a treatment principle of “treating wind by first treating blood, as blood flow will eliminate wind.”
Bloodletting regulates blood and Qi, allowing blood vessels to flow smoothly, thereby eliminating wind evil and achieving the effect of relieving itching.
7Relieving Numbness Effect
Qi deficiency cannot lead blood to the extremities, or blood deficiency fails to nourish, often resulting in numbness symptoms.
Using fine needles to puncture the acupuncture points on the affected limbs to release a small amount of blood for treating numbness is guided by the theory of blood moving Qi, showing good results.
8Anti-Nausea Effect
Acute vomiting often belongs to excessive heat or liver Qi counterflow invading the stomach or food stagnation. Bloodletting can drain heat and pacify liver counterflow, and also has the effect of guiding intestinal and gastric stagnation downward, thus calming nausea and stopping vomiting.
Methods of Bloodletting01Segmental Bloodletting Method
This method selects acupuncture points for bloodletting based on the location of the disease. For diseases occurring in the head, puncture the Taiyang (Sun) point; for diseases above the navel, puncture the Chize (Cubital) or Quxi (Curved Marsh) points; for diseases below the navel, puncture the Weizhong (Middle of the Knee) point. These points are located at superficial large veins and are suitable for puncturing; the Ling Shu states that the Taiyin, Jueyin, and Taiyang meridians are all blood-rich meridians. For those with abundant blood, bloodletting is advisable; the Taiyang point is an extraordinary point outside the meridians, effective for treating head and facial diseases, while Chize and Weizhong are connecting points, mainly indicating visceral diseases, hence their use by Zhou.
In clinical practice, it is often necessary to combine other points for puncturing. This method is mainly used for deeper diseases or visceral diseases, where there are both local main symptoms and accompanying systemic symptoms.
For example, for headaches with red and swollen eyes accompanied by fever, puncture the Taiyang point for bloodletting and puncture the Hegu (Joining Valley) point; for headaches and sore throat with fever, puncture the Taiyang point for bloodletting and puncture the Shaoshang (Lesser Shang) and Quchi (Pool at the Bend) points; for red, swollen, and painful breasts with fever, puncture the Chize point for bloodletting, combined with local hot compresses; for upper abdominal pain and vomiting with fever, puncture the Chize point for bloodletting and puncture the Zhongwan (Middle of the Stomach) and Liangqiu (Beam Mound) points; for right lower abdominal pain with constipation and fever, puncture the Weizhong point for bloodletting and puncture the Zusanli (Three Mile) and Tianshu (Heavenly Pivot) points; for lower abdominal pain with purulent blood stools and fever, puncture the Weizhong point for bloodletting and puncture the Quchi and Tianshu points, etc.
02Meridian Following Bloodletting Method
This method is guided by the theory of “where the meridian passes, the treatment is applied” 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 rules of meridian pathways and collateral channels.
This method is not limited to acupuncture points or painful areas; it can also involve puncturing superficial veins along the path of the affected meridian, “better to lose the point than to lose the meridian” refers to this.
For example: for acute low back pain occurring on both sides of the spine, it belongs to the obstruction of the foot Taiyang meridian, puncture the Weizhong point for bloodletting and puncture the most painful area of the lower back; for pain along the spine, the Du meridian is obstructed, puncture the Yinjiao (Human’s Center) point for bloodletting and puncture the Qihai (Sea of Qi) and Taichong (Great Rushing) points; for wind-heat mastitis, sore throat, and difficulty breathing, the hand Taiyin meridian is obstructed, puncture the Shaoshang point for bloodletting and puncture the Tianzhu (Heavenly Pillar) point; for vertex headache, dizziness, and eye swelling, the foot Jueyin meridian is obstructed, puncture the Baihui (Hundred Meetings) and Taiyang points for bloodletting and puncture the Fengchi (Wind Pool) point, etc.
03Pattern Differentiation Bloodletting Method
This method is guided by the theories of organ differentiation, Qi and blood fluid differentiation, and meridian differentiation to select acupuncture points and combine bloodletting.
For example: for women with dysmenorrhea, cold pain in the lower abdomen, with pain occurring before menstruation, it is due to 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 kidney and regulates the menstrual cycle, similar to the effect of Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction), puncture the Qihai point to regulate Qi, and moxibustion on the Guanyuan (Gate of Origin) point to warm the uterus, achieving the effect of regulating Qi and blood;
for skin itching and redness, belonging to heat in the blood, puncture the Sanyinjiao and Xuehai (Blood Sea) points for bloodletting to regulate blood, clear heat, and regulate menstruation, combined with puncturing the Quchi point to dispel wind and nourish the blood, puncture the Shaofu (Lesser Palace) point to clear the heart and dispel heat;
for acute ankle sprains, due to 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, according to the saying “all pain and itching belong to the heart,” puncture the Quxi point for bloodletting to drain heart fire heat, if accompanied by fever, combine with puncturing the Dazhui (Great Vertebra) and Quchi points. If the sore appears on the neck and back, combine with puncturing the Weizhong point for bloodletting to clear the heat of the Taiyang meridian; if it appears in the ribs, combine with puncturing the Yanglingquan (Yang Mound Spring) point for bloodletting to clear the heat of the Shaoyang meridian; if it appears in the limbs, puncture along the meridian or the Ashi point for bloodletting to drain the meridian heat and detoxify.
04Local Bloodletting Method
This method applies bloodletting at the local site of the disease, either at acupuncture points or in localized areas, suitable for diseases that are limited and superficial.
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, puncture the Hegu point; for psoriasis, itching and flaking, use plum blossom needles to prick the local area for bloodletting, combined with cupping; for late-stage filariasis presenting “rubber leg,” puncture the affected leg in various directions for bloodletting, puncture the Zusanli and Sanyinjiao points; for joint sprains and swelling, puncture the painful points for bloodletting, etc.
05Emergency Bloodletting Method
This method is specifically used for emergencies in critical conditions, with four main characteristics:
① At the extremities, or puncturing the twelve Jing points;
② At superficial large veins;
③ Puncturing extraordinary points outside the meridians;
④ Selecting the transport points of the Du meridian and the Pericardium meridian.
This method provides strong stimulation, rapid effects, and has the functions of unblocking meridians, expelling heat, and awakening consciousness.
For example, for syncope, puncture the Shixuan (Ten Diffusions) points for bloodletting and puncture the Renzhong (Human Center) point.
For stroke with closed syndrome, where the mouth cannot open, puncture the Taiyang, Quchan, and Weizhong points for bloodletting, or puncture the twelve Jing points, puncture the Yongquan (Yuan Spring) and Laogong (Palace of Labor) points.
For snake bites, if on the upper limb, puncture the Quchan and Bayejia points for bloodletting; if on the lower limb, puncture the Sanyinjiao and Bayefeng points for bloodletting.
For heat stroke, puncture the Quchan and Shixuan points for bloodletting, puncture the Yongquan point, etc.
Corresponding Acupuncture Points for Different Symptoms1Intracerebral Hemorrhage (Stroke)
For any bleeding, there must be coma; puncture the Yintang (Hall of Impression), Taiyang, Taichong, and Shizhi (Ten Fingers) points for bloodletting 1-5 drops, which can promote early awakening and reduce the degree of hemiplegia. Remember: if a patient is in a coma 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. It is extremely difficult to treat. Therefore, promoting early awakening of the patient is a priceless secret; once the patient awakens, puncture the Dazhui, Quchi, and Weizhong points for bloodletting, and the patient has a chance of recovery.
2Bone Nerve Pain
If it belongs to gallbladder meridian pain (outer thigh pain), carefully check the Yanglingquan and Fenglong points for any visible blood vessels; if present, bloodletting often leads to recovery.
3Long Carbuncles and Boils
Puncture the heart point after bloodletting.
4Initial Stage of Conjunctivitis, Stye Not Yet Pus
Puncture the Taiyang point for bloodletting, squeeze 7-9 drops of blood, and squeeze 3-5 drops of blood from the tip of the middle toe; if bloodletting is done today, recovery can be expected tomorrow.
5Rheumatism
Puncture 3 inches beside the third, fourth, and fifth thoracic vertebrae for bloodletting, and significant effects can be seen; many severe cases can be cured in 1-2 sessions.
6Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers
Puncture the blue veins from the foot’s Neiting to the Jiexi points, and 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 Jiaokou point.
7Chronic Nephritis
(1) Puncture the Ruyou point for bloodletting; if yellow fluid is present, the patient will recover once the yellow fluid is gone.
(2) Around the kidneys.
(3) Puncture around the navel (do not puncture the center of the navel).
8Hepatitis Bloodletting
Puncture the Yangjiao, Zusanli, Quchan, Yanglingquan, and Sanyinjiao points.
9Cirrhosis with Ascites
Use the acupuncture points for hepatitis plus: Shenxu, Yaoyang, Jiaokou (0.5 inches above and 0.5 inches outside), and Ganyu.
10Effective Points for Hemorrhoids
(1) Puncture the Chuanjiao point (inside the mouth) to find the white grain point; 1-3 sessions can lead to recovery.
(2) For red, swollen, and ulcerated anal areas, puncture the Weizhong point, and the pain will immediately reduce.
11Insomnia
(1) Puncture the Shenmen, Xingjian, and Zusanli points.
(2) Puncture the Dazhui, Shenda, and Zhongwan points, followed by cupping.
12Cervical Spondylosis
Puncture the tender points, Tianzong, Jianzhen, and Chize points.
13Chest Internal Injury
Puncture the Dazhui, Jianjing, and then the injured area.
14Shoulder Periarthritis
Puncture the Shenqiao point (1.5 inches below Yanglingquan) and the Chize point; one session can show effects.
15Acute and Chronic Throat Diseases
Puncture the Dazhui, Erjian, Yemian, Shaoshang, Quchi, and Taiyang points; bloodletting will reduce pain.
16Impotence
(1) Puncture the Shenxu, Fuliu points for bloodletting, and puncture the Guanyuan and Shenxu points for cupping for 15 minutes.
(2) Puncture the Sanyinjiao, Mingmen, and perform cupping on the Shenxu and Xuehai points.
17Hypertension
Puncture the Taiyang, Dazhui, Erjian, and Quchi points; blood pressure will drop immediately after bloodletting. Note: do not drink water within one hour after bloodletting, otherwise, the effect will be poor.
18Asthma
Puncture the Dazhui, Pulmonary Shu, Fengmen, Gao Mang, and Liexue points for bloodletting. Cupping on the Zhongfu and Dazhui points for 15 minutes.
19Hyperlipidemia
Puncture the Dazhui, Taiyang, Yaoyang, 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, Quchan, Weizhong, and Yangjiao points.
(2) Puncture the Shaoshang and Renzhong points for bloodletting. Cupping on the Shenxu and Dazhui points for 15 minutes.
(3) Find the painful points at the lower part of the back of the neck and the Neiguan point, and use plum blossom needles to prick for bloodletting.
23Mental Illness
Puncture the Taiyang, Quchan, Weizhong, Shuchong, Yangjiao, Fenglong, and Xinshu points; bloodletting followed by cupping.
For diseases that have not healed after prolonged treatment, when no method is effective, one should puncture the blood vessels at the ankles, elbows, wrists, and knees to achieve unexpected effects.
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 poor coagulation mechanisms. It is especially emphasized that the technique should be steady, precise, and gentle, rather than too forceful, and bloodletting should not be excessive.
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