Bloodletting Therapy (Cìluò Fàngxiě Liáofǎ) is a unique acupuncture treatment method in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is one of the most commonly used therapeutic techniques since the era of the “Huangdi Neijing” (Inner Canon of Huangdi), which even considers bloodletting as the first choice for treating diseases and alleviating suffering. Depending on the patient’s specific condition, a three-edged needle or a thick, sharp needle is used to puncture certain acupuncture points or superficial blood vessels on the patient, releasing a suitable amount of blood to achieve therapeutic effects.
Effects of Bloodletting Therapy: It has a beneficial bidirectional regulatory effect on the blood system.
Research shows that bloodletting therapy can promote metabolism, stimulate bone marrow hematopoiesis, accelerate metabolism, improve microcirculation and vascular function, facilitate the elimination of harmful substances from the blood, and ensure beneficial substances are timely replenished into the bloodstream, helping the body re-establish homeostasis and restore normal physiological functions. By improving microcirculation, it can also prevent excessive inflammatory responses and promote recovery from inflammation.
Understanding Your Health Status Through Blood Color Diagnosis —Which of the following do you belong to?
1. Dark black blood, resembling ink, indicates a long-standing illness, suggesting that blood stasis has been present for a long time, obstructing the vessels. 2. Blood mixed with water indicates rheumatic disease or liver disease. 3. Blood containing jelly-like mucus indicates damp-heat accumulation and long-standing stagnation. 4. Very light blood indicates inflammation or an early-stage illness. Purple-red blood indicates a new injury. 5. Blood resembling wash water indicates severe chronic dampness. 6. Clear watery fluid indicates edema. 7. Presence of blisters indicates heavy dampness. 8. Foamy liquid indicates wind evil. 9. A large amount of blood drawn indicates a long illness duration. 10. A small amount of blood drawn indicates a short illness duration or a deep-seated condition. 11. After cupping, if you feel a rush of heat when reaching into the cup, it indicates heavy damp-heat. 12. Slow bleeding, even after multiple punctures, suggests qi deficiency and blood deficiency. 13. Light bleeding that does not coagulate easily indicates blood deficiency. 14. Blood that settles easily and coagulates quickly indicates qi deficiency.
Finger Bloodletting, also known as Minor Bloodletting (Xiǎoluò Fàngxiě), is generally performed near the jing points or at various extremities of the body where small red or purple blood vessels resembling fine hair are found. This acupuncture method involves puncturing to release dark blood to treat diseases.
Clinical validation shows that Minor Bloodletting can resolve various difficult and complicated diseases. For example:
Case 1: Anxiety
Mr. Li, 33 years old, overweight, has been under immense work pressure for a long time, feeling anxious and restless, nearly on the verge of collapse. Upon observing the meridians, it was found that the area near the Zhongchong (中冲) point on the dorsal side of the middle finger showed stagnation, with small blue veins bulging and winding. After puncturing, a large amount of dark blood was released, and he felt refreshed, with his condition significantly improved. A disposable blood collection needle can be used instead of a three-edged needle.
Case 2: Nasal Ulceration
Mr. Ji, 36 years old, has a small ulcer in the right nostril that worsens every winter, persisting for many years, causing unbearable pain, and has not been cured despite various treatments. Attention was given to the “Huangdi Neijing”. Upon examination, small red blood vessels were found at the Hidden White (隐白) and Great Dun (大敦) points on the right big toe, and after puncturing, dozens of drops of dark blood were released. The ulcer receded the next day, and it has not recurred for two years.
Case 3: Oral Ulcers
Mr. Zhao, 50 years old, has a robust physique, is busy with work, and socializes frequently. He is prone to internal heat, prefers cold and fears heat, and suffers from recurrent oral ulcers and hoarseness every summer. Upon examination, small red blood vessels were found near the Jing point (井穴) of the big toe. After several punctures for bloodletting, significant improvement was achieved. He has not experienced noticeable internal heat ulcers in recent years. Additionally, after puncturing and bleeding at the back, his hoarseness also improved.
Case 4: Increased Vaginal Discharge
Ms. Gou has abnormal vaginal discharge that has not been cured despite various treatments. Upon examination, multiple prominent red blood vessels were found around the Li Dui (厉兑) point on the second toe. After a small amount of blood was released through puncturing, her symptoms improved, and after another release a week later, she was clinically cured.
Case 5: Sensitivity and Suspicion
Mr. Qian, 26 years old, suffers from nervous sensitivity and suspicion, often suspecting that others harbor ill intentions or are plotting against him. His eyes appear overly bright and exposed. Upon examination, a segment of a winding, bulging blood vessel, as thick as a noodle, was found near the upper segment of the ear. After puncturing, a large amount of stagnant blood was released. His eyes became calm, and his suspicion improved significantly.
As the saying goes, “When the disease comes, the point should be treated; when the disease goes, the point should be hidden.” After the disease is resolved, the corresponding stasis will gradually disappear. If the disease does not resolve, puncturing can be done every three days until recovery, with each puncture stopping when fresh blood is released, as excessive bleeding is not beneficial.
Precautions for Bloodletting:
1. Bloodletting Technique
1. After identifying the blood point, quickly puncture with wrist strength, aiming for 6-9 punctures in one second.
2. For dilated vessels, one puncture should yield blood, which will generally spurt out, so be prepared to avoid splashing dirty blood.
2. Reactions After Bloodletting
1. 80% of patients feel relaxed and comfortable after bloodletting, while 20% may experience increased pain. Those who feel increased pain tend to heal faster than those who feel immediate relief. Attention to Huangdi Neijing.
2. If there is no sensation after 5-10 bloodletting sessions, further puncturing is not advisable.
3. Timing of Bloodletting
1. For inflammation and acute pain patients, bloodletting can be done once a day, and after symptoms are alleviated, once every 3-5 days.
2. For chronic patients, once every other day, and after seeing results, once every 5-7 days. Bloodletting can be performed after cupping for 15-20 minutes.
4. Contraindications for Bloodletting
1. Patients with significant bleeding or those prone to subcutaneous bleeding.
2. Severe heart disease.
3. Patients with sexually transmitted diseases, skin diseases, or skin ulcers.
4. Pregnant women or those on their menstrual cycle, and patients with leukemia should not undergo bloodletting.
5. Patients who are overly hungry or full, frightened, or excessively tense should not be punctured.
6. For patients with liver disease, bloodletting should be approached with caution (as with any other therapy). Avoid contact with the blood, especially not allowing it to touch any wounds, as this could lead to infection.
5. Treatment for “Needle Fainting”
1. Immediately warm the patient’s Dazhui (大椎) point with your palm.
2. Pinch the Ren Zhong (人中) and He Gu (合谷) points simultaneously.
3. Then press Neiguan (内关), Yongquan (涌泉), and Taichong (太冲). If possible, have the patient drink a cup of warm sugar water or glucose water immediately.
4. Immediately have the patient lie down (with the head lower than the feet).
6. Diagnosing Through Blood Analysis
1. Very light blood indicates inflammation or an early-stage illness. Blood mixed with water indicates rheumatic disease or liver disease, while dark blood indicates a long-standing illness with blood stasis obstructing the vessels.
2. If bloodletting reduces pain during the day but worsens at night, it indicates blood stasis, and another puncture is necessary until relief is achieved.
The above is for reference only; non-professionals should not perform procedures independently.Appendix: Bloodletting Therapy for 24 Difficult and Complicated Diseases
1. Cerebral Hemorrhage (Stroke):
Refers to bleeding caused by the rupture of blood vessels within the brain due to non-traumatic reasons, accounting for 20%-30% of all strokes, with an acute mortality rate of 30%-40%. The causes are mainly related to vascular diseases: hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, vascular aging, smoking, etc.
For any bleeding patient, they must be in a coma. Puncture the Yintang (印堂), Taiyang (太阳), Taichong (太冲), and all ten fingers to draw 1-5 drops of blood, which can help them wake up sooner and reduce the severity of hemiplegia. Attention to Huangdi Neijing. 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, which is extremely difficult to treat. Therefore, early awakening is a priceless secret technique. After the patient wakes up, puncture Dazhui, Quchi, Weizhong, and draw blood for a chance of recovery.
2. Neuralgia:
For pain along the Gallbladder meridian (outer thigh and calf pain), check for bulging blood vessels around the Yanglingquan (阳陵泉) and Fenglong (丰隆) points. If present, bloodletting often leads to recovery.
3. Long-standing Boils and Abscesses:
Boils: Red, swollen, hot, and painful, shallow and large, easy to resolve if not yet pus-filled, but easy to rupture and heal if pus-filled. Caused by heat toxins and qi-blood stagnation.
Abscesses: Diffuse swelling without a head, unchanged skin color, unclear boundaries, little heat and pain, difficult to resolve if not pus-filled, and hard to rupture if pus-filled. Caused by cold evil stagnating qi and blood.
Furuncles: Initially appear like millet, deep-rooted and small, needle-like in shape, white at the top and painful. Caused by evil toxins invading and qi-blood stagnation.
Carbuncles: Superficial and localized, small and round, red, swollen, and mildly painful, easy to rupture and heal, recurrent. Caused by damp-heat accumulation.
Boils, abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles are four types of surgical conditions occurring on the body surface. Bloodletting is performed at the Xin (心) point.
4. Initial Stage of Conjunctivitis, Stye Not Yet Pus-Filled:
Puncture the Taiyang (太阳) point to draw 7-9 drops of blood, and draw 3-5 drops from the tips of the middle toes. Bloodletting today can lead to recovery tomorrow.
5. Severe Rheumatism in the Legs:
It is a group of diseases that primarily affect joints, bones, muscles, blood vessels, and related soft tissues or connective tissues, most of which are autoimmune diseases. The onset is often insidious and slow, with a long course, and most have a genetic tendency. Diagnosis and treatment are challenging.
By puncturing 3 inches beside the third, fourth, and fifth thoracic vertebrae, significant effects can be seen, with many severe cases recovering after 1-2 sessions.
6. Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers:
These are very common diseases. Their local manifestation is a localized round or oval defect in the gastric or duodenal wall. Patients experience periodic upper abdominal pain, acid reflux, and belching. Attention to Huangdi Neijing. This disease is prone to recurrence and has a chronic course.
Puncture the blue veins from the Neiting (内庭) to the Jiexi (解溪) points, and puncture near the outer ankle. For gastric ulcers, look for blood vessels within 0.5 inches above and 2.5 inches below the Tiaokou (条口) point.
7. Chronic Nephritis:
Refers to a group of glomerular diseases characterized by proteinuria, hematuria, hypertension, and edema as basic clinical manifestations, with varying onset patterns, prolonged course, and slow progression, which can lead to varying degrees of renal function decline and ultimately develop into chronic renal failure.
(1) Bloodletting at the Naoyu (臑俞) point can resolve yellow fluid; once the yellow fluid is gone, the patient will recover.
(2) Around the kidneys.
(3) Bloodletting around the navel. (Do not puncture the center of the navel)
8. Hepatitis Bloodletting:
Usually refers to liver cell damage caused by various pathogenic factors such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, chemical toxins, drugs, alcohol, and autoimmune factors, leading to a series of discomfort symptoms and abnormal liver function indicators.
Puncture the Yangjiao (阳交), Zusanli (足三里), Quze (曲泽), Yanglingquan (阳陵泉), and Sanyinjiao (三阴交) points.
9. Cirrhosis with Ascites:
This is a common chronic progressive liver disease caused by one or more factors leading to diffuse liver damage over a long time or repeatedly. In China, most cases are post-hepatitis cirrhosis, with a small number being alcoholic cirrhosis and schistosomiasis cirrhosis. Late-stage complications often include upper gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, secondary infections, splenomegaly, ascites, and cancer.
Use the acupuncture points for hepatitis plus: Shenshu (肾俞), Yaoyang (腰俞) points, Tiaokou (条口) point (0.5 inches above and outside), and Ganshu (肝俞) point.
10. Effective Points for Hemorrhoids:
This is a common disease located at the anal area, which can occur at any age, but the incidence gradually increases with age.
(1) Chaojiao (龊交) point (located at the junction of the upper gum and upper lip) can be found at the white granule point, and 1-3 sessions can lead to recovery.
(2) For red, swollen, and ulcerated anal areas, puncture the Weizhong (委中) point, which will reduce pain.
11. Insomnia:
Refers to the inability to fall asleep or maintain sleep, leading to insufficient sleep. Attention to Huangdi Neijing. Also known as sleep onset and maintenance disorders, it is a common condition caused by various factors leading to difficulty falling asleep, shallow or infrequent sleep, early waking, and insufficient or poor-quality sleep.
Insomnia often brings great suffering and psychological burden to patients and can also harm other aspects of health due to the misuse of sleeping medications.
(1) Shenmen (神门), Xingjian (行间), Zusanli (足三里).
(2) Dazhui, Shendao (神道), Zhongwan (中脘), puncture and then perform cupping.
12. Cervical Spondylosis:
Pain points, Tianzong (天宗), Jianzheng (肩贞), and Chize (尺泽) points.
13. Chest Internal Injury:
Dazhui, Jianjing (肩井), and then the injured area.
14. Shoulder Periarthritis:
Shen Guan (肾关) point (1.5 inches below Yinlingquan (阴陵泉)), Chize (尺泽) point, effective after one session.
15. Acute and Chronic Throat Diseases:
Dazhui, Ear Apex, Ear Back Vein, Shaoshang (少商), Quchi (曲池), Taiyang (太阳), bloodletting reduces pain.
16. Impotence:
(1) Shenshu (肾俞), Fuliu (复溜) puncture for bloodletting, Guanyuan (关元), and Shenshu (肾俞) cupping for 15 minutes.
(2) Puncture Sanyinjiao (三阴交), Mingmen (命门), and perform cupping at Shenshu (肾俞), and Xuehai (血海).
17. Hypertension:
Taiyang (太阳), Dazhui (大椎), Ear Apex, Ear Back Vein, Quchi (曲池), bloodletting can lower blood pressure. Note: Do not drink water within one hour after bloodletting, as it may reduce effectiveness.
18. Asthma:
Dazhui, Feishu (肺俞), Fengmen (风门), Gaomang (膏盲), and Lieque (列缺) puncture for bloodletting. Zhongfu (中府), Dazhui cupping for 15 minutes.
19. Hyperlipidemia:
Dazhui, Taiyang, Yaoyang (腰俞), Weizhong (委中), Quchi (曲池).
20. Rheumatic Heart Disease:
Yangjiao (阳交), Chize (尺泽), Taiyang (太阳).
21. Eyelid Pterygium:
Shaoze (少泽), Zhiyin (至阴), Ear Apex, Dazhui, once every other day for a ten-day course.
22. Otitis Media:
Bloodletting at the outer ankle joint.
23. Epilepsy:
(1) Taiyang, Quchi, Weizhong, Yangjiao puncture for bloodletting.
(2) Shaoshang, Ren Zhong puncture for bloodletting. Ganshu, Dazhui cupping for 15 minutes.
(3) Find pain points at the lower part of the back of the neck and puncture Neiguan (内关) with a plum blossom needle for bloodletting.
24. Mental Illness:
Taiyang, Quchi, Weizhong, Taichong, Yangjiao, Fenglong, and Xinshu (心俞), bloodletting followed by cupping.
The Secret of Bloodletting:
For diseases that have not been cured for a long time and are ineffective with any method, bloodletting should be performed at the ankles, elbows, wrists, and knees to find those bulging blood vessels, which may yield unexpected results.
Bloodletting is generally not recommended at night; it is better to perform it around noon.
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